How to Get a Passport: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Exactly how to get a passport — the documents you need, where to apply, what it costs, and how long it takes — laid out as a simple checklist.
Getting a passport feels bureaucratic, but it's really just five ordered steps. Do them in this order and you won't get stuck.
1. Confirm you're eligible
You generally need to prove citizenship and identity. That means a citizenship document (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or a prior passport) plus a government photo ID.
2. Gather your documents
- Proof of citizenship (original + a photocopy)
- Government-issued photo ID
- One compliant passport photo
- The completed application form
3. Get a compliant passport photo
Most rejections come from bad photos. Follow the passport photo requirements: a plain background, no glasses, neutral expression, and the exact size your country requires.
4. Submit your application
First-time applicants almost always have to apply in person at an accepting facility. Renewals can often be done by mail or online.
5. Pay and choose your speed
You'll pay an application fee, plus an optional expedite fee if you need it faster. Keep your receipt and tracking number.
Tip: apply well before any planned travel. Processing times swing with demand, especially in spring and summer.
Applying for a child? The consent rules are different: see how to get a passport for a child. If a passport goes missing, here is what to do if it is lost or stolen.
Frequently asked questions
What's the fastest way to get a passport?
Use expedited processing and, where available, an in-person appointment at a passport agency. Expedited service typically cuts standard processing time roughly in half for an extra fee.
Can I get a passport without a birth certificate?
Usually yes — most countries accept alternatives such as a naturalization certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or a previous passport as proof of citizenship.
What documents do I need to get a passport?
You generally need proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, a government photo ID, one compliant passport photo, and the completed application form. Bring photocopies, since some documents are kept on file.
Do I have to apply in person?
First-time applicants almost always do, at a post office or other acceptance facility that verifies your identity. If you already hold a recent 10-year adult passport, you can usually renew by mail or online instead.
How much does it cost to get a passport?
In the US, a first adult passport book runs about $165, made up of a $130 application fee and a $35 execution fee, plus $60 if you expedite. Children pay a lower application fee. See our full cost breakdown for the details.
Keep reading
Related guides
How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport?
Realistic passport processing times — standard vs expedited, what slows things down, and how to get one faster when you're in a hurry.
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Get your passport photo right the first time: the size, background, and expression rules for the US and UK, plus the mistakes that get photos rejected.
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How to get a passport for a child or baby: the consent rules, why both parents usually have to be involved, what it costs, and how long it stays valid.
1 min readNo obligation
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