How to Apply for a U.S. Passport
Applying for a U.S. passport starts with choosing the correct application form, gathering proof of citizenship and identity, and paying the current U.S. Department of State fees. Most first-time applicants and all children under 16 apply in person on Form DS-11; eligible adults can renew by mail or online on Form DS-82. Fees depend on whether you want a book, a card, or both, and whether you apply in person or by mail. Processing times shift throughout the year, so the safest figure is always the one published on the State Department’s website at the time you apply.
A passport book lets a U.S. citizen travel internationally by any means, including air, and re-enter the United States. A passport card is a cheaper, wallet-sized alternative, but it only covers land and sea entry from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, not air travel. Getting one is a process handled by the State Department, rather than by USCIS, and the requirements differ depending on age, prior passport history, and how quickly the passport is needed.
The sections below cover which form applies, what to bring, what it costs, and how long it takes.
Which Passport Application Form to Use
The right form depends on the applicant’s situation.
- Form DS-11: First-time applicants, all children under 16, and anyone who does not qualify to renew by mail. DS-11 must be submitted in person at an acceptance facility.
- Form DS-82: Renewals by mail or online for adults who meet the eligibility requirements (a prior book that is undamaged, was issued within the last 15 years, was issued after age 16, and is in the applicant’s current name or accompanied by proof of a name change).
- Form DS-5504: Corrections or name changes; must be filed within a year of when a passport is issued.
A few additional forms cover specific circumstances:
- Form DS-64: Reporting a lost or stolen passport (a replacement is then applied for on DS-11).
- Form DS-3053: A statement of consent when one parent cannot appear for a child’s application.
- Form DS-5525: A statement of special family circumstances when one parent’s consent cannot be obtained for a child.
Passport Fees
First-time applicants pay two separate fees: an application fee to the Department of State and a $35 execution (acceptance) fee to the facility where they apply. Adult renewals by mail or online skip the execution fee. The figures below are current as of 2026 and should be reconfirmed against the State Department schedule before applying.
Adults (16 and older), first-time, Form DS-11
- Passport Book: $130 application + $35 execution = $165
- Passport Card: $30 application + $35 execution = $65
- Book and Card: $160 application + $35 execution = $195
Adult renewals, Form DS-82 (by mail or online)
- Passport Book: $130
- Passport Card: $30
- Book and Card: $160
Children (15 and younger), Form DS-11
- Passport Book: $100 application + $35 execution = $135
- Passport Card: $15 application + $35 execution = $50
- Book and Card: $115 application + $35 execution = $150
Optional Add-Ons
Expedited service adds a fee of $60 per application, and 1–3 day return delivery for a passport book adds about $22. A file search, where prior records must be located, is a separate $150 fee.
Processing Time and Expediting
Routine processing currently takes about four to six weeks, and total time can be longer once mailing is included. Expedited service, for an additional fee, generally brings processing down to about two to three weeks. These windows change with demand throughout the year, so people with fixed travel dates should check the current estimate on the State Department’s site and apply well ahead of any trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a passport book and a passport card?
A passport book is valid for all international travel, including air travel. A passport card is less expensive but valid only for land and sea entry from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean; it cannot be used for international air travel.
Can I renew a passport by mail?
Adults can renew by mail or online on Form DS-82 if their most recent book is undamaged, was issued within the last 15 years, was issued after they turned 16, and is in their current name (or they can document a name change). Anyone who does not meet those conditions, and every child under 16, must apply in person on Form DS-11.
Are passport fees refundable if the application is denied?
No. The application fee is a processing fee, and the Department of State keeps it whether the passport is issued or denied. Making sure the application, photo, and documents meet the requirements before submitting is the best way to avoid paying multiple times.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for a passport?
Most passport applications are straightforward and do not require an attorney. Legal help can matter when a passport issue overlaps with a citizenship question, such as proving U.S. citizenship, a passport denied over a citizenship dispute, or documentation problems tied to naturalization.
When a Passport Question Involves Your Citizenship
Most passport applications are handled directly through the State Department. Some, though, depend on whether a person can document U.S. citizenship, which is where an immigration and nationality firm can help. Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. is a Chicago firm with decades of combined experience in citizenship and naturalization matters, working with clients nationwide.
If a passport question is tied to proving or establishing U.S. citizenship, you deserve clear guidance on your options. Call 312.444.1940 or fill out our online contact form to speak with an experienced immigration attorney.
