1. Provide Application for Passport, Form DS-11
NOTE: Please DO NOT sign the DS-11 application form until the Passport Acceptance Agent instructs you to do so.

2. Present Proof of U.S. Citizenship
All documentation submitted as evidence of U.S. Citizenship will be returned with the issued passport. 

You may prove U.S. Citizenship with any one of the following:

• Previous U.S. Passport (mutilated, altered, or damaged passports are not acceptable as evidence of U.S. citizenship.)
• Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state
  NOTE: A certified birth certificate has a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal, registrar’s signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office, which must be within 1 year of your birth.
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Naturalization Certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship

NOTE: The following are NOT proof of citizenship

• Voter registration cards
• Army discharge papers

3. Present Proof of Identity

You may prove your identity with any one of these, if you are recognizable:

• Previous U.S. passport (mutilated, altered, or damaged passports are not acceptable as proof of identity.)
• Naturalization Certificate
• Current, valid
• Driver's license
• Government ID: city, state or federal
• Military ID: military and dependents

NOTE:  Your Social Security Card does NOT prove your identity.

4. Provide Two Passport Photos

Your photographs must be:

• 2x2 inches in size
• Identical
• Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
• Color
• Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background
• Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• Taken in normal street attire
• Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily.
• Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline.
• If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.
• Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required.

5. Pay the Applicable Fee

Age 16 and older: The passport application fee is $55. The security surcharge is $12. The execution fee is $30. The total is $97.

Under Age 16: The passport application fee is $40. The security surcharge is $12. The execution fee is $30. The total is $82

6. Provide a Social Security Number

If you do not provide your Social Security Number, the Internal Revenue Service may impose a $500 penalty. If you have any questions please call your nearest IRS office.