⚠️ CRITICAL: Do NOT sign Form DS-11 before your appointment. The acceptance agent must witness your signature. Pre-signed forms are invalid and will require a new form.
Required Documents
Completed DS-11 form (downloaded from travel.state.gov) — UNSIGNED
Fill in black ink pen only. No pencil. No correction fluid. Do not sign until agent instructs you.
Certified birth certificate — ORIGINAL
Must be issued by a U.S. state, county, or city vital records office. Must have raised/embossed seal and registrar's signature. Hospital "souvenir" birth certificates are NOT accepted. Laminated certificates are NOT accepted.
Photocopy of birth certificate (both sides on one page)
8½×11 paper. Black-and-white is acceptable.
Government-issued photo ID — ORIGINAL
Driver's license, state ID card, or military ID. Must be current and unexpired. Student IDs are not accepted as primary ID.
Photocopy of photo ID (front AND back on same sheet of paper)
Passport photo — 2×2 inch, compliant
Plain white/off-white background only. Neutral expression. Eyes open. No glasses (rule since 2016). Taken within last 6 months. Printed on photo paper — not plain copy paper.
Check or money order — payable to "U.S. Department of State"
Book: $130 adult / $100 child under 16. Card: $30 adult / $15 child. Both: $160 adult / $115 child. Personal checks accepted; no cash for this fee.
Payment for $35 acceptance facility fee
Paid to the facility (USPS, county clerk, etc.) — separate from the State Dept fee. Many facilities now accept debit/credit cards for this amount. Ask when booking.
Optional Add-Ons (Bring Additional Checks/Money Orders)
Additional $60 check/M.O. for Expedited Processing
Reduces processing to ~2–3 weeks. Strongly recommended if traveling within 14 weeks. Separate check payable to "U.S. Department of State."
Additional ~$19 check/M.O. for 1–2 Day Return Delivery
Overnight delivery after passport is printed. Worth it if time is critical.
If Your Name Has Changed Since Your Last ID Was Issued
Original marriage certificate or court-order name change document
Required only if the name on your citizenship document differs from your current legal name on your ID.
Photocopy of the name change document
If Applying for a Child Under 16
Both parents/guardians present at the appointment OR —
Original notarized DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) from absent parent
Absent parent must sign DS-3053 before a notary public. Bring the original — photocopies not accepted. Get it notarized before the appointment (bank, UPS Store, AAA).
Child must be physically present at the appointment
Child's certified birth certificate showing both parents' names
Fee Summary
Passport Book (adult)$130
Passport Book (child under 16)$100
Passport Card (adult)$30
Passport Card (child under 16)$15
Acceptance Facility Fee$35
Expedited Processing (optional)+$60
1–2 Day Delivery (optional)+$19
Minimum total (adult book, in-person)$165
Common Rejection Reasons — Avoid These
✗ Pre-signing DS-11 before the agent instructs you
✗ Hospital birth certificate instead of state-issued certified copy
✗ Passport photo with glasses, shadows, or wrong background color
✗ Photo printed on plain paper instead of photo paper
✗ Photo older than 6 months
✗ Laminated birth certificate
✗ Paying the State Dept fee in cash (must be check or money order)
✗ Photocopy only of ID or birth certificate (originals required)
PassportCounty.pages.dev — Independent informational resource. Not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State. Verify current requirements at travel.state.gov. | Printed: