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First-Time U.S. Passport Application: Expedited Service Guide

Get your first U.S. passport quickly and efficiently through an expedited passport center. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the application process, ensuring you have all required documents and understand each requirement.

Understanding the Three-Step Process

Applying for your first U.S. passport through an expedited center involves three critical stages. Each step builds upon the previous one, creating a streamlined pathway to receiving your passport quickly. Understanding this process upfront helps prevent delays and ensures your application moves smoothly through the system.

01

Prepare & Gather Documents

Complete the DS-11 form online and assemble all required documentation including photos, birth certificate, and payment

02

Get Documents Authorized

Visit a Government Passport Acceptance Agent at a post office or courthouse to have your documents officially verified and sealed

03

Submit to Expedited Center

Send your sealed envelope and document copies to the passport center for final processing and expedited delivery

Step 1: Complete Your DS-11 Application Online

The DS-11 New Passport Application is the foundation of your first-time passport request. This form must be completed online through the official State Department portal to ensure accuracy and generate the required barcode for processing.

Begin by visiting the official form portal and acknowledging the Privacy and Computer Fraud and Abuse Acts notices. The online system guides you through each required field, helping prevent common errors that delay applications.

Critical Application Guidelines

  • Use names exactly as they appear on your birth certificate or naturalization document
  • Consider selecting a Large Book if you travel internationally frequently
  • Choose "Expedited at Agency Service" ($60) for processing method
  • Select "Standard Delivery" (FREE) for delivery method

Required Documentation Checklist

Gathering the correct documents before your appointment prevents delays and ensures your application proceeds smoothly. Each document serves a specific purpose in verifying your identity and citizenship. Review this comprehensive checklist carefully to ensure nothing is missing.

Printed DS-11 Form

Complete online with auto-generated barcode. Print but do not sign until appointment with Acceptance Agent.

Passport Photos (2 copies)

Recent photos (less than 3 months old), 2×2 inches, no glasses allowed. Must meet official State Department photo guidelines.

Original Citizenship Proof

Original or certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Note: Abstract "Short Form" birth certificates are not accepted.

Proof of Travel

Copy of travel itinerary or airline ticket showing travel within 14 days (or 21 days if applying for visa).

Authorization Form

Completed and signed form authorizing submission of your passport application on your behalf.

Full Document Copies

Complete photocopies of all required documents for processing records.

Passport Photo Requirements

Photo Specifications

Your passport photos must meet strict U.S. Department of State requirements. Photos that don't comply will result in application rejection and delays.

  • Size: Exactly 2×2 inches
  • Recency: Taken within the last 3 months
  • Background: Plain white or off-white
  • Glasses: Not permitted in photos
  • Expression: Neutral facial expression, both eyes open
  • Quality: High resolution, in focus, proper lighting

Review complete photo guidelines at the official State Department website to ensure compliance before your appointment.

Understanding Passport Fees

The total cost for a first-time adult passport book through expedited service includes multiple fees paid to different entities. Understanding these fees upfront helps you prepare the correct payment methods and amounts.

Application Fee

$130.00

Payable to U.S. Department of State

Expedited Service

$60.00

Payable to U.S. Department of State

Execution Fee

$35.00

Paid directly to Acceptance Facility

Optional Large Book

$22.05

Additional cost if selected

Payment Instructions

Submit a money order or check payable to "U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE" for $212.05 (includes application fee, expedited service, and large book if selected). This payment accompanies your sealed documents.

The separate $35.00 execution fee is paid directly to the Acceptance Agent facility when you have your documents authorized. Most facilities accept credit cards, checks, cash, or money orders—but call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods.

Step 2: Authorization by Acceptance Agent

After preparing your documents, you must visit a Government Passport Acceptance Agent for official verification. These agents are authorized to witness your signature, verify your identity, and seal your application for submission. This critical step validates your application and prevents fraud.

Find an Acceptance Facility

Locate the nearest acceptance agent at post offices or courthouses using the State Department facility database at iafdb.travel.state.gov

Schedule Your Appointment

Call ahead to confirm hours of operation, whether appointments are required, and acceptable payment methods for the $35 execution fee

Present Your Documents

Bring all required documents listed in Step 1. The agent will verify your identity, witness your signature on the DS-11 form, and review all documentation

Receive Sealed Envelope

The agent places your documents in an official sealed envelope. DO NOT OPEN this envelope—it must remain sealed for submission

Important: We recommend emailing scanned copies of all documents for review before your appointment to ensure accuracy and completeness. This prevents wasted trips and appointment rescheduling.

Documents Sealed by Acceptance Agent

Understanding exactly which documents the Acceptance Agent seals in your envelope helps you prepare appropriately. These sealed documents form your official passport application package and must remain sealed until processed by the expedited passport center.

Completed and Signed DS-11 Application

Your application form with the agent's witnessed signature and official stamp

Two Color Passport Photos

Both regulation 2×2 inch photos meeting all State Department requirements

Original Proof of U.S. Citizenship

Your original birth certificate or naturalization certificate (will be returned with passport)

Proof of Travel Documentation

Copy of airline ticket or travel itinerary showing your upcoming travel dates

Completed Authorization Form

Signed form authorizing the expedited passport center to submit your application

Payment to Department of State

Money order or check for $212.05 made payable to U.S. Department of State

Step 3: Final Submission to Expedited Center

Submit Your Application Package

Once you receive your sealed envelope from the Acceptance Agent, you're ready for the final step. This is where the expedited passport center takes over, processing your application quickly to meet your travel timeline.

Your submission package must include two components: the sealed envelope from the Acceptance Agent and a complete set of photocopies of all enclosed documents. This dual-documentation system ensures processing efficiency and provides backup records.

What to Send

  1. Sealed Envelope: The unopened envelope from your Acceptance Agent containing all original documents
  1. Full Document Copies: Complete photocopies of every document inside the sealed envelope for processing records

Your Passport Journey: What Happens Next

After submitting your application to the expedited passport center, your documents enter the official processing pipeline. Understanding the timeline and what to expect helps manage your travel planning effectively.

1

Application Received

The expedited center confirms receipt of your sealed envelope and begins initial review

2

Processing Begins

Your application is processed through expedited channels, typically taking 2-3 weeks

3

Quality Review

Final verification ensures all documents meet requirements and your passport is printed

4

Passport Delivered

Your new passport and original citizenship documents arrive via standard delivery

Important Reminders

Processing Time

Expedited service typically processes applications in 2-3 weeks from the date the passport center receives your application. Plan accordingly and apply well before your travel date.

Document Return

Your original proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate) will be returned to you along with your new passport in a separate mailing.

Travel Planning

Do not make final travel arrangements or purchase non-refundable tickets until you have your passport in hand. Processing times can vary based on volume and circumstances.