Skip to main content

U.S. Immigration Support is an information website not affiliated with the United States government. We do not provide legal services.

Thousands of Applications Approved!

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

U.S. Passport Application Guide

A United States passport is an official government document issued by the United States Department of State. A United States passport certifies an individual’s identity and U.S. citizenship. A passport is an internationally recognized travel document and it allows the passport holder to travel abroad and return to the United States. A valid United States passport may be used to enter most foreign countries. U.S. citizens may now apply for the new U.S. Passport Card and hold both a regular passport and passport card. Due to the proposed measures of the WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative), many U.S. citizens will be required to obtain a U.S. passport or U.S. Passport Card. The process of applying for a United States Passport can be a frustrating experience. It is recommended that all applicants follow the instructions included in the U.S. Passport Application and Renewal Guide before submitting any applications. The Passport Application Guide also includes information about how to apply for your first U.S. Passport Card.

  • Start Application Immediately
  • Easy to Understand Instructions
  • Apply Online or by Mail
  • Pricing and Fee Information Included
  • Checklist of Required Documents
  • Unlimited Online Support

What’s included

  • Overview of the United States Passport Application Process
  • Who can apply for a United States Passport
  • How to apply for a U.S. Passport
  • Application procedures for your first United States Passport
  • Application procedures for your first U.S. Passport Card
  • Application procedures for U.S. Passport renewal
  • Information on urgent passport applications and renewals
  • How to request a replacement of a lost or stolen passport
  • How to add blank pages to a valid passport (48-page passports are no longer issued)
  • Special requirements for individuals under 16 years of age including babies
  • Filing fees and Payment information
  • Photo instructions
  • Eligibility Information
  • List of Required Documents
  • How to update your U.S. Passport after a name change
  • How to check the status of your passport application once submitted
  • Locate the 9000 designated passport application facilities nationwide
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • List of USCIS Offices Nationwide
  • Information on how to obtain the latest United States immigration forms

Download U.S. Passport Application Guide for more information

Important Warning & Legal Disclaimer

  • U.S. Immigration Support (this website) does not issue passports. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to issue United States passports
  • U.S. Immigration Support (this website) does not submit applications on behalf of applicants.
  • U.S. Immigration Support (this website) publishes the United States Passport Application and Renewal Guide. The application guide describes how U.S. citizens can submit a passport application on their own and without the use of an agent or third party.

APPLICATION FEE: The purchase price of the U.S. Passport Application and Renewal Guide does NOT include any government fees. There are additional Government fees such as the passport application fee and the execution fee, which are paid directly to the U.S. Department of State if the application is filed with a Regional Passport Agency.

U.S. PASSPORT APPLICATION FEES

  • U.S. Immigration Support (this website) publishes the United States Passport Application and Renewal Guide. The application guide contains detailed filing instructions.
  • The application guide is available for a fee, currently the download fee is $59.95.
  • The download fee does NOT include the execution and application fees. Please review the fee schedule below before purchasing the application guide.
Fee 16 or older Under 16
Application Fee
Paid to U.S. Department of State (U.S. Government)
$ 110.00 $ 80.00
Execution Fee
Paid to U.S. Department of State (U.S. Government)
$ 25.00 $ 25.00
Downloadable Passport Application Guide (eBook)
Paid to U.S. Department of State (U.S. Government)
$ 25.00 $ 25.00
TOTAL FEE (PER PASSPORT) $ 194.95 $ 164.95

U.S. Passport Card Application Process

  • Step 1 – Download the United States Passport Application and Renewal Guide (order information below)
  • Step 2 – Carefully read the instructions provided in the application guide
  • Step 3 – Download and complete the application forms
  • Step 4 – If there is a name change, include a certified copy of a legal document
  • Step 5 – Take passport pictures according to the instructions provided
  • Step 6 – Visit in person or mail the application forms to an official recognized passport facility. Include the following: proof of identity and citizenship, passport pictures and supplemental documentation (if applicable). Addresses and contact information are included in the application guide.
  • Step 7 – Receive your passport in 28 to 42 days or pay an expedited fee and receive your passport within 10 to 14 days. More information about the expedited processing can be found in the United States Passport Application and Renewal Guide.

Why apply for a U.S Passport?

  • It is your right as a U.S. citizen to have a U.S. passport
  • Be ready to travel on short notice to visit relatives or friends abroad
  • International travel is considered a right that cannot be denied to any U.S. citizen and by having a passport you can exercise your right to travel abroad
  • The process of obtaining visas to enter some foreign countries may take weeks and a valid U.S. passport is usually required
  • A valid United States passport is required to enter and leave most countries
  • U.S. passport holders can travel to many countries without obtaining a visa
  • Starting on January 23, 2007, all U.S. citizens are required have a valid passport when traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Bermuda and all other international destinations.
  • Starting on January 31, 2008, all U.S. citizens are required to have a valid WHTI-compliant document or government issued ID to cross any land borders and sea border. The identification document(s) must satisfy both the identity requirement (e.g. U.S. Drivers License) and citizenship requirement (e.g. U.S. Birth Certificate). A U.S. passport satisfies both the identity and citizenship requirement.
  • During the summer of 2008 (date to be determined) only the following documents will be accepted when crossing the border by land or sea: U.S. passport, U.S. Passport Card or an approved traveler card such as the NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI card.
  • Starting on June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens entering the United States by sea, air, or land (regardless of destination) must present a US Passport, US Passport Card, or other WHTI compliant document
  • The process of obtaining a passport may take some time and it is more convenient to have a valid passport ready
  • Children and babies must have their own passport when traveling abroad

© 2024 U.S. IMMIGRATION SUPPORT - All Rights Reserved