Getting Your United States Passport

In this day in age, everyone, young and old should have a valid passport.  Being prepared on a moment's notice to travel is not only convenient, but it is also prudent.  If you do not as yet possess a passport for either yourself or your children, here is a quick and easy 4-step process for you to secure this government issued document by mail.  You can also find out more information at The Department of State website.

Please note, there are more requirements for a child's passport and it requires that both parents be present when submitting the application. 

Note: An adult passport is valid for 10 years and a child's passport is valid for 5 years.

Adult Passport

Step 1:
Pick up an Adult Passport Application from your local post office or download from www.state.gov and fill out all the pertinent information. 

Step 2:
Have a passport photo taken.  
Any local pharmacy such as CVS or Walgreens can take them in no time, according to the required size. The cost is about $5 (Remember, you will need 2 copies)

Step 3:
Write out 2 checks in the amount of $110 plus $25 Execution fee, payable to the Dept. of State and attach it with your application, your photos 

Step 4: 
Bring your application for DS11 for First time passports OR DS82 for Renewals, check, and photos to:
Local Post Office (some post offices require an appointment)


If you are renewing your passport, include your expired passport. Both your expired and new passport will be returned to you.

You should receive your new passport within 4-6 weeks.  In my experience, it has been less, but allow for the full 4-6 weeks.

Child's Passport (16 years and under)

Step 1:
Pick up a Child's Passport Application from your local post office or download from www.state.gov and fill out all the pertinent information.

Step 2:
Have a Passport Photo taken.
Any local pharmacy such as CVS or Walgreens can take them in no time, according to the required size. The cost is about $5 
(Remember, you will need 2 copies)

Step 3:
Write out 2 checks in the amount of $80 plus $25 Execution fee, payable to the Dept. of State and attach it with the application for your child, your photos along with evidence of child's U.S. citizenship, evidence of child's relationship to parents/guardian(s) AND Parental/guardian government-issued identification. 

NOTE: Both parents must be present.  If only one parent appears, you must also submit one of the following:
 
- Second parent's notarized written statement or DS-3053 (including the child's full name and date of birth) consenting to the passport issuance for the child. The notarized statement cannot be more than three months old and must be signed and notarized on the same day, and must come with a photocopy of the front and back side of the second parent's government-issued photo identification; OR

- Second parent’s death certificate if second parent is deceased; OR
- Primary evidence of sole authority to apply; OR
- A written statement or DS-5525 (made under penalty of perjury) explaining in detail the second parent's unavailability. 

Step 4:
Bring your application, DS11 checks, and photos and all other required materials to your local post office.
 
If you are renewing your passport, include your expired passport. Both your expired and new passport will be returned to you.

Once you mail it in, you should receive your new passport within 4-6 weeks.  In my experience, it has been less, but allow for the full 4-6 weeks.