How To Get a Passport
Getting a passport isn't as hard as you think. Since 1976 we have helped
people get passports for upcoming travel - and we can get a passport in
as little as one day! We understand that the processes may be a bit
daunting as there are several different types of passport services you
can get and each has their own specific documentation, so we're going to
try to explain the common differences so that you can get your passport
quickly. Although there are some additional options and services you can
choose from on our
US Passports Services page,
here we are going to cover the two most common passports people need to
get.
Prerequisites for Getting a New US Passport
In order to get a
new passport,
applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Applicant is a US citizen over 18 years old, AND;
- Applicant has never had a U.S. Passport issued before, OR;
- Applicant was under 16 years old when most recent passport was issued
OR;
- Applicant has not had a U.S. Passport issued for over 15 years.
If you meet the requirements to get a new passport, great! Here are the
requirements:
- Process Overview to Get a New Passport
A Passport Acceptance Agent is a government employee who will verify the
identity of the applicant. Passport Acceptance Agents are available at
most Post Offices and Court Houses. Passport Acceptance Agent will have
the applicant sign the new passport application and seal documents in an
envelope for processing.
- Proof of Citizenship to Get a New Passport
To get a new passport, applicant must bring an original or certified
copy of a birth certificate, naturalization papers or old passport.
Birth certificates must be "long form" as opposed to "short form". While
there are several data points that must be listed including being issued
by the city, county, or state (as opposed to hospital) and include
parents full names, registrar's signature, seal and more, generally
speaking a certificate smaller than 8.5" x 11" will not be accepted.
- Proof of Identification to Get a New Passport
Applicant must have a driver's license or state-issued identification
issued more than six months ago to get a passport. Official government
or military picture identification is also acceptable.
- Passport Photos to Get a New Passport
Applicant must submit one (1) color, passport style photograph. Photo
may be obtained at many post offices, Kinko's, Mailboxes Etc or similar
locations. Please Note: Effective November 1, 2016 the State Department
will NOT accept photos of applicants wearing glasses (except under
undefined "special conditions").
- Proof of Travel
Applicant must submit a computer-generated itinerary from a travel
agency or online booking tool (such as an e-confirmation) showing
departure from the U.S. to get a passport fast.
- Government Fees to Get a New Passport
The US State Dept charges $110 to get a passport and $25 for
verification of new passport applications by the Acceptance Agent. Both
fees must be paid to the Acceptance Agent onsite. The new passport fee
of $170 may be paid by check, cash or money order. If paying by check,
starter checks are not acceptable. Indicate the applicants name and DOB
in the memo line. The Acceptance Agent fee of $25 may be paid by any
payment method.
- New Passport Application (DS-11)
Applicant must submit one completed
passport application form DS-11.
DO NOT SIGN the completed
application until instructed to do so by Acceptance Agent.
Prerequisites for Getting a US Passport Renewal
In order to get a
renewed passport,
applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Applicant has most recent passport is in his or her possession, AND;
- Applicant was 16 years or older when passport was issued AND;
- Applicant's passport was issued within the past 15 years AND;
- Applicant's passport is not damaged (normal wear & tear is acceptable).
If you meet the requirements to get a renewed passport, great! Here are
the requirements:
- Current Passport
Applicant must submit their current valid, or recently expired, passport
in order to renew. The old Passport will be returned marked "Cancelled"
by the US State Department.
- Passport Photos to Get a Passport Renewed
Applicant must submit one (1) color, passport style photograph. Photo
may be obtained at many post offices, Kinko's, Mailboxes Etc or similar
locations. Please Note: Effective November 1, 2016 the State Department
will NOT accept photos of applicants wearing glasses (except under
undefined "special conditions").
- Proof of Travel
Applicant must submit a computer-generated itinerary from a travel
agency or online booking tool (such as an e-confirmation) showing
departure from the U.S. to get a passport fast.
- Passport Application (DS-82)
Applicant must submit one completed
passport application form DS-82.
DO NOT forget to sign and date
the completed application in blue or black ink after printing.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Passport
Here is a breakdown of different service options available to you to get
your passport:
Standard Government Processing
Approximately 6 weeks
Expedited Government Processing
Approximately 2-3 weeks
Standard ItsEasy App Processing
Approximately 6 weeks
Expedited ItsEasy App Processing
Approximately 2-3 weeks
ItsEasy Expedited Processing
Different service levels available:
- 10+ Business Day Passport Processing - Includes complimentary Perfect Passport Photos.
-
- 4-6 Business Day Passport Processing - Includes complimentary Perfect Passport Photos.
- 3 Business Day Passport Processing - Includes complimentary Perfect Passport Photos.
- 1 Business Day
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Passport
Here is a breakdown of different cost options available to you to get
your passport:
Standard Government Processing
$130 For adult renewal, name change and second passports (for new
passports and replacing lost or stolen passports additional $25
government Acceptance Agent fee applies).
$80 for children's passports (additional $25 government Acceptance Agent
fee applies).
Expedited Government Processing
- New Passport: $190 + $25 additional government Acceptance Agent fee
- Renew Passport: $190
- Passport Name Change: $190
- Second Passports: $190
- Replace Lost/Stolen Passport: $190 + $25 additional government Acceptance Agent fee
- Children's Passport: $160 + $25 additional government Acceptance Agent fee
Standard
ItsEasy Passport Renewal and Photo App Processing
- Renew Passport: $130
- Passport Name Change: $130
- Second Passports: $130
+ additional service fee of $29.00 covers digital passport photo review/printing,
24/7 support and round trip shipping.
Expedited
ItsEasy Passport Renewal and Photo App
Processing
- Renew Passport: $190
- Passport Name Change: $190
- Second Passports: $190
+ additional
service fee of $29.00 covers digital passport photo review/printing,
24/7 support and round trip shipping.
ItsEasy Expedited Passport Processing
Government Fees:
+
ItsEasy Service Fees:
Different service levels available:
- 10+ Business Day Passport Processing - Includes complimentary Perfect Passport Photos. - $245
- - $
- 4-6 Business Day Passport Processing - Includes complimentary Perfect Passport Photos. - $395
- 3 Business Day Passport Processing - Includes complimentary Perfect Passport Photos.- $495
- 1 Business Day – Please call for details
