DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport

Please note:

• The Form Filler will select the correct form for you based on the information you input. It may generate a different form from what you expect.
• Do not sign the application until instructed to do so by the acceptance agent.
• You must provide a Social Security number, if you have been issued one, in accordance with 22 U.S.C. 2714a and 22 C.F.R 51.60(f).
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you must submit a statement, signed and dated, that includes the phrase, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct:  I have never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.”
  • For more information, please see Frequently Asked Questions.
• You can apply for a passport book, a passport card, or both documents using Form DS-11.
• You may request a larger passport book with 52 pages, at no additional cost, by checking the '52 page' box at the top of the DS-11.
• Listing Jerusalem as your Place of Birth: Effective October 29, 2020, U.S. citizens born in Jerusalem will be able to request either “Jerusalem” or “Israel” as their place of birth when applying for a U.S. passport. Please note you do not need to reapply for a new U.S. passport, because your document will remain valid after this change in our policy. If you choose to renew or reapply for a passport with the new place of birth designation, you must pay all applicable fees. U.S. citizens born in Jerusalem who do not specify their place of birth on passport applications as “Israel” will continue to be issued documents that indicate their place of birth as “Jerusalem.” 

You must submit one of the following. Your evidence must be an original or certified, physical copy. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

• Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
• U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements: 
  • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
  • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
  • Lists your parent(s)' full names
  • Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
  • Has the registrar's signature
  • Has the seal of the issuing authority
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization 
• Certificate of Citizenship

If you cannot submit one of the above acceptable documents, or for more information, please see Citizenship Evidence.

Please note you cannot submit digital evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a mobile or electronic birth certificate. You must submit physical evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the document. 

Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of the U.S. citizenship evidence you’re providing to us.

Photocopies must be:

• Legible
• On white 8.5”x11” standard paper
• Black and white
• Single sided

If you don't want to submit a photocopy of your citizenship evidence, you may submit a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, which we will keep. If you don’t submit a photocopy or a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, your passport processing could be delayed.

You must present one of the following identification documents (IDs) to the acceptance agent. The ID must readily identify you.

• Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card 
• In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo
• Certificate of Naturalization 
• Certificate of Citizenship 
• Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
• U.S. military or military dependent ID
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
• Other documents: In-state, fully valid learner's permit with photo, In-state, fully valid non-driver ID with photo, and temporary driver's license with photo. Note: you may be asked to present an additional ID when presenting one of these 3 documents. 

If you cannot present one of the IDs above, or for more information, please see Identification.

Please note:

• Some states now issue digital ID documents (also known as mobile driver's licenses or mobile IDs). We cannot accept these digital IDs when you apply for your U.S. passport. You must continue to submit your physical, photo ID and a photocopy of the ID.  
• If you present an out-of-state ID, you must present an additional ID.
• If you are changing the sex marker in your U.S. passport, please see these additional requirements.

Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of each ID that you present when you apply.

Photocopies must be:

• Legible
• On white 8.5”x11” standard paper
• Black and white
• Single sided

If any of the below categories apply to you, you may have additional requirements for your passport application. Please see the relevant page for more information.

• Children under 16
• Children 16-17
• Previous passport was lost or stolen
• Owe >$2500 in child support
• Requesting a sex marker change
• Official, diplomatic, or other special issuance passport (only accessible from a U.S. government device)

You must provide one photograph with your application. To avoid processing delays, be sure your photo meets all photo requirements.

Please note: Some passport acceptance facilities provide photo services for an additional fee.  

Adult Applicants (Age 16 and older):

Child Applicants (Age 15 and younger):

Please note: The application fee and the execution fee are paid separately.

For information on forms of payment and a full list of fees and services, please see Passport Fees.

Inside the United States:

• You must submit your completed application, including citizenship evidence, photocopy of ID, photo, and fees, in person at a passport acceptance facility.
• You may be eligible to apply in person at a passport agency if you are traveling soon. Please see Get My Passport Fast for more information. 

Outside the United States:

Please contact your U.S. Embassy and Consulate for how to submit your documents, since processes vary.

Some acceptance facilities require appointments and others do not. We recommend calling the acceptance facility ahead of time to verify their hours, acceptable forms of payment, and appointment requirements. Find your acceptance facility.

When applying using Form DS-11, you are not eligible to mail in your application. You can mail in your Form DS-82. Additionally, the Department of State does not currently have the option to submit your passport application online. 

For up-to-date information on when you will get your passport, please see Processing Times. If you need your passport quickly, please see Get My Passport Fast.

If you are behind in child support payments of $2,500 or more, you cannot get a U.S. passport. For more information, please see Child Support Payments and Getting a U.S. Passport.

Passport Book Only: You may receive your newly-issued passport and your citizenship documents in two separate mailings. Please contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) if you do not receive a second mailing within 10 business days of receiving the first. We can send your passport book via a 1-2 day delivery service.

Passport Card Only: You may receive your newly-issued passport card and your citizenship documents in two separate mailings. Please contact NPIC if you do not receive a second mailing within 10 business days of receiving the first. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail. We do not send cards via 1-2 day delivery services.

Passport Book and Card: You may receive three separate mailings; one with your citizenship documents, one with your newly-issued passport book, and one with your newly-issued passport card. Please contact NPIC if you do not receive the second or third mailing within 10 business days of the previous mailing.

If you choose not to submit a photocopy, you may submit a second certified copy of your birth certificate. We will keep this second certified copy for our records.