New Passport (DS-11) Application
New U.S. Passport — Fast, Simple, Expert-Guided
Applying for a U.S. passport for the very first time? Replacing one that was lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use? Getting your child their first passport? Maybe your last passport was issued when you were under 16, or it's been more than 15 years since it was issued — either way, you need Form DS-11. Even if you're 16 or 17 transitioning to your first adult passport, or your name changed without legal documentation — we handle every single DS-11 scenario from start to finish. Expert document review, compliance checks, expedited processing, and hand-courier delivery to the U.S. Department of State. As fast as 24 hours.
Start My New PassportEligibility
Do You Need a New Passport (DS-11)?
Not sure which form you need? Here's a simple checklist. If any one of the conditions below applies to you, you must use Form DS-11 and apply in person at an acceptance facility. This covers first-time passports, lost or stolen replacements, damaged passports, child passports, 16–17 year old first adult passports, and passports expired more than 15 years. If you meet all of the renewal conditions instead, you can save time with the simpler DS-82 form.
You Qualify for a New Passport (DS-11)
- You are applying for a U.S. passport for the very first time
- Your most recent U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16
- Your most recent U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago
- Your most recent U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged (water damage, torn pages, mutilated)
- Your name has changed since your last passport was issued and you cannot legally document the name change
- You are applying for a passport for a minor child under age 16
- You are 16 or 17 years old applying for your first adult passport
Important: All DS-11 applications must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. This includes first-time applicants, children, and anyone replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport.
Use Passport Renewal Instead (DS-82)
If you meet all of the following conditions, you qualify for a simpler mail-in renewal — no in-person visit required.
- Your current passport was issued when you were 16 or older — AND within the last 15 years
- Your current passport is undamaged and can be submitted with your application — AND was issued in your current name or you can document your name change
Still not sure which form applies to your situation?
Try our Not Sure Which Form You Need? finder toolProcessing Speeds
Choose Your Processing Speed
From same-week emergency service to standard processing, we have a speed tier for every timeline. Select your speed and head to checkout to see full pricing and complete your order.
Hand Carry Services
Premium courier-handled submissions for the fastest possible turnaround
2–3 Business Days
Processing Time
Our fastest processing tier. Ideal for urgent travel — tomorrow, this weekend, or early next week. Hand-courier delivery with reserved agency slot.
- Hand-courier delivery to agency
- Reserved agency processing slot
- Overnight return delivery
- Dedicated case manager
- Real-time status tracking
4 Business Days
Processing Time
Expedited processing for travelers with a trip coming up in about a week. Priority courier submission with faster-than-standard turnaround.
- Priority courier submission
- Expedited agency processing
- Overnight return delivery
- Real-time status tracking
7 Business Days
Processing Time
A balanced option for travelers who need their passport within about two weeks. Reliable expedited processing without the premium rush pricing.
- Expedited courier submission
- Government expedited processing
- Overnight return delivery
- Real-time status tracking
9 Business Days
Processing Time
Accelerated processing for travelers with a trip 2–3 weeks out. Faster than standard government timelines without paying for top-tier rush service.
- Accelerated courier submission
- Government expedited processing
- Overnight return delivery
- Status tracking included
Smart Saver Services
Great for travelers who have time to spare.
3–5 Weeks
Processing TimeThe most affordable option for travelers who have plenty of time before their trip and want to save on processing fees.
- Expert document pre-review
- Application preparation & assembly
- Standard government processing
- USPS Priority Mail return
The Process
How Getting a New Passport Works
Four simple steps from application to passport in hand. We handle the complexity so you don't have to.
Complete Your Application Online
Start your secure order on our website. Upload scans or photos of your documents. Our system will guide you through exactly what you need for Form DS-11 based on your specific situation.
Expert Document Review
Our passport specialists review every document for errors, missing signatures, incorrect photos, or anything that could cause a rejection. We catch issues before the government does — saving you days or weeks of delays.
In-Person DS-11 Execution
Unlike passport renewals, new passport applications (DS-11) require you to sign your application in front of an authorized acceptance agent. We'll guide you to the nearest acceptance facility — often a post office, library, or county clerk near you — with clear instructions on exactly what to bring.
