Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport
Apply for your first U.S. passport online in 2026. Fill out the official State Department DS-11 form — secure, accurate, and ready to submit at your local acceptance facility.
What is Form DS-11?
The official application for your first U.S. passport
Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) is the official State Department form used for first-time passport applications, minors under 16, and adults whose previous passport was lost, stolen, damaged, or issued more than 15 years ago. Unlike passport renewals (which use Form DS-82 and can be mailed), DS-11 applications must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility, passport agency, or U.S. embassy/consulate.
The DS-11 application covers both passport books (for international air travel) and passport cards (for land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda). You can apply for either or both at the same time. Processing times for 2026 range from 4-6 weeks for routine service to 2-3 weeks for expedited service, with an additional fee of $60 for expedited processing.
Who Needs to Use Form DS-11?
When you must apply in person
Use DS-11 If:
- This is your first U.S. passport
- You're under age 16
- Your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
- Your last passport was issued more than 15 years ago
- Your last passport was issued when you were under 16
- Your name changed and you can't document it legally
Use DS-82 Instead If:
- You're renewing an existing passport
- Your passport is undamaged and in your possession
- It was issued within the last 15 years
- You were 16 or older when it was issued
- It's in your current name (or you have legal proof of name change)
- You can mail the application (no in-person visit required)
Passport Fees & Options for 2026
What it costs and how long it takes
Adult Passport Book (16+)
- Application Fee: $130
- Execution Fee: $35
- Total: $165
- Valid for: 10 years
- Pages: 28 standard / 52 frequent traveler
Minor Passport Book (Under 16)
- Application Fee: $100
- Execution Fee: $35
- Total: $135
- Valid for: 5 years
- Requirement: Both parents must consent
Passport Card (All Ages)
- Application Fee: $30 (adult) / $15 (minor)
- Execution Fee: $35
- Total: $65 (adult) / $50 (minor)
- Valid for: Land/sea travel only
- Good for: Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Bermuda
Processing Options
- Routine: 4-6 weeks (6-8 weeks w/ mail)
- Expedited: 2-3 weeks + $60
- Urgent (agency): 24-72 hours
- Expedited Shipping: 1-2 days + $21.36
- Passport Photo: $10-20 at pharmacies
How to Complete Form DS-11
Step-by-step instructions for first-time passport applicants
Personal Information (Items 1-9)
- Item 1: Full legal name as shown on citizenship evidence (first, middle, last)
- Item 2: Have you ever applied for or been issued a U.S. passport? (Yes/No)
- Item 3-5: If yes to Item 2, provide passport details (number, issue date, status)
- Item 6: Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
- Item 7: Social Security Number (required for U.S. citizens)
- Item 8: Place of birth (city, state if U.S.; city, country if abroad)
- Item 9: Sex (Male, Female, or X for non-binary/unspecified)
Contact Information (Items 10-13)
- Item 10: Email address (optional but recommended for status updates)
- Item 11: Primary phone number (include area code)
- Item 12: Mailing address (where your passport will be sent)
- Item 13: Permanent address (if different from mailing address)
Physical Characteristics & Parents (Items 14-19)
- Item 14: Height (feet and inches)
- Item 15: Hair color
- Item 16: Eye color
- Item 17: Occupation (for identification purposes)
- Items 18-19: Parents' full names and dates/places of birth (helps verify citizenship for U.S.-born applicants)
Travel Plans & Emergency Contact (Items 20-24)
- Item 20: Planned travel date (optional but helps with urgent processing)
- Item 21: Countries you plan to visit
- Item 22-24: Emergency contact — name, address, and phone number of someone not traveling with you
Passport Selection & Signature (Items 25-27)
- Item 25: Choose passport book, card, or both
- Item 26: Passport book size (28 pages standard or 52 pages for frequent travelers)
- Item 27: DO NOT SIGN UNTIL AT THE ACCEPTANCE FACILITY — you must sign in front of the acceptance agent
Documents You Need for DS-11
What to bring to your passport appointment
1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Bring original or certified copy: U.S. birth certificate issued by city, county, or state (with raised seal), previous U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240), Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570), or Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561).
2. Photo ID (In Good Condition)
Must show current appearance: Valid driver's license, government employee ID, military ID, Certificate of Naturalization, or previous U.S. passport. Must be in good condition with a recognizable photo. Expired IDs up to 15 years old are acceptable.
3. Passport Photo (2x2 inches)
Taken within last 6 months: Color photo, 2x2 inches, plain white/off-white background, no glasses, both eyes open, neutral expression. Available at CVS, Walgreens, FedEx, UPS Store, AAA, and post offices ($10-20).
4. Payment (Check or Money Order)
Two separate payments: Application fee ($130 adult book / $30 card) payable by check or money order to "U.S. Department of State." Execution fee ($35) paid separately at the acceptance facility — some locations accept credit cards.
Passport Photo Requirements for 2026
Your photo must meet strict State Department specifications
Required
- Exactly 2x2 inches (51x51 mm)
- Color photo (no black and white)
- Taken within last 6 months
- Plain white or off-white background
- Full face, looking directly at camera
- Both eyes open and visible
- Neutral expression (no smiling)
- Head 1 to 1 3/8 inches from chin to crown
- High resolution (300 DPI minimum)
- Printed on photo-quality paper
Not Allowed
- Eyeglasses (unless medically necessary with doctor's note)
- Hats or head coverings (except religious/medical with statement)
- Hair covering eyes or eyebrows
- Uniforms or camouflage clothing
- Headphones or wireless devices
- Shadows on face or background
- AI filters or digital retouching
- Filters that alter skin tone or eye color
- Photos older than 6 months
Where to get passport photos: CVS, Walgreens, FedEx Office, UPS Store, AAA, Costco Photo Center, and many post offices offer passport photo services for $10-20. Bring a plain outfit and arrive without glasses or hats.
The DS-11 Application Process
From form completion to passport arrival
Fill Out Form DS-11 Online
Complete the form using our fillable PDF tool. You can save your progress and return later. Do not sign the form — you'll sign it in front of the acceptance agent.
Gather Required Documents
Collect your citizenship evidence (birth certificate, naturalization certificate), photo ID, one 2x2 passport photo, and payment (check/money order for application fee, cash/card for execution fee).
Find a Passport Acceptance Facility
Locate your nearest facility at iafdb.travel.state.gov. Most post offices, public libraries, and county clerk offices accept passport applications. Some require appointments — call ahead.
Submit In Person
Bring everything to the acceptance facility. The agent will review your documents, witness your signature, administer an oath, collect the execution fee ($35), and submit your application to the State Department.
Track & Receive
Track your application status at passportstatus.state.gov using your last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of SSN. Your citizenship documents will be returned separately from your passport.
Common DS-11 Mistakes to Avoid
Errors that delay passport processing
Signing the Form Before Your Appointment
You must sign Form DS-11 in front of an acceptance agent who will witness your signature. If you sign it at home, the agent will require you to fill out a new form.
Non-Compliant Passport Photo
Photos with shadows, wearing glasses, wrong size (not exactly 2x2 inches), or taken more than 6 months ago will be rejected. Get professional passport photos to avoid delays.
Wrong Type of Birth Certificate
Hospital souvenir birth certificates, baby footprint certificates, and abstract birth certificates (without parents' names) are not acceptable. You need a certified copy from the city, county, or state vital records office with a raised seal.
Missing Parental Consent (Minors)
For children under 16, both parents (or legal guardian) must appear in person with the child, or one parent must bring a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) from the non-appearing parent. Sole custody requires court documentation.
Incorrect Payment Method
The application fee must be paid by check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of State" (not cash). The execution fee ($35) is paid separately at the facility. Some locations accept credit/debit cards for the execution fee.
