How To Get A Passport

Apply in person, at your local post office or courthouse several months prior to your planned departure date. The average time to get a passport is six to eight weeks, with the wait frequently much longer in the summer months.

There are a few things you will need to bring:

• Passport forms - these are available from passport agencies, post offices, clerks of court, travel agencies and from the State Department website.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship - your original birth certificate (or a certified copy), or a previous passport
• A set of identical, recent photographs (2x2 inches, must show full face, front view)
• Proof of Identity - a valid driver's liscense, military ID, government ID, previous U.S. passport, nuatrzlization certificate

Fees are as follows:

If you are over 17 years old, it is $97 for a 10 year passport.

If you are under 16 years old, it is $82 for a five year passport.

You will need a check or money order made payable to Passport Services (post offices and passport agencies accept cash in the exact amount of the fee).

If you are expediting your passport application (passport is needed within two weeks or less) it will cost an additional $60 to cover the fee. 

Expediting Passports
Have an Emergency? Leaving in less than a two weeks?

If you need to expedite your passport, you must provide the above documentation, in addition to the $60 fee.  You may request expedited service for any type of application (first-time applicants, renewals, amendments of existing passports, etc.).  More information on expediting your request can be found here.

Passport Renewals
Have a Passport? Need a new one?

You may apply for a passport by mail if: your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.

You will need to fill out a DS-82 form, available on the State Department's travel web site.

If your passport has been altered or damaged you cannot apply by mail.  You must apply in person.

Additional Assistance

You can also find further information on the State Department's Passport Services Homepage.