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make sure you have:
Proof of U.S. citizenship
Government-issued photo ID
Photocopies of both documents
One passport photo
Social Security Number
Previous passport details, if applicable
Name-change or parental documents, if required
How to Fill Out a US Passport Application in 3 Simple Steps
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Complete the required personal and passport information.
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Print your completed form and take it to your appointment. Important Details About Form DS-11
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Important Details About Form DS-11
What is Form DS-11
Form DS-11 is the passport application form used by first-time applicants and people who cannot renew their passport. You can complete the DS-11 form online. However, you must submit it in person. Our DS-11 form filler helps you prepare and download the application. Do not sign it until an authorized passport agent tells you to.
Who needs to fill out Form DS-11
You may need to complete Form DS-11 if you’re:
- Applying for your first U.S. passport
- Applying for a child under 16
- Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport
- Replacing a passport issued before age 16
- Replacing a passport issued more than 15 years ago
Common Form DS-11 mistakes
- ! Signing the form before the appointment
- ! Printing the form double-sided
- ! Using white-out or correcting an error
- ! Forgetting required documents or photocopies
- ! Submitting an unacceptable passport photo
- ! Leaving out previous passport information
- ! Using the wrong passport application form
What people use it for
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Half our vendors used to send forms as phone photos that finance refused to file. Pointing them here fixed it. The layout matches the official document and nothing gets cut off when it downloads.
What sold me is that the data isn't stored anywhere and the file downloads straight to the signer's machine. I can ask a client to complete one without worrying about where their details end up.
January used to mean tracking down paperwork from every subcontractor. This year I sent one link to the whole roster and had every form back inside a week.
New clients always want a fresh copy and I never have last year's handy. Filling it out here is faster than digging up the PDF, and the fields space themselves so I stop transposing digits.
I keep this bookmarked for the client who calls saying they need a form right now. I walk them through it on the phone in a couple of minutes — open, type, sign, download.
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Form DS-11 FAQs
Review these common questions to understand how to complete and submit your U.S. passport application form.
Where do I submit my passport application?
You can submit Form DS-11 in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. For urgent travel, you may qualify for an appointment at a passport agency. If you’re abroad, you should get in contact with the local U.S. embassy or consulate and ask for instructions.
How do I check or track my passport application status?
Usually it takes a few weeks for your application to be processed. You can track it by checking the Department of State’s passport status system. It will usually show the status as “In Process” during these first few weeks.
Can I print Form DS-11 in black and white or does it need to be in color?
You can print Form DS-11 in black and white or in color, whichever you prefer. Just make sure that every detail is completely legible. The passport photo you attach must be in color.
What does a Form DS-11 look like and how many pages is it?
There are four pages of instructions, and two application form pages. You only have to complete and submit the two application pages.
What documents are required to apply for a passport?
You typically need the following: Proof of U.S. citizenship Physical photo identification Photocopies of both documents One passport photo The required payments If you’re applying for a minor you may be asked for additional documents.
What are the photo requirements for a passport application?
You need to submit one recent color photo measuring 2 × 2 inches. It needs to: Have a white or off-white background Clearly show your face Have no filters or digital alterations
What is the difference between Form DS-11 and Form DS-82?
If you are applying for the first time or you need to apply in person, you should use Form DS-11. If you’re renewing your current passport, you can use form DS-82.
How long does it take to process a passport application?
Normal processing time ranges from four to six weeks. Expedited processing can lower the wait time to two or three weeks.
How can I fill out Form DS-11 in Spanish?
You must fill out the DS-11 form must be completed in English. You can use readily-available Spanish-language instructions to better understand how to fill out the form.
How do I write height on a passport application?
You should provide your height in feet and inches, such as 5'8". Make sure to use your accurate, current height.
How do I fill out Form DS-11 for a minor or child?
Accurately enter the child’s details into the Form DS-11. If the child is below 16 years of age, both parents or guardians must typically attend the appointment with the required documents.
What should I put for occupation on a passport application?
Provide your current occupation, such as: Teacher Student Retired Unemployed Make sure that the description is accurate.
What hair color should I list on my passport application if my hair is dyed?
Just enter the color your hair is when you apply. The official instructions do not provide a separate rule for dyed hair.
What is the passport book number on a passport application?
The passport book number is the unique number printed on your previous passport’s information page. You should provide it when requested if you previously held a passport.
Why does a passport application ask for parents' information?
The Department of State uses your parents’ information to help verify your: Identity Citizenship Pssport records You must provide your parent’ birth names.
Should I sign Form DS-11 before my appointment?
No, the passport agent will indicate the right time to sign during your appointment.
What should I do if I make a mistake while filling out Form DS-11?
You should start a new form. Do not use correction fluid or cross out information on Form DS-11.
What should I put for "Previous Names" if I changed my name or got married?
List all legal names you have used, including: Birth Maiden Former married Court-ordered Attach another sheet if necessary.
What should I do if I don't have a Social Security Number (SSN)?
If you do not have an SSN, just enter zeros in the SSN field. Then, include the signed statement required by the official instructions confirming that you have never received an SSN.
How do I select my gender marker on Form DS-11?
The current form refers to this as a sex marker. Select M or F according to the Department of State’s current instructions.
What is the difference between selecting a Passport Book, Passport Card, or Both on Form DS-11?
A passport book is valid for all types of international travel, including: Air Land Sea A passport card has limited land and sea use. It cannot be used for international flights. Select “Both” to receive both documents.
Can I use Form DS-11 for urgent travel or emergency passport appointments?
Yes. You can use Form DS-11 at a passport agency if you meet the following criteria: You qualify for an urgent appointment You provide the required proof of travel
What proof of international travel is required when submitting Form DS-11 for expedited processing?
You usually do not need to provide proof of travel for standard expedited service. If you need an emergency appointment, you should bring proof like an international flight itinerary.
What additional form is required if one parent cannot attend the DS-11 appointment for a minor?
Generally, absent parent generally must provide: A notarized Form DS-3053 A photocopy of their identification Other documents may apply when consent cannot be obtained.
What should I do if my birth certificate does not list my parents' names?
You should obtain a qualifying birth certificate that lists your parents. Alternatively, you could submit another accepted form of citizenship evidence. The Department of State might ask you for some additional records.
What should I do if my address changes while my DS-11 application is being processed?
You should immediately get in contact with the National Passport Center. Do not submit another application unless the Department of State tells you to.
What happens if the Department of State sends a letter requesting additional information (Information Request Letter)?
Your application will typically remains on hold until you respond to the Information Request Letter. Make sure to read the letter carefully and submit the requested information by the stated deadline.