How to Get a US Passport — Acceptance Offices and What to Bring

Apply at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office or clerk's office.

Where to go

First-time passport applications are usually handled at passport acceptance facilities, including select post offices, county clerk offices, and some public libraries. Browse every passport office in our directory →

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What to bring

Form DS-11
Filled out but NOT signed until at the office
Proof of US citizenship
Certified birth certificate or prior US passport
Government-issued photo ID
Plus a photocopy of front and back
Passport photo
2x2, taken within the last 6 months
Payment
Two separate checks — one to the State Department, one to the acceptance facility

Requirements vary by state and county — call the office to confirm before driving in.

Book before you go

Almost every passport facility is appointment-only. Book on the USPS or State Department site weeks in advance.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not sign Form DS-11 before your appointment — the agent must watch you sign.
Photos from non-passport stores are often rejected — use a passport service or the post office.
Routine processing is 6-8 weeks; expedited is 2-3 weeks for an extra $60.
Two separate payments are required — most acceptance facilities reject credit cards for the State Department portion.

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Frequently asked

Can I renew by mail?

Yes, with Form DS-82, if your most recent passport is undamaged, issued in the last 15 years, and issued when you were 16+.

How long is a US passport valid?

10 years for adults (16+), 5 years for minors.