How we conduct a passport application:
First-time adult passport (Form DS-11) rules & requirements
-Must apply in person
-Proof of identity with original ID plus front and back photocopy.
-Proof of U.S. citizenship – birth certificate, previous/current passport, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad.
-A color passport photo taken within the last six months. Approved locations to have these taken can be found here and there is usually a minimal fee.
-If someone can’t provide documentary proof of identity, they may need to appear with an identifying witness – a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or permanent resident alien who has known them for at least two years.
-Application submitted at an acceptance facility (post office, county clerk, library, etc.). Check for approved locations at the State Departments website:
https://passportfacilitylocator.travel.state.gov
Passport Fees (current 2026 schedule):
-First-time adult passport book: $130 application fee + $35 execution/acceptance fee (these are 2 different payees)
First-time adult passport card only
-$30 application fee + $35 execution fee ($65 total)
-Book & card together: $160 application fee + $35 execution fee
Minor under 16:
-$100 application fee + $35 execution fee for a book ($135 total), or $50 total for a card only.
Optional expedite: adds $60 and cuts wait time to 2–3 weeks instead of 6–8 weeks.
Optional 1–3 day return delivery: adds about $22.
As of 2026, the sex marker on the application must match what’s listed on the citizenship document — “X” is no longer available for new applications.
-Minors need both parents/guardians present, or proper documentation from absent parent when applicable. If this applies to you please visit the state department website to see requirements.
-Full official fee chart and identity/citizenship document lists are at travel.state.gov if you want to link directly in the campaign copy.
Only 3 things need updating:
- Processing time: Change “2–3 weeks instead of 6–8 weeks” to “2–3 weeks instead of 4–6 weeks.”
- 1–3 day return delivery: Change “about $22” to “$23.36.” This is only available for passport books, not passport cards.
- Sex-marker sentence: Change “must match what’s listed on the citizenship document” to “The State Department currently issues passports with only an M or F marker matching the applicant’s biological sex at birth; X markers are not currently issued.”
Everything else, including your adult and minor fees, $60 expedite fee, in-person DS-11 requirement, and $35 acceptance fee, is current.