If you are considering starting or updating your USA Passport Application now for international travel, it is important to review the latest guidance from the U.S. Department of State. Staying informed ensures you are prepared and can result in a smoother processing time.
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Minimum Requirements for Applying for a U.S. Passport
To apply USA Passport, you must complete Form DS-11 using black ink. Do not sign the application earlier submitting an official passport acceptance agent witnesses your signature at the time of the USA Passport application. The Social Security number must be written clearly on the form. To prove U.S. citizenship, you must present one of the following: a previous U.S. Passport, or an original or certified copy of your long-form Birth Certificate.
To establish your identity, bring a valid state-issued Driver’s License, a current U.S. Passport, or another government-issued photo ID. You will also need to submit recent passport photos. Do not attach the photos to the form. Extra documents may be needed in particular situations.
Other Required Documents
If you are renewing, bring your expired or expiring passport book and/or passport card. Each application must include a check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Acceptable payment forms include personal, certified, cashier’s, or traveler’s checks. Cash is not accepted for this fee. Make sure all forms are printed on one side only. Double-sided applications will not be accepted. Do not pre-sign the forms.
USA Passport Application: Passport for a Minor Under 16
To apply USA Passport for a child under the age of 16, both parents must appear in person with valid photo identification. The child must also be present. If one parent cannot attend, a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) must be completed for each child. A legible copy of the non-appearing parent’s photo ID (front and back on the same sheet) must also be submitted.
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Even if a passport was previously issued for the child, the original long-form Birth Certificate is required again as proof of U.S. citizenship.
Passport for a Minor Aged 16 or 17
To obtain or renew My Passport for an individual aged 16 or 17, the applicant must provide all the standard documents listed above. Additionally, one parent must accompany the applicant and present their valid photo ID.
Adult Passport Renewal
If you have an existing adult passport issued in your current legal name within the last 15 years and after your 16th birthday, you must submit a Passport Renewal using Form DS-82. Starting in 2025, you may be eligible to complete this renewal process online with regular processing times. To find out if you qualify for online filing, review the eligibility requirements. If you do not meet the requirements or need expedited service, you need to submit the DS-82 form by mail.
Replace Lost Passport or Replace Stolen Passport
In the event of a lost or stolen passport, you will need to replace Lost Passport or replace Stolen Passport by applying in person. You must complete and submit both Form DS-11 and Form DS-64. Together, these two forms confirm the invalidation of the lost or stolen passport and begin the new application process.
Processing Times for 2025
As of July 1, 2025, the estimated processing time for routine passport service is approximately 6 to 8 weeks, not including weekends or holidays. Expedited service is available and typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, excluding weekends and holidays. You may check the status of your USA Passport Application online, but please wait four weeks after applying. Before that time, the system may return a status of "Not Found."
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USA Passport Application: Fees Effective 2025
- For adult applicants aged 16 and older, the passport book fee is $130, and the passport card fee is $30. These documents are valid for 10 years.
- For children aged 15 and under, the passport book fee is $100, and the passport card fee is $15. These documents are valid for 5 years.
- An additional $60 per application is charged for expedited processing. Starting July 1, 2025, an optional 1-2 day delivery service for passport books is available for an additional $22.05. This service is not available for passport cards.
A $35 execution fee is charged by the passport acceptance facility for all in-person applications. This fee is federally mandated and applies uniformly at all authorized acceptance locations. The fee must be paid separately, either by check or cash, depending on the facility’s accepted payment methods.
Fees, documentation requirements, and processing times might be updated by the U.S. Department of State. If you are traveling in less than six weeks, expedited service could be more appropriate to ensure your passport arrives on time.
Appointments at Passport Agencies and Centers
Beginning in 2025, all Passport Agencies and Centers will offer appointments only and no longer accept walk-ins. Two types of appointments are available: Urgent Travel and Life-or-Death Emergencies. Urgent Travel Appointments are available for those who must travel to a foreign country within 14 calendar days or require a foreign visa within 28 calendar days. Appointments must be scheduled in advance and are subject to availability.
Life-or-Death Emergency Appointments are available for applicants who need to travel abroad within two weeks due to a critical illness, injury, or death in their immediate family, including a parent, child, spouse, sibling, aunt, or uncle.
To qualify for emergency service, you must present the following:
- A completed USA Passport Application along with all required supporting documents.
- Evidence of the emergency, such as a death certificate, a statement from a funeral home, or a signed letter from a medical professional. All documents must be written in English or accompanied by an English translation.
- Proof of international travel plans directly related to the emergency, such as an airline ticket, itinerary, or booking confirmation.
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