USA Passport Application: Are you requesting your U.S. travel document for the very first time? For American nationals, the process is quite simple, yet it demands accuracy and attention to detail. The initial step in your travel documentation process is to complete the DS-11 form. For a smooth USA Passport Application without unnecessary hold-ups, the form must be filled out correctly while following all specified instructions.

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Below is a complete guide to filling out the USA Passport Application and preparing the essential paperwork.

What is Form DS-11, and when is it required?

DS-11 is the official passport form for U.S. citizens used in the following circumstances:

• When submitting your initial USA Passport Application, regardless of age;
• When applying for a passport for a minor under 16 years old;
• When requesting Passport Renewal for a passport that expired and was obtained before turning 16;
• When renewing a document issued over 15 years ago;
• When you need to replace Lost Passport, Replace Stolen Passport, or one that is heavily damaged;
• When changing passport information due to a gender marker update or gender transition.

Note: If you have an expired passport issued after age 16 within the past 15 years, you may be eligible to renew it using Form DS-82, which can usually be done by mail without an in-person appointment.

Where can I get Form DS-11?

You can access Form DS-11 at no cost through official U.S. government platforms. It can be downloaded in PDF format and filled out electronically or manually. If printing for hand-completion, ensure it is single-sided, as two-sided documents are not accepted.

For those preferring physical copies, most U.S. post offices, public libraries, county clerks’ offices, or courthouses offer printed forms. Use the designated passport facility locator to find a nearby site. Each DS-11 packet includes detailed instructions on its final pages. It is important to thoroughly review these guidelines before entering your information.

Ensure all data, particularly names of parents, spouses, or the applicant, match official documents like birth certificates, marriage records, or former passports. Providing false or incorrect details, whether deliberate or accidental, may lead to legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment.

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You can complete the form in two ways:

• Electronically: Fill in your information on a computer, print the completed form, and proceed to apply. This option minimizes errors and ensures better legibility.
• Manually: Print a blank form and use black ink to write your details in capital letters. Unclear or messy handwriting may cause delays or require resubmission.

Important: Do not sign the document ahead of time. A certified acceptance officer must witness your signature during your in-person appointment.

Where to submit Form DS-11

Form DS-11 must be delivered in person at an authorized acceptance office. It should remain unsigned until your appointment, an official must witness your signature upon submission. Bring the filled (but unsigned) form along with the required documentation, such as proof of U.S. citizenship, valid photo identification, a copy of that ID, and a passport-compliant photograph.

Use the official facility locator tool or contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to find a nearby facility. These locations often include post offices, courthouses, public libraries, or government buildings. Check in advance if you need to schedule an appointment, as many places do not allow walk-ins.

What documents do I need to submit with my Form DS-11?

To apply USA Passport using Form DS-11, you need to submit several required documents:

Proof of identity (ID documents)

You must present a valid, government-issued photo ID that displays your full name and date of birth. Acceptable forms include:

• A current driver’s license issued by a U.S. state or territory
• Federal, state, or municipal government ID cards
• Permanent Resident (Green) Card
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• U.S. military identification
• Tribal IDs from federally recognized Native American tribes

If the applicant is a minor under age 16, both parents or legal guardians must provide their IDs. You must also submit a photocopy of both the front and back of the ID on standard 8.5” x 11” white paper. Copies must be clear, single-sided, and legible.

U.S. passport photo specifications

Every application must include two matching photographs that meet U.S. passport criteria:

• Photos must be recent—no older than six months;
• They must be 2 x 2 inches in size.
• Background must be solid white or off-white without shadows;
• The image must show a full face with a neutral expression or natural smile;
• Eyeglasses are not permitted, except for rare medical reasons with documentation.
• Headgear is only allowed for religious or medical reasons and must not hide facial features.

Incorrect photo submissions are one of the most common reasons for delays. It is advised to use professional or certified online photo services to ensure accuracy.

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Only U.S. citizens can apply for a passport

To confirm your citizenship, provide one of the following original documents or certified copies (photocopies and notarized versions are not accepted):

• A U.S. birth certificate with full name, birthplace, birthdate, and an official seal
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240)
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Certificate of Naturalization

Additional documents may be necessary based on your situation, such as:

• Parents' naturalization records
• Foreign birth documents with English translations
• Adoption papers
• Evidence of parental U.S. citizenship and physical presence (for those born abroad)

All original documents will be returned by mail after processing.

How to fill out Form DS-11 for a child under 16

For applicants under 16, the DS-11 must be completed and filed by the child’s parents or legal guardians. All form entries should reflect the child’s information. Attributes like height or hair color may be entered approximately, especially for very young children.

Documents needed for a child’s passport application

When submitting the DS-11 on behalf of a child, include:

• The child’s U.S. birth certificate or related citizenship evidence, listing parental names;
• Parents’ valid passports or other government-issued IDs;
• If only one parent is present, a notarized Form DS-3053 with ID copy from the absent parent is needed;
• Two passport-size photos of the child meeting all official criteria. Photo rules differ slightly for babies, especially in terms of posture and visible eyes.

Note: The child must be physically present at the acceptance facility during submission.

Form DS-11 cost and U.S. passport fees

While the DS-11 form is free, fees apply when applying for a passport:

Passport book fees

• Adults (16+): $130 application + $35 acceptance = $165
• Children (under 16): $100 application + $35 acceptance = $135

Passport card fees

• Adults: $30 application + $35 acceptance = $65
• Children: $15 application + $35 acceptance = $50

US Passport cards are only valid for travel by land or sea to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, not for air travel. If you are applying to replace Lost Passport or Replace Stolen Passport using DS-11, the fees remain the same as for first-time applicants. Faster processing is available for an added $60, with optional expedited shipping.

How long is a DS-11 Form valid?

The DS-11 is valid for just one application. You cannot reuse it for future renewals or multiple submissions. Every new passport request requires a freshly completed DS-11.

Can I renew my passport using a DS-11 Form?

No. To Renew My Passport, use Form DS-82, which is the correct document for renewing an existing, recently issued U.S. passport.

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