How do I get a US citizen passport?

U.S. citizens apply for a passport by completing Form DS-11, gathering proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization document) and valid photo ID, and visiting an authorized acceptance facility in person [4]. The facility agent reviews documents, witnesses the signature, and collects the $165 total fee for adult applicants [1]. Routine processing takes 4–6 weeks from when the State Department receives the application [2].

How much does a U.S. passport cost?

A first-time adult passport book costs $165 total: $130 application fee plus $35 execution fee [1]. Minor passports (under 16) cost $135 total: $100 application fee plus $35 execution fee [1]. Expedited processing adds $60 and reduces wait time to 2–3 weeks [1], while optional 1–2 day delivery to U.S. addresses costs $22.05 [5].

How long does it take to get a U.S. passport?

Routine passport processing takes 4–6 weeks from when the State Department receives the application, not including mailing time [2][3]. Expedited processing costs an additional $60 and reduces the timeline to 2–3 weeks [1][3]. In fiscal year 2024, the State Department issued approximately 24.5 million passport books and cards, breaking annual processing records [7].

What documents do I need to apply for a U.S. passport?

Applicants must provide one citizenship document: a U.S. birth certificate, undamaged full-validity U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship [4]. A valid photo ID (such as a driver's license) is required, along with photocopies of both the citizenship document and the front and back of the ID [4]. Digital or mobile birth certificates are not accepted [4].

Can you legally buy a genuine U.S. passport online?

No, genuine U.S. passports cannot be purchased online or through third-party vendors. All passport applications must be submitted in person at an authorized acceptance facility, where an agent verifies identity and citizenship documents [4]. Any website claiming to sell authentic U.S. passports is fraudulent, and attempting to obtain a passport through such channels violates federal law.

What are the penalties for passport fraud?

Making false statements in a passport application can result in imprisonment of up to 25 years for terrorism-related offenses, 20 years for drug trafficking, or 10–15 years for other offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 1542 [6]. Forging or counterfeiting a passport carries similar penalties: up to 25 years for terrorism, 20 years for drug trafficking, or 10–15 years for other crimes under 18 U.S.C. § 1543 [6].

How can I check the status of my passport application?

Applicants can check passport application status online using the State Department's tracking tool, which requires the last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of the Social Security number entered on the application. Status updates typically appear within 7–10 business days after the application is received by the State Department. For urgent inquiries, contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

Buy US Passport

This guide is for individuals seeking to obtain a US passport, providing clear steps and important details for a smooth application process.

Date: 2026-10-10 · Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · By: Madeline Foster

Sections

What You Receive
How to Obtain a U.S. Passport
Risks, Limitations, and Guarantees
Before you go
Cited sources

A U.S. passport book for first-time adult applicants costs $165 total—$130 application fee plus $35 execution fee—and takes 4–6 weeks for routine processing[1][2]. Expedited service adds $60 and shortens the timeline to 2–3 weeks[1][3]. Applicants must prove U.S. citizenship with a physical birth certificate or naturalization document, apply in person at an authorized facility, and present valid photo ID[4]. Start by gathering citizenship proof and scheduling an appointment at a nearby acceptance location.

What You Receive

Official U.S. Passport Book

A government-issued travel document valid for international travel to all countries. Adult passports are valid for 10 years, while passports for applicants under 16 are valid for 5 years.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship

Your passport serves as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship and identity, accepted worldwide by immigration authorities and border control agencies.

Standard Processing Timeline

Routine processing takes 4–6 weeks from when the State Department receives your application, not including mailing time [2]. Expedited service reduces this to 2–3 weeks for an additional $60 fee [1][3].

Secure Delivery Options

Your completed passport is mailed to your U.S. address via standard USPS delivery. Optional 1–2 day expedited delivery costs $22.05 and is available only for passport books sent to U.S. addresses [5].

