Anyone who wants to travel abroad will likely need a valid passport, e.g., someone flying to France. Without this document, you cannot identify yourself to customs officials and thus cannot leave the country. While this document is important, getting one often takes months due to backlogs in processing. The best approach is to get a passport months or years before you need it to avoid such delays. Let’s show you how to get a passport for the first time:
What You Need to Apply for a Passport for the First Time?
Passport applications depend on age, whether you have held a passport before, and the nature of the passport application. For example, an adult who has run out of visa pages can renew their passport by submitting a passport renewal application. However, an adult who has never held a passport should submit a first time application for passport.
Let’s consider the document requirements for people applying for a passport for the first time:
Adults
People aged 18 and above are considered adult applicants. If you fall into this category, you will need the following documents:
1. Form DS-11: This passport application form records your details, including your date of birth and social security number. You should complete it with accurate information to avoid issues with the IRS and other authorities.
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: When applying for passport first time, you must prove your identity by presenting an original or certified copy of a document that proves your citizenship. Acceptable documents include the following:
- A U.S. birth certificate,
- A consular report of birth abroad,
- A certificate of citizenship, or
- A certificate of naturalization.
The document must be a physical copy, as digital copies are unacceptable.
3. Proof of Identification: Besides the proof of U.S. citizenship, you should include a photo ID identifying you. The following documents are acceptable:
- A valid driver’s license,
- A certificate of citizenship,
- A certificate of naturalization,
- A government employee ID,
- A U.S. military ID,
- A U.S. permanent resident card,
- A trusted traveler ID, or
- An enhanced tribal card.
4. Passport photos: All passport applicants must present two recent photos taken per the U.S. passport photo guidelines. Please submit acceptable photos to avoid delays.
You should not staple or attach your forms and should present them independently.
Minors Aged 16 to 17
If you are submitting a first time application for passport and fall into this age group, you will need the following documents:
1. A complete DS-11 form: This form applies to all first-time applicants. You can fill it out online and print it to reduce the chance of errors.
2. Proof of U.S. citizenship: You should present an original or certified physical copy of any of the following documents:
- A U.S. birth certificate,
- A consular report of birth abroad,
- A certificate of citizenship, or
- A certificate of naturalization.
3. Proof of parental awareness: You must prove that at least one legal parent or guardian has consented to the passport application by presenting a copy of their ID and a signed note from them.
4. Proof of identification: You or your parent/ guardian should present a photo ID, which can be any of the following:
- An undamaged passport book or card,
- A valid driver’s license,
- A certificate of citizenship,
- A certificate of naturalization,
- A government employee ID,
- A U.S. military ID,
- A U.S. permanent resident card,
- A trusted traveler ID, or
- An enhanced tribal card.
5. Two passport photos: When getting a passport for the first time, you should provide two photos that adhere to the U.S. passport photo guidelines.
You may wonder, “Besides the documents above, what do I need to get a passport for the first time?” Notarized statements from your parent or guardian may sometimes be necessary.
Children Under 16
Minors applying for passport first time require the following documents:
1. A complete DS-11 form: Include your child’s details and provide their SSN if they have one.
2. Proof of U.S. citizenship: The following documents are acceptable in original or certified copy forms:
- A U.S. birth certificate,
- A consular report of birth abroad,
- A certificate of citizenship, or
- A certificate of naturalization.
3. Proof of parental relationship: You must prove you are the legal parent or guardian of the child by providing documents like U.S. birth certificates, adoption decrees, or custody decrees.
Proof of parental/ guardian ID: You should present one of the following photo IDs:
- An undamaged passport book or card,
- A valid driver’s license,
- A certificate of citizenship,
- A certificate of naturalization,
- A government employee ID,
- A U.S. military ID,
- A U.S. permanent resident card,
- A trusted traveler ID, or
- An enhanced tribal card.
5. Parental consent: If one or both parents or guardians cannot be present during the application, you should include proof of parental consent or other authorization documents.
6. Two passport photos: Your child’s application should include two photos that align with the U.S. passport photo guidelines.
A photocopy of your photo ID is also necessary.
How to Get a Passport for the First Time?
While the document requirements vary, the process for how to apply for U.S. passport for the first time is the same. You should proceed as follows:
- Ensure you meet all the first time passport requirements. For example, people who owe more than $2,500 in child support may not qualify for a passport.
- Book an appointment with the nearest passport acceptance facility.
- Compile the required documents per the passport category.
- Show up at the passport acceptance facility. The agent will review your documents, after which you can sign the DS-11 to okay the processing.
- Submit the application – you can do this at the acceptance agency or use an expediting service to speed up the process.
People applying for passport first time often wait ten to thirteen weeks to get a response. However, you can reduce this waiting time by using TVP’s expediting services, allowing you to get a passport in just days!
