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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

Important Warning
DO NOT sign or date your printed application until you meet with the Acceptance Agent. Signed applications will be rejected.
No corrections are allowed on the printed form—no write-overs, scratch-outs, or white-out permitted.
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.

Pro Tip
Purchase money orders from your bank or post office. Personal checks may cause processing delays.
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

Shipping Recommendation
Use a trackable shipping method (USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, or UPS) to send your application. This provides proof of delivery and estimated arrival dates.
Keep your tracking number until you receive confirmation that your application has been received and is being processed.
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.