How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

Gather Required Documents: Collect proof of U.S. citizenship: a U.S. birth certificate, an undamaged full-validity U.S. passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship[4]. Digital or mobile birth certificates are not accepted; only physical documents qualify[4]. Prepare a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, and make photocopies of both the citizenship document and the front and back of the ID[4].
Complete Application Form DS-11: Fill out Form DS-11 for first-time adult applicants. Do not sign the form until instructed by an authorized acceptance agent. This form collects personal information, citizenship details, and contact information required by the State Department.
Obtain a Passport Photo: Get a recent color passport photo that meets State Department specifications: 2×2 inches, plain white or off-white background, taken within the last six months. Many pharmacies, post offices, and photo studios offer this service.
Visit an Authorized Acceptance Facility: Apply in person at a passport acceptance facility such as a post office, library, or county clerk's office[4]. Bring the completed DS-11 form, original documents, photocopies, passport photo, and payment. The acceptance agent will review your documents, witness your signature, and collect a $35 execution fee[1].
Pay Application Fees: For a first-time adult passport book, pay $130 in application fees plus the $35 execution fee, totaling $165[1]. Minors under 16 pay $100 plus $35, totaling $135[1]. Add $60 for expedited processing if needed[1]. Payment methods vary by facility; many accept checks or money orders payable to the U.S. Department of State.
Wait for Processing: Routine processing takes 4–6 weeks from when the State Department receives the application, not including mailing time[2][3]. Expedited service reduces this to 2–3 weeks[3]. Optional 1–2 day delivery to U.S. addresses costs $22.05 and applies only to passport books[5]. Track application status online using the State Department's tracking tool.
Receive and Verify Your Passport: The passport book arrives by mail in a separate envelope from citizenship documents, which are returned separately. Check that all personal information—name, date of birth, photo—is correct. Report errors immediately to the issuing agency. Store the passport in a safe place and note the expiration date.

Risks, Limitations, and Guarantees

Obtaining a U.S. passport involves certain risks and limitations. First, applicants must provide valid proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization document. Digital evidence is not accepted, which may lead to delays if documents are not prepared correctly[4]. Additionally, making false statements on the application can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 25 years in cases related to terrorism[6].

Processing times can also vary. Routine processing typically takes 4–6 weeks, while expedited processing reduces this to 2–3 weeks for an additional fee of $60[1][3]. However, these timelines do not include mailing times, which can add further delays. It is crucial to apply well in advance of any planned travel.

If an applicant needs to cancel or return their passport application, the process can be complicated. Generally, once submitted, applications cannot be easily withdrawn. However, applicants can contact the State Department for potential options if they act quickly.

To avoid issues, verify that all documents are complete and accurate before submission. Ensure that the application is filled out correctly and all fees are paid. Keeping copies of submitted documents can also help resolve any future discrepancies.

Before you go

How do I get a US citizen passport?: U.S. citizens apply for a passport by completing Form DS-11, gathering proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization document) and valid photo ID, and visiting an authorized acceptance facility in person[4]. The facility agent reviews documents, witnesses the signature, and collects the $165 total fee for adult applicants[1]. Routine processing takes 4–6 weeks from when the State Department receives the application[2].
How much does a U.S. passport cost?: A first-time adult passport book costs $165 total: $130 application fee plus $35 execution fee[1]. Minor passports (under 16) cost $135 total: $100 application fee plus $35 execution fee[1]. Expedited processing adds $60 and reduces wait time to 2–3 weeks[1], while optional 1–2 day delivery to U.S. addresses costs $22.05[5].
How long does it take to get a U.S. passport?: Routine passport processing takes 4–6 weeks from when the State Department receives the application, not including mailing time[2][3]. Expedited processing costs an additional $60 and reduces the timeline to 2–3 weeks[1][3]. In fiscal year 2024, the State Department issued approximately 24.5 million passport books and cards, breaking annual processing records[7].
What documents do I need to apply for a U.S. passport?: Applicants must provide one citizenship document: a U.S. birth certificate, undamaged full-validity U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship[4]. A valid photo ID (such as a driver's license) is required, along with photocopies of both the citizenship document and the front and back of the ID[4]. Digital or mobile birth certificates are not accepted[4].
Can you legally buy a genuine U.S. passport online?: No, genuine U.S. passports cannot be purchased online or through third-party vendors. All passport applications must be submitted in person at an authorized acceptance facility, where an agent verifies identity and citizenship documents[4]. Any website claiming to sell authentic U.S. passports is fraudulent, and attempting to obtain a passport through such channels violates federal law.
What are the penalties for passport fraud?: Making false statements in a passport application can result in imprisonment of up to 25 years for terrorism-related offenses, 20 years for drug trafficking, or 10–15 years for other offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 1542[6]. Forging or counterfeiting a passport carries similar penalties: up to 25 years for terrorism, 20 years for drug trafficking, or 10–15 years for other crimes under 18 U.S.C. § 1543[6].
How can I check the status of my passport application?: Applicants can check passport application status online using the State Department's tracking tool, which requires the last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of the Social Security number entered on the application. Status updates typically appear within 7–10 business days after the application is received by the State Department. For urgent inquiries, contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

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