Eligibility to get a passport

If you are not able to renew your U.S. passport, or if this is your first one, you will need to apply for a new passport. To be eligible, you must be either:

• A U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization or
• A qualifying U.S. non-citizen national

You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility for a new passport. It cannot be done online or by mail.

What do you need to get a passport?

The application process for passport books and passport cards is the same. You will choose which type of passport you want when you fill out the application. Learn about the differences between passport books and passport cards.

There are 4 things you will need to apply for and get your U.S. passport.

1. Application - You will need Form DS-11. 
   • You can Fill out Form DS-11 online and print it, or 
   • Download Form DS-11 [PDF, 5 pages, 1.9 MB] and fill it out by hand, or
   • Find your local passport acceptance facility or regional agency and pick up Form DS-11.
   • Do not sign Form DS-11 until you are at your appointment and the passport acceptance official tells you to do so. 
2. Personal documents including:
   • Original proof of citizenship - Learn about what qualifies as primary citizenship evidence or what secondary evidence may qualify if you do not have primary evidence.
   • An acceptable photo ID
   • A photocopy of both your citizenship document and photo ID
3. Passport photo
4. Passport fee

Apply in person. Find your local passport acceptance facility. This facility could be a library or post office. Some facilities require appointments or have limited hours.