Passport Application Form

Applying for a United States passport for the first time can be overwhelming with the amount of paperwork that is required. A first time applicant must apply in person. The most common place to apply is at the United States post office. 

Everything required can be broken down into six basic items. The first step is to fill out an application, especially when using expedited United States passport services. A copy can be picked up at any approved facility or online. 

The application is called a DS-11 form. To save time it is best to fill out the application ahead of time but do not sign it. The application needs to be signed while an authorized agent is present. To apply for a United States passport, one must submit evidence of United States Citizenship. 

The most common form of proof given is a Certified Birth Certificate or an old passport. Other accepted documents are a naturalization certificate or a certification of citizenship. A social security card is not accepted as proof of United States Citizenship. 

If no primary form of documentation is available there are secondary forms that can be used. Very few United States citizens have to use secondary forms for proof of citizenship. If the applicant is under the age of sixteen, they are considered a minor and have to have parental consent from both parents to apply. The parents providing consent have to give proof of guardianship of the minor. 

A certified birth certificate is the most common proof. In the case an adopted minor, an adoption decree can be used. If a parent has sole custody of the minor, they do not need the other parent’s consent.