We Expedite — You Receive Your Passport
Once your executed application is ready, we hand-carry it to the U.S. Department of State for priority processing. You receive real-time tracking updates and your new passport arrives at your door — as fast as 24 hours for emergency service.
Why Fast Passport Center
Why Choose Us for Your New Passport
First-time passport applications have more ways to go wrong. Here's why thousands of Americans trust us to get it right the first time.
Expert Document Review
Our passport specialists have reviewed thousands of DS-11 applications. We catch the small mistakes — wrong photo size, missing signatures, incorrect form fields — that cause government rejections and weeks of delays. Most competitors just forward your documents without checking them.
Registered Hand-Courier Service
We are a registered U.S. Department of State passport courier, authorized to hand-deliver applications directly to passport agencies. When you need speed, our couriers physically walk your application in — no mail delays, no lost envelopes, no waiting in government processing queues.
Real-Time Tracking & Support
From the moment you submit your order, you get a personal tracking dashboard. See exactly where your application is in the process. Need help? Our U.S.-based support team is available by phone and email — real humans, not chatbots.
Best Price Guarantee
We typically charge 30–100% less than other registered passport couriers like FedEx and Staples. If you find a lower published price from any other registered passport courier for the same service, we'll match it. No hidden fees, no surprises.
What You'll Need
New Passport Requirements & Documents
Here's a complete checklist of everything required for a new passport application (Form DS-11). If your previous passport was lost or stolen, you'll also need Form DS-64. We'll review all your documents before you go to your acceptance facility.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
- Certified U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy — no photocopies)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240)
- Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
- All documents must be original or certified copies with a raised seal
Proof of Identity
- Valid driver's license (not temporary or learner's permit)
- Current government ID (city, state, or federal)
- Current military ID (military and dependents)
- Certificate of Naturalization may also serve as both proof of citizenship and identity
Passport Photo
- One 2×2 inch color passport photo
- Taken within the last 6 months
- White or off-white background
- Full face, front view with a neutral expression
- No glasses (as of 2016 regulation)
Form DS-11 and DS-64 (if applicable)
- Complete Form DS-11 online or by hand in black ink
- Do NOT sign the form — you must sign it in front of an acceptance agent
- Use your full legal name as it appears on your citizenship evidence
- Provide your Social Security number (required by law)
- If your previous passport was lost or stolen, also complete Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding Lost/Stolen Passport)
Government Fees
- Application fee payable to the U.S. Department of State
- Execution fee payable to the acceptance facility
- Exact fees vary — check current fee schedule on travel.state.gov
- Our service fee is separate and covers expert review, courier handling, and expedited processing
If Applicable: Parental Consent (Minors Under 16)
- Both parents/guardians must appear with the child at the acceptance facility
- If one parent cannot appear, a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) is required
- Evidence of parental relationship (child's birth certificate listing both parents)
- Parents must also present their own valid photo IDs
Passport Courier LOA
- A Letter of Authorization (LOA) is required for a courier service to submit your passport application on your behalf
- Without a signed LOA, the passport agency won't accept a courier-submitted application — this is non-negotiable
- When you sign up, Fast Passport Center sends you a pre-filled LOA along with complete step-by-step instructions
- Need a courier LOA? Click here to get started today
Tip: Don't worry if you're unsure about any requirement. Our expert review team checks every document before you visit the acceptance facility — catching issues before they cause delays.
Questions?
New Passport FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about first-time passports, lost passport replacements, damaged passport applications, child passports, and all DS-11 scenarios.
Yes. All first-time passport applicants must apply in person using Form DS-11, regardless of age. You'll need to visit an authorized passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, public library, or county clerk's office — where an acceptance agent will verify your identity, witness your signature, and seal your documents. We'll help you find the most convenient location and prepare everything you need beforehand so your in-person visit takes just minutes.
Still have questions? Our team is here to help.
Call 877-253-0084Ready to Get Started?
Your first passport is closer than you think.
Don't let the paperwork intimidate you. Start your secure order online and our expert team will guide you through every step — from document review to in-person execution to expedited processing. No confusion. No delays. Just your new passport, fast.
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