Planning an international trip and need a U.S. passport? If you are applying for your first passport, the process is relatively straightforward, but you need to use the correct form, provide the required documents, pay the right fees, and submit your application through an authorized location.
For a first-time adult passport, you generally need to apply in person using Form DS-11. Eligible passport renewals have different options, including online renewal and renewal by mail.
Here is everything you need to know about how to get and apply for a U.S. passport in 2026.
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How to Apply for a U.S. Passport
The application process depends on whether you are getting a passport for the first time or renewing an existing passport.
If you are an adult applying for your first U.S. passport, or you do not qualify for a renewal, you generally need to complete Form DS-11 and apply in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. These facilities can include post offices, libraries, and local government offices.
The basic process is:
Complete Form DS-11.
Gather your citizenship and identification documents.
Get an acceptable passport photo.
Find an authorized passport acceptance facility.
Submit your application in person.
Pay the required fees.
Track your application after submission.
Do not sign Form DS-11 until the passport acceptance agent tells you to do so.
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Who Can Apply for a U.S. Passport?
A U.S. passport is issued to eligible U.S. citizens and serves as proof of U.S. citizenship and identity for international travel.
Adults applying for their first passport generally use the DS-11 process. Children have separate requirements, and applicants who already have a passport may qualify for renewal instead of submitting a first-time application.
If you already have a passport, check whether you qualify for renewal before starting a new application. Eligible U.S. citizens can currently renew a passport online for routine service, while other renewal situations may require Form DS-82 by mail or an in-person DS-11 application.
Documents Needed to Apply for a U.S. Passport
For a first-time adult application, you will generally need documentation proving your U.S. citizenship, identification, and a passport photo.
Common citizenship evidence can include an acceptable U.S. birth certificate, a previous U.S. passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or another document accepted by the Department of State.
You will also need an acceptable photo ID. Bring the required original documents and photocopies according to the Department of State’s instructions.
The exact documents can vary depending on your circumstances. If you have a special situation, such as a name change, citizenship documentation issue, or previous passport problem, check the official passport guidance before submitting your application.
Passport Photo Requirements
A passport application requires a passport photo that meets U.S. Department of State requirements.
Your photo should meet the required size, background, lighting, facial expression, and other specifications. The Department of State recommends using a professional passport photo service or following its official photo requirements carefully if you take the photo yourself.
A photo that does not meet the requirements can delay your application.
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How Much Does a U.S. Passport Cost in 2026?
The cost depends on the type of passport and whether you are applying for the first time, renewing, or requesting expedited processing.
For a first-time adult passport book, the current fee is:
Passport application fee: $130
Acceptance facility fee: $35
Total: $165
For an adult passport card, the application fee is $30 plus the $35 acceptance fee. If you want both an adult passport book and card, the application fee is $160 plus the $35 acceptance fee.
The passport book is the document you generally need for international air travel. A passport card is more limited and is not valid for international air travel.
If you request expedited processing, there is an additional $60 fee.
Fees can change, so check the official Department of State fee schedule before paying.
How Long Does It Take to Get a U.S. Passport?
Current Department of State processing times are:
Routine processing: 4–6 weeks
Expedited processing: 2–3 weeks
The $60 expedited fee is added to the applicable passport fees.
However, these processing times do not include mailing time.
The Department of State says an application can take up to two weeks to reach a passport agency or center, and it may take another two weeks to receive the completed passport after it is mailed.
For that reason, you should not calculate your travel deadline using only the 4–6 week or 2–3 week processing period.
Can You Get a Passport Faster?
Yes, expedited processing is available for eligible applications for an additional $60.
If you have international travel coming up within 14 calendar days, you may be able to make an appointment at a passport agency or center for urgent travel. You will need an appointment and proof of international travel.
Passport agencies and centers are intended for urgent situations and are not the normal submission location for every applicant.
If your trip is approaching, do not wait until the last minute to apply.
Where Can You Apply for a Passport?
For a first-time adult passport, you can apply at an authorized passport acceptance facility.
These can include locations such as:
Post offices
Libraries
Local government offices
Passport acceptance events
Some facilities require appointments, while others may have different submission procedures. You should check the facility’s requirements before visiting.
If you need a passport urgently because of international travel within 14 days, the Department of State directs applicants to a passport agency or center and requires an appointment.
Can You Apply for a U.S. Passport Online?
This depends on your situation.
If you are applying for your first adult passport, you generally cannot complete the entire process online. You need to submit Form DS-11 in person at an authorized acceptance facility.
However, some eligible U.S. citizens can renew their passport online for routine service. Online renewal has its own eligibility requirements and cannot currently be expedited.
So if you search for “passport apply online,” make sure you are looking at the correct process for your situation.
How to Track Your Passport Application
After submitting your application, you can check its status through the Department of State’s online passport status system.
The Department of State also sends email updates to the email address provided with your application.
If your application has been submitted recently, remember that it can take time for the application to reach the passport agency or center before processing officially begins.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once your application is received, the Department of State reviews your application and supporting documents.
If additional information is needed, you may receive a letter or email requesting it. Respond as quickly as possible because missing information can increase the processing time.
Once the passport is approved and printed, it is mailed to you.
Your citizenship documents and other original documents are also returned according to the Department of State’s process.
Passport Book vs. Passport Card
A passport book and passport card are not the same thing.
A passport book is the standard document used for international travel, including international air travel.
A passport card is smaller and can be used for certain land and sea crossings from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is not valid for international air travel.
If you are planning to fly internationally, the passport book is generally the document you need.
How to Get a Child’s Passport
Children under 18 have different passport application requirements.
For children under 16, the application process includes parental or guardian requirements, and the child generally must apply in person. Applicants aged 16–17 also have specific rules that differ from standard adult applications.
Because the requirements can depend on the child’s age and family circumstances, parents should check the Department of State’s current instructions before submitting the application.
Common Passport Application Mistakes to Avoid
One of the easiest ways to create a delay is submitting incorrect information.
Before submitting your application, carefully check your name, date of birth, citizenship information, mailing address, and other details.
Also make sure that your passport photo meets the current requirements and that you are paying the correct fee.
If you are applying with Form DS-11, remember that there are two separate fees: the passport application fee paid to the U.S. Department of State and the acceptance facility fee paid to the facility where you submit the application.
Finally, don’t wait until just before your trip unless you have to. Processing times do not include mailing time.
Final Takeaway
Getting a U.S. passport starts with identifying which application process applies to you. First-time adult applicants generally use Form DS-11 and apply in person, while eligible renewals can use online or mail options.
For a first-time adult passport book in 2026, the current government fees are $130 application fee + $35 acceptance fee, with an additional $60 if expedited service is requested. Routine processing is currently 4–6 weeks, while expedited processing is 2–3 weeks, excluding mailing time.
Because fees, processing times, and application requirements can change, always verify the latest information on the official U.S. Department of State website before submitting your application or booking international travel.
