Get a New U.S. Passport
Applying for your first U.S. passport? Follow the two steps below. Gather your materials, get your DS-11 authorized by an Acceptance Agent, then ship everything to UPV Services for expedited processing.
Gather U.S. Passport Application Materials
Letter of Authorization (required)
Complete and sign the TPV Letter of Authorization form.
TPV Letter of AuthorizationTwo Passport Photos
2×2 inches, in color, on a plain light or white background, showing a full front view of the face.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
An original or certified copy — no photocopies or notarized copies. Your original is returned with your completed passport. Provide one of: Official Birth Certificate (if born in the U.S.), most recent passport, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship (if born abroad to U.S. parents).
Proof of Identity
A Driver's License or State ID issued more than 6 months ago. Include a clear photocopy of the front and back.
If your ID was issued less than 6 months ago
Submit an alternative form of identification and a supplemental form. Applicants age 16 or 17 without a valid, 6-month-old license may have a parent co-sign — include a birth certificate proving the parental relationship.
Travel Evidence
Two copies of one of the following: a plane ticket showing foreign departure, a travel itinerary (with applicant name, travel date, and flight info), or a business travel letter.
DS-11 Government Application
Complete the DS-11 online. Do NOT sign it yet — you'll sign in front of the Acceptance Agent. Print TWO copies and leave ONE copy on the OUTSIDE of the sealed envelope.
DS-11 Application — complete online
Government Fee: $213.36, payable to the U.S. Department of State.
Get Your Application Authorized by an Acceptance Agent
First-time and new applicants must have their application authorized by a local Acceptance Agent (AA). AAs are located in Post Offices and Courthouses — not every location has one, and hours vary. The AA witnesses your signature, checks your ID, and seals part of your application.
Find your nearest Acceptance AgentSealed by the AA
- • The first signed copy of the DS-11
- • The original proof of citizenship
- • One passport photo
- • The driver's license photocopy (or ID supplement)
- • The travel evidence
- • One copy of the Letter of Authorization
- • The check to "U.S. Department of State"
Left unsealed (loose)
- • The second signed copy of the DS-11
- • The second copy of the Letter of Authorization
- • One passport photo
- • The UPV Services order confirmation
- • The UPV Services payment check (if not paid online)
Important notes
- • If the AA seals an item that was meant to stay unsealed, simply print an extra copy so you can include the required loose copies in your package.
- • Ensure the AA writes the applicant's name, departure date, and date of birth on the outside of the sealed envelope. For multiple applicants, all names must appear on the envelope.
- • Tell the AA you're using UPV Services to expedite — they must return the sealed envelope to you. If needed, refer them to the Department of State's Hand Carrying of Executed Applications policy (page 31 or 44 of their manual) or call UPV Services for assistance.
Ship Your Application Package
Ship Materials to UPV Services
Shipping Method: FedEx Priority Overnight
UPV ServicesPassport Department
1629 K St NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006
(866) 334-8472