Use this checklist before you go to the passport office. Arrive with everything — avoid the most common causes of rejection and delay.
Create Your Passport PhotoFirst-time (DS-11, in person) or renewal (DS-82, by mail or online). Minor applicants have different rules.
DS-11 (first-time) or DS-82 (renewal). Available at travel.state.gov. Do NOT sign DS-11 in advance.
2×2 inch, white background, taken within last 6 months, no glasses. Create at PassportSnap — takes 2 minutes.
Birth certificate (raised seal), naturalization certificate, or prior US passport.
Photocopy citizenship document AND photo ID (both sides). Black-and-white copies are fine.
Check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State" for application fee. Many facilities accept credit cards for execution fee.
Use iafdb.travel.state.gov to find the nearest location. Check hours and whether appointments are needed.
Your passport photo is the easiest item to get wrong — and the most common reason for rejection. Get it right with PassportSnap.
Create Your Passport Photo — FreeNot close — exactly. Standard photo paper and proper cropping required.
No patterns, no shadows, no colored walls.
Must fill 50–69% of the 2×2 frame. Check with a ruler or use PassportSnap.
Must reflect your current appearance.
Not permitted since 2016.
Both eyes open and clearly visible.
High quality, no ink marks, not glossy enough to cause glare.