Requirements and Who Can Apply for a U.S. Passport
To apply for a United States passport, you must be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization. Children can also apply with the consent of their parents or legal guardians.
You will need to gather the following documents:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or citizenship)
- Valid photo identification document (driver's license, military ID, etc.)
- A recent photo in the 2x2 inch (5x5 cm) format, with a white background
- Completed DS-11 form (not signed until the time of submission)
- Payment of applicable fees
Important: People renewing their passport typically use the DS-82 form, which can be mailed. However, for first-time applicants, it is mandatory to appear in person.
Where and How to Apply
The application for a U.S. passport must be made in person at an authorized agency, such as a post office (USPS), libraries, or acceptance facilities for passports.
For children under 16 years old, both parents or guardians must be present.Teenagers between 16 and 17 years old must be accompanied by at least one parent or legal guardian.
It is necessary to schedule an appointment at most locations.
Fees Involved in the Application
The updated fees for 2025 are:
For adults (first application):
- Passport book: $130
- Acceptance fee: $35
- Total: $165
For minors under 16 years old:
- Passport book: $100
- Acceptance fee: $35
- Total: $135
Optional services:
- Express service (delivery in 2-3 weeks): +$60
- Express mail delivery (Priority Express): +$19.53
- Urgent service with appointment at passport agency: free, but available only in specific cases with proof (travel within 72 hours, medical emergency, etc.)
Passport Delivery Time
The estimated time to receive the passport depends on the type of service chosen:
- Standard service: 6 to 8 weeks
- Express service: 2 to 3 weeks
- Emergency service: 24 to 72 hours (only at special agencies and with proof)
During peak demand times (summer, year-end), the standard timeframe may be even longer, so it is important to plan ahead.
How to Expedite the Request in Case of Emergency
If you have an urgent trip, there are options to expedite the process:
- Express Service: Just pay the additional fee of $60 at the time of the request.
- Passport Agencies: For emergencies (such as death or serious illness of a family member abroad), you can schedule an appointment at one of the 26 regional agencies in the U.S. It is necessary to present documentation that proves the urgency and the travel itinerary.
- Express Delivery: Combine with the express service to receive the passport even faster via priority mail.
Conclusion
Applying for a U.S. passport may seem complicated, but with the right documentation and proper planning, the process is straightforward. If you need help filling out forms, scheduling your appointment, or understanding which service is ideal for your case, the Pontal Brazil team is here to assist you from start to finish.
Contact us!
π Phone: (973) 344-5032
π§ Email: contact@pontalbrazil.com