Need a U.S. Passport? Here’s How to Apply, What to Bring, and How Long It Takes

Getting a U.S. passport might feel like a bureaucratic chore, but it will be more straightforward if you know what to expect. Whether you’re applying for the first time, replacing a lost one, or renewing before your next big trip, understanding the current requirements will save you time, stress, and maybe even a last-minute meltdown at the airport. With the Real ID deadline looming and international travel surging back to pre-pandemic levels, now is the perfect time to get your passport plans in order.

Here’s exactly how to apply, where to go, what to bring, and how long it really takes.

Who Is Eligible For A U.S. Passport?

First, look at eligibility:

You Are A U.S. Citizen

This includes:

• Individuals born in the United States or its territories (e.g., Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands)
• Individuals born abroad to at least one U.S. citizen parent who meets specific residency or legal requirements
• Individuals who have been naturalized as U.S. citizens
• Individuals who have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

You Are A U.S. National

This applies to:

• People born in American Samoa or Swains Island
• These individuals are U.S. nationals and are also eligible for a U.S. passport, though their status is slightly different from full citizenship (e.g., they can live and work in the U.S. but can’t vote in federal elections unless they become naturalized citizens)

Dual Citizens: Navigating Multiple Nationalities

The United States permits dual citizenship. This means:

• Holding Multiple Passports: U.S. citizens can acquire foreign citizenship without losing their U.S. citizenship. Consequently, they can hold passports from both countries.
• Obligations: Dual citizens owe allegiance to both nations and must adhere to the laws of each. This duality can sometimes lead to conflicting obligations, especially concerning taxation and military service.
• Travel Requirements: When entering or leaving the U.S., dual citizens are required to use their U.S. passport.

It’s essential to note that while the U.S. allows dual citizenship, not all countries do. Therefore, individuals should consult the embassy or consulate of the other country to understand its stance on dual nationality.

Green Card Holders: Pathway to U.S. Citizenship

Green card holders, or lawful permanent residents, are not U.S. citizens and thus are not eligible for a U.S. passport. However, they can apply for naturalization to become citizens, provided they meet certain criteria:

• Residency Duration: Typically, a minimum of five years as a permanent resident is required. For spouses of U.S. citizens, this period is reduced to three years.
• Physical Presence: Applicants must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required residency period.
• Good Moral Character: Demonstrating good moral character is essential, which includes adhering to laws and fulfilling tax obligations.
• English and Civics Knowledge: Applicants must pass tests on the English language and U.S. civics.

Upon successful naturalization, individuals can apply for a U.S. passport.

Impact of 2025 Trump Administration Policies on Passport Eligibility

The Trump administration’s policies in 2025 have introduced significant changes affecting passport eligibility and issuance:

1. Gender Marker Restrictions

• Executive Order 14168: This order mandates that all federal identification documents, including passports, reflect an individual’s sex assigned at birth. As a result:
  • The option to select a nonbinary “X” gender marker on passports has been eliminated.
  • Individuals seeking to change their gender marker on existing passports face increased scrutiny and potential denial.
  • Some transgender individuals have reported delays or denials in passport issuance, leading to legal challenges and injunctions against the policy.

2. Birthright Citizenship Challenges

• Executive Actions: The administration has attempted to redefine birthright citizenship, particularly targeting children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents. While these actions have faced legal challenges and injunctions, they have created uncertainty for affected individuals regarding their citizenship status and, by extension, passport eligibility.

3. Enhanced Immigration Enforcement

• Increased Scrutiny: The administration has intensified immigration enforcement, leading to stricter evaluations of naturalization applications. This heightened scrutiny can result in longer processing times and increased denials, affecting the ability of green card holders to obtain citizenship and subsequently a U.S. passport.

You Are NOT Eligible If

· You are not a U.S. citizen or national

· You have certain legal restrictions, such as:

• Outstanding federal arrest warrants
• Unpaid child support over $2,500
• Court orders preventing travel
• Felony convictions with parole restrictions on international travel
• Owing significant federal debts (in rare cases)
• Being under certain court-mandated guardianship (especially for minors)

Know Which Form You Need

Before you go anywhere, figure out whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing an existing passport.

• If you have never had a passport, or yours was issued more than 15 years ago, or you were under age 16 when it was issued, you’ll need to fill out Form DS-11 and apply in person.
• If you’re renewing and meet certain criteria (including having your most recent passport, which was issued within the last 15 years and after age 16), you can use Form DS-82 to renew by mail—or in some cases, online.

