If you want to travel outside the United States or want an unassailable personal identity document, you’ll want to get an official US travel document. The procedure how to get a new passport is simple but must be followed precisely. The details below are for an adult applying for a new one, not getting one renewed.
Process
The definition for a “new” passport is actually a fairly broad category. Obviously, if you’ve never had one and this is your first application, this procedure applies to you. However, you are also considered to be getting a new passport if yours has been stolen, damaged or lost. “New” also applies to you if your old one was issued more than 15 years ago or if you’ve changed your name since your current passport was issued, but you can’t legally document your name change.
Documents
The federal form you need to submit is the DS-11. You can download a copy off the Internet. The instructions on how to fill this form out are on the form itself. It’s recommended that you fill it out as completely as possible. It should go without saying that you should also fill it out truthfully. There’s a different form for renewing United States passport.
Forms Of ID
You’ll also be required to prove you’re you. While the passport is a good form of ID, you can’t use this process to establish your identity. There are various acceptable ways to prove your identity as part of your application but the easiest way is to include a copy of a piece of primary proof of identity. Documents that fall within this category are naturalization certificates, driver’s licenses, current military identifications or any current ID issued by the government.
Certificates Of Citizenship
You will also have to include proof that you’re a US citizen. Anyone with a naturalization certificate can use that as proof of both citizenship and identity. If you were born an American citizen, then you’ll have to provide either a long form, certified birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or consular report of birth abroad.
Photos
The last two pieces you’ll need are a color photo, sized exactly at two by two inches. The photo can’t be more than six months old and your face must be fully visible. You’ll also need to include a check for the passport fees. The exact fee you’ll have to pay can vary based on your application, so you should check the online schedule of relevant fees.
Agency
After you have all this documentation together, you’ll be ready to submit your application. To do that, you’ll have to visit one of the thousands of authorized US passport offices somewhere in the country. There is a full directly of these offices online, so you can find the one most convenient to you. You’ll generally find them located in public buildings frequented by the public, like a courthouse, post office or library. Call before just showing up as some offices require a scheduled appointment before they’ll meet with you.