Visiting a foreign country fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of cultures that are different than our own – admirable principles in today’s global society and one of the true values of travel. To travel internationally requires a passport but only approximately one-third of Americans own a passport. My work surrounds me with people who travel internationally, as do I, so I assumed a much higher percentage. The Department of State says that over 109 million valid passports are issued to the 311 million U.S. residents and quick math confirms that’s roughly one-third of the U.S. Those 200 million Americans who don’t have a passport can’t visit a foreign country to see its unique landscapes, explore its historical sites or interact with its people and culture. If you are one of the 200 million and don’t know how to apply for a passport, this post will walk you through the seven simple steps.

How to Apply for a Passport

1. Complete Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport. Use this form if you have never had a passport before, your last passport was lost or stolen, or if it was issued more than 15 years ago. Children under age 16 also use Form DS-11. You can complete it online or by hand. Travel Maestro tip: Complete everything except the signature. You must sign the form in the presence of a passport official. If you are renewing your passport, you may be apple to renew by mail by using Form DS-82: Passport by Mail. Travel Maestro tip: Use a traceable mailing like USPS Priority Mail that can deliver to a P.O. Box. Do sign and date a renew by mail application.
2. Submit Form DS-11 in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility. These are usually post offices, clerks of court or libraries, but they vary in each community and do change periodically, so check the list. Travel Maestro tip: Parents can’t apply for their children. Minors are required to appear in person.
3. Submit Evidence of U.S. Citizenship. A state or Consular-issued birth certificate, naturalization certificate or an expired passport are acceptable. Your original documents will be submitted with the passport application and returned to you with the new passport. Travel Maestro tip: A hospital-issued birth certificate is not acceptable. It must have the registrar’s raised or embossed seal and as of April 1, 2011, must include the full names of the applicant’s parents.
4. Present Identification at the time of application. A valid driver’s license, current military or government ID, naturalization certificate or previous passport are acceptable. Travel Maestro tip: If you present out-of-state ID, i.e., apply in Maryland with a Virginia driver’s license, you must show additional ID.
5. Submit a photocopy of identification documents in step 4. Travel Maestro tip: Photocopies must be on white 8 ½”x11” paper – not larger or smaller. ID images can be enlarged, but not reduced.
6. Pay the application fee. Passport fees are currently $110 for adults and $80 for minors under 16. If you are applying in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility there is an additional $25 execution fee per application paid separately. If you are renewing by mail, the execution fee does not apply. Expedited service costs an additional $60 per passport. Fee for other special services such as file search, name changes or additional pages vary. Travel Maestro tip: We strongly recommend paying an additional $12.85 per application for overnight return delivery service of the new passport. Prepaid return mailing envelopes are not accepted.
7. Provide one passport photo. The photo requirements are very specific. It must be a full-face view color photo with a white background. The photo size must be 2”x2” with the head measuring 1”-1 ¾” from top of head to bottom of chin. No hats, headphones, sunglass or uniforms are allowed. If you normally wear glasses, they should be in the photo, but can’t reflect a glare. Travel Maestro tip: Avoid wearing white, especially infants, for a better image on the white background.

Processing time depends on the number of applicants at any given time. At press time it is taking 4-6 weeks for routine processing and 2-3 weeks for expedited service. If you need a passport faster, Covington Travel partners with an excellent document processing service that can expedite passport applications in as little as 24 hours. Fees for third party expeditions vary widely, depending on services required.

For more information on how to apply for a passport or expedition services, please contact Covington Travel.