Applying Too Close to Travel Date
Routine processing takes 6-8 weeks including mailing time. If you're traveling in less than 8 weeks, pay for expedited service ($60 extra for 4-5 week turnaround). For travel within 2 weeks, schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to use Form DS-11?
Form DS-11 is required for first-time passport applicants, children under 16 (even if renewing), applicants whose previous passport was lost/stolen/damaged, and those whose last passport was issued more than 15 years ago or when they were under 16. DS-11 must be submitted in person — you cannot mail it.
How much does a passport cost with Form DS-11?
For adults (16+), a passport book costs $165 total ($130 application fee + $35 execution fee). A passport card is $65 ($30 + $35). Minors under 16 pay $135 for a book ($100 + $35) or $50 for a card ($15 + $35). Expedited processing adds $60. Optional expedited shipping adds $21.36.
How long does it take to get a passport in 2026?
Routine processing takes 4-6 weeks from when the State Department receives your application (6-8 weeks door-to-door including mailing time). Expedited processing takes 2-3 weeks and costs an extra $60 (4-5 weeks total). For urgent travel within a week, schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency for 24-72 hour processing.
Can I fill out Form DS-11 online and mail it?
No. Form DS-11 must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility (post office, library, county clerk), passport agency, or U.S. embassy/consulate. You can fill it out online using our tool and print it, but you must take it in person to have your signature witnessed. Do not sign it before your appointment.
What is the difference between DS-11 and DS-82?
DS-11 is for first-time passport applications and must be submitted in person ($165 adult book). DS-82 is for passport renewals and can be mailed ($130 book, no execution fee) — you don't need an appointment. Use DS-82 only if your current passport is undamaged, was issued within 15 years, and was issued when you were 16 or older.
Where can I submit Form DS-11?
DS-11 is accepted at over 9,000 passport acceptance facilities nationwide, including most post offices, many public libraries, and county clerk offices. Find your nearest location at iafdb.travel.state.gov. Some facilities require appointments — call ahead. You can also apply at regional passport agencies (appointment required) for faster processing.
Do I need a passport book or passport card?
A passport book is required for all international air travel. A passport card is valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda — it cannot be used for flights. Most travelers choose the book ($165). If you frequently cross land borders, you can get both for $225 ($165 book + $30 card + $35 execution fee).
What if both parents can't appear for a child's passport?
For children under 16, both parents (or legal guardians) must consent to the passport application. If only one parent can appear, the non-appearing parent must complete Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) and have it notarized. If one parent has sole custody, bring a court order, death certificate, or other legal proof. Divorced parents both have rights unless a court order says otherwise.
Ready to Apply for Your U.S. Passport?
Fill out Form DS-11 online — accurate, secure, and ready to print
Related Passport Forms & Resources
Other travel document forms
About Form DS-11 and U.S. Passport Applications
Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) is the official State Department form for first-time U.S. passport applicants. Approximately 22 million Americans apply for or renew passports each year, with first-time applicants using Form DS-11 at one of over 9,000 designated passport acceptance facilities across the United States.
Unlike passport renewals (which use Form DS-82 and can be mailed), DS-11 applications require an in-person appointment. This allows an authorized acceptance agent to verify your identity, witness your signature, review your citizenship evidence, and administer the required oath. The in-person requirement helps prevent passport fraud and ensures the integrity of the application process.
Processing times for 2026 have stabilized to pre-pandemic levels: routine service takes 4-6 weeks from receipt at a processing center (6-8 weeks including mailing time), while expedited service takes 2-3 weeks and costs an additional $60. For urgent travel within 72 hours to 2 weeks, regional passport agencies offer appointment-based service, though availability is limited and requires proof of imminent international travel.
Our free online Form DS-11 tool provides the current official State Department form with an intuitive fillable interface. Whether you're applying for your first passport, replacing a lost or stolen passport, or getting a passport for your child, our secure platform helps you complete DS-11 quickly and accurately. For detailed step-by-step instructions, see our complete DS-11 passport application guide.