Passport Course. Microsite. 2026.04.20

Start Your Passport Process Now

Introduction

DID YOU KNOW . . .

In this module, we will guide adult (16+ years and older) U.S. citizen passport applicants through the process of getting a new passport.*** In just 5 steps, you'll become a Passport PRO and will soon have your passport to global adventures in hand.

that passport processing times are often changing? So start the process AS SOON AS POSSIBLE but no later than 4 months in advance.

Check current processing times now to make sure you still have time!

If you don't have time to wait for regular processing, you might need to pay extra for expedited delivery service or schedule an in-person, expedited appointment. To schedule an expediated appointment, your international travels must be within 14 days.

*** If you're an international student or have had a passport before, go here:

Downloadable Guide

DIRECTIONS:

There is an embedded digital checklist that you can use throughout this module, OR you can download a PDF or WORD version of our Workbook now to help you keep track of what you still need to do. Your choice! The PDF version is also fillable form, but in order to retain the data you enter, you'll need to download a copy to your cloud storage or hard drive and/or print it out. To use the "Upload Image" feature, you'll need to open it in Adobe Acrobat. All other features should work in any other PDF software.

DOWNLOAD

This workbook guides adult (16+ years and older) U.S. citizens through the NEW Passport PROcess.

Word Version

PDF Version

Step 1. Application

Step 1. Application

or READ ME . . . your choice!

True or False

Knowledge Check

Multiple Choice

Knowledge Check

Step 1: Complete Application

DIRECTIONS:

Go directly to travel.state.gov now to Complete the Application Form:

Go to travel.state.gov

Then mark off your steps on the checklist to the right or on the paper workbook version. You can download your automated Personalized Checklist at any point along the way.

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Step 2. Gather Docs

Step 2. Gather Docs

or READ ME . . . your choice!

Multiple Choice

Knowledge Check

Multiple Choice

Knowledge Check

Step 2: Gather Documents

DIRECTIONS:

After checking and gathering your required documents, make sure to make one copy of each.

Check documents now at travel.state.gov:

Photo Identification

Citizenship Evidence

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Step 3. Passport photo

Step 3. Passport Photo

or READ ME . . . your choice!

Yes or no

Knowledge Check

DID YOU KNOW . . .

that problems with photos are the number one reason why passport applications are put on hold?

Multiple Answers

Knowledge Check

Step 3: Passport Photo

DIRECTIONS:

Find out whether your institution is a Passport Acceptance Facility or runs a Passport Clinic. You may be able to take your photo there.

If not, check with your nearest passport acceptance facility or with a local pharmacy.Use travel.state.gov's photo tool for digital photo cropping and double-checking guidelines too!

Use the photo tool now!

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Step 4. Calculate Fees

Step 4. Calculate Fees

or READ ME . . . your choice!

Multiple Choice

Knowledge Check

True or False

Knowledge Check

Step 4: Calculate Fees

DIRECTIONS:

The State Department can change costs at any time, so double check the current passport fees now to avoid any surprises.

Check fees at travel.state.gov

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DID YOU KNOW . . .

that there are scholarships available for first-time, student passport applicants?

Hostelling International awards "First Passport Edition" grants each fall, and the "IIE American Passport Project" covers the passport fees for 25 Pell Grant-eligible students at several U.S. campuses. Check below to see if your institution is one of them.

IIE American Passport Project

HI USA's "First Passport Edition"

Step 5. Apply in Person

Step 5. Apply in Person

or READ ME . . . your choice!

Multiple Choice

Knowledge Check

Yes or no

Knowledge Check

Step 5: Apply in Person

DIRECTIONS:

If your institution is NOT a Passport Acceptance Facility, then find the nearest US Postal Center or other

Passport Acceptance Facility and schedule an appointment now.

Search for closest facility at travel.state.gov

Schedule an appointment with USPS now

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DID YOU KNOW . . .

that your passport is NOT valid until you sign it?

So sign it right away when you receive it.

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Final Check(list)

Mark off the Steps you've completed so far on the checklist and then download your own personalized Passport PROcess Checklist to take with you. Alternatively, you can always go back to the full Workbook for this module and use the checklist there.

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Passport PROtection

DIRECTIONS:

Once your new passport arrives, use the "Passport Protection Process" checklist in your workbook to protect it. Upload and save BOTH digital and print copies

DID YOU KNOW . . .

that you need to report a lost or stolen passport to the State Department, if stateside, or to your closest Embassy or Consulate, if abroad? Having a copy really helps!