You can complete the form online at travel.state.gov and print it out, or pick up a copy at an official acceptance facility like a post office.

Where to Apply

If you’re applying in person, you’ll need to visit a passport acceptance facility. These are typically located in:

• Post offices
• Clerks of court
• Some public libraries
• Passport agencies and centers (for urgent travel within 14 days)

You can search for the nearest facility and make an appointment here: iafdb.travel.state.gov

Some locations do accept walk-ins, but appointments are strongly recommended—and in many areas, required.

What to Bring With You

First-time applicants and those applying in person should come prepared with:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship – This can be a certified birth certificate (not a photocopy), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a naturalization certificate, or a previous undamaged U.S. passport.
• Valid Government-Issued ID – Such as a current driver’s license, military ID, or state-issued ID card.
• Photocopies of Both – Bring a copy of the front and back of your citizenship document and your photo ID on standard white 8.5″ x 11″ paper.
• A Passport Photo – One recent (taken in the last six months), 2×2-inch color photo on a white background. Many post offices offer photo services for an added fee.
• Form DS-11 (unsigned) – Do not sign until you’re in front of an acceptance agent.
• Payment – Fees must be paid by check or money order for the Department of State portion; execution fees may be paid with a debit card, credit card, or cash depending on the facility.

If you’re renewing by mail, include:

• Your most recent passport (undamaged and issued after you turned 16)
• Form DS-82
• A recent passport photo
• A check or money order with the correct fee
• Any name change documents (e.g., marriage certificate) if applicable

Mail everything to the address provided on the form.

2025 Passport Fees

Fees can change, so always double-check before applying. As of early 2025, these are the current passport costs:

• Adult passport book: $130
• Child passport book (under 16): $100
• Adult passport card: $30
• Child passport card: $15
• Execution fee (for in-person applications): $35
• Expedited service: Additional $60
• 1-2 day delivery for return of your passport: Additional $19.53

Note: Passport cards are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean—but not for international air travel. If you’re flying abroad, you need a passport book.

How Long Does It Take?

Timing matters, especially if you’ve got a vacation, wedding, study abroad program, or business trip on the horizon.

• Routine service: Takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks.
• Expedited service: Takes around 2 to 3 weeks.
• Life-or-death emergencies or urgent travel within 14 days: You’ll need to call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency and bring proof of travel.

Tracking your passport status is easy—once submitted, you can check it online at travel.state.gov within 7–10 days.

What About Online Renewal?

In some cases, you may be eligible to renew online in 2025 through the U.S. State Department’s digital portal. This is still a phased rollout, and eligibility is based on factors like your passport’s expiration date and whether you’re making changes to your name or gender marker. Check if you qualify at travel.state.gov.

Do You Still Need a Passport for Domestic Flights?

No—but you will need a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport, by May 7, 2025, for domestic air travel and entering federal facilities. If your current driver’s license or ID is not Real ID compliant, a valid passport book or card can serve as an alternative.

Helpful Tips to Save Time

• Make your appointment early, especially during spring and summer.
• Don’t wear glasses in your passport photo—it’s not allowed unless medically necessary with documentation.
• Sign your forms in front of an acceptance agent only.
• Double-check everything before submitting to avoid delays—errors can set you back weeks.
• Keep digital copies of your ID, form, and payment confirmation for reference.

The Bottom Line

Getting a passport in 2025 doesn’t have to be a headache—if you plan ahead. Know which form you need, gather the right documents, and understand your timeline. Whether you’re finally taking that dream trip to Italy, preparing for an unexpected work assignment, or just want peace of mind before the Real ID deadline kicks in, having your passport ready is one less thing to stress about. The earlier you apply, the smoother your journey—starting now, not at the airport.

REAL ID: The 2025 Deadline, What It Means, and How to Get Yours

In a country where we already show ID for everything from boarding a plane to buying a six-pack, you might be wondering why the federal government introduced yet another form of identification. But the REAL ID isn’t just another card—it’s a nationwide standard designed to make our identity documents more secure. Whether you travel frequently or just want to stay ahead of the curve, understanding what the REAL ID is—and what the looming deadline means—is essential. Here’s what you need to know.

READ: REAL ID: The 2025 Deadline, What It Means, and How to Get Yours

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