Report Lost/Stolen Passports HERE

Multiple Choice

Knowledge Check

Congratulations!

You've reached the end of the Passport PROcess module!

If completion of this module was required by your institution, make sure that you answered all questions correctly (100%) to receive credit.

Step 4: Calculate Fees

Now that your application is ready. It’s time for Step Four during which you will calculate your fees. Check online again at travel.state.gov to know how much your new passport will cost. Depending on if you’re ordering a Passport Book, a Passport Card, or both and on how quickly you need it, the prices will vary. But if you’re flying overseas, you MUST have a Passport Book. Passport Cards are only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries. Rates may change over time, so make sure to go to the website for the most up-to-date information. You’ll need to bring either two checks or money orders since the application fee and the execution fee are paid separately. Make sure they’re made payable to the "U.S. Department of State.”

Step 1: Complete the Application Form TRANSCRIPT

Want to travel abroad for the first time but aren’t sure how to get your first U.S. passport so that you can? No worries. Layla will walk you through the process. I know the passport process can seem confusing and complicated, but in just five steps, you’ll be on your way to exploring new parts of the world in no time. But before you take off, you’ve got to get that passport, so you’re not left behind. Step 1: Complete the Application Form

• Type in Travel.State.Gov in your web browser.

• Once there, you’ll click on “Get a U.S. Passport” button

• On the next page, find the section “Get or Replace a Passport” and select “I’m applying as an adult.” Remember - first-time passport applicants have to apply in person.

• From this page, you’ll need to either download Form DS-11 or use the website’s “Form Filler,” which is what we suggest.

• With this form, you can apply for a passport book, a passport card, or both. But if you’re flying internationally, you MUST have a valid passport BOOK, not just a passport CARD.

• Once you’ve completed the form, print it off. Now, you’re ready to move on to Step 2. Just remember NOT to sign the application until instructed to do so by the acceptance agent. That comes later in Step 5.

Step 5: Apply in Person

Now, you’re ready for Step 5, the Final Step—Applying in Person at a Passport Acceptance Facility. Search on the travel.state.gov website to find the closest passport acceptance facility. Typically, it’s a . . .

• Post office
• Clerk of court
• Library

Make sure to confirm its operating hours. Customers who want to apply at a post office must also make an appointment directly at USPS.com. Inside, you’ll present all your materials to the acceptance agent. Hopefully, you won’t have to wait too long. And that’s it. After 14 days, you can check on the status of your passport online. Passport processing times are often changing, so always double check up-to-date times online. You should start the process AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, but a good rule of thumb is to start AT LEAST 4 months in advance. With passport in hand, soon you’ll be off on great adventures around the world. Enjoy your travels!

Step 3: Passport Photo

It’s time to take your passport photo. You'll need one 2 x 2 inch, high-resolution, current color photo. Since our appearance changes over time, the photo must be taken within the last 6 months. Some passport acceptance facilities provide photo services, and your university (college) may be one of them. Other universities (colleges) may hold passport clinics offering photo services. Make sure to check if yours does. Also, many chain pharmacy stores offer this service. When taking your photo, make sure that they’re using a plain white or off-white background without shadows. Make sure your face can clearly be seen. This means you’ll need to take off your glasses and any head coverings unless you submit signed verification of a health or religious exemption in which case you may keep them on. And despite what you may have heard, you are allowed to smile for the picture. So smile. If you’re unclear about anything regarding your passport photo, make sure to consult the requirements at Travel.State.Gov to make sure that you submit an acceptable photo. Make sure the photo is trimmed to 2 by 2 inches and that your picture aligns correctly with the dimensions on the DS-11 Form. Now you can staple the picture to the form.

International Students or Previous Passport Holders . . .

Another great passport resource, besides travel.state.gov, of course, is the Passport Index.

Please double-check that your passport is in good working order using our . . .

Passport Index provides information about passport & visa requirements all over the world. Their Frequently Asked Questions page answers just about any question you can imagine about passports. Check it out!

If your passport does NOT pass that test, the Questionnaire will also direct you to the right next steps whether that's going through the renewal process or starting over with a new passport.

Step 2: Gather your Supporting Documents

You’ll need one document providing proof of your US Citizenship. Bring a . . .

• U.S. birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.

You’ll also need to take some form of ID. Just use your state-issued driver’s license, or if you don’t have one, check out the complete list of other acceptable forms of ID on the website.You’ll also need to make one copy of each form of ID:

• Proof of US Citizenship
• ID

to include with your application!