Dec 14

Dec 14 2023 Step-by-Step Guide: Obtaining Your First Passport in the United States

If you're thinking about taking your first international trip and you need help getting your first passport, you're in the right place.

Even if you have no idea where you want to go, but you know you want to go somewhere, you’re still in the right place.

With all the amazingness of getting married this year, I've had to endure the year-long process of changing my last name on every legal and financial document.

Including my passport.

While I was at work one day, I started venting to my coworkers about the process (and headache) of renewing my passport, when I found out that none of my coworkers had ever gotten their passports.

Like no one.

And before I go on, let me say this first. In no way am I persecuting them or you for not having a passport already. I just naively thought that because I had a passport, everyone must have one too.

Which in hindsight, was completely foolish.

I guess the real reason I was shocked that none of my coworkers had a passport is because they’re all pretty diverse people. The fact that they didn't have their passports clearly had nothing to do with their age, gender, education, or race.

But me being me, I was determined to find out the reason why.

During our convo, I discovered that one of the things they did have in common, like maybe you and many others, is the popular opinion that they can't afford to travel anywhere - let alone internationally - so what is the point in having a passport?

And I completely get it.

I used to think that too - before I figured out that I could make my travel plans fit my budget - even on a very small grad student's budget - which is what inspired me to start this blog in the first place.

I remember coming back from my first trip to Europe and hearing family and friends say, "I wish I could afford a trip like that." or ask me, "which travel agent did you use?"

Little did they know, taking that trip was as simple as me making the decision to go and finding a way to do it on the $1,200/month income that I had at the time.

I used every resource that I could including dozens of travel blogs, a few airfare trackers, and my favorite source ever….

The internet.

With all that being said, my goal is to contribute more useful content for the travel community and to not only convince you that you can afford to travel but to give you all the resources you actually need to make it happen - on even the smallest budget.

And the first step to achieving that goal is helping you get the most important thing you need to travel across seas and borders - a United States passport.

Which, if I’m being honest, is probably one of the most expensive items you need at $145 but its necessary if you want to travel internationally. And it’s 100% the best investment I could’ve made as a broke, pharmacy student.

Believe it or not, if you're a U.S. citizen and you travel outside U.S. borders - to Canada, for example - the U.S. government has to give you permission to come back into the United States.

Crazy, right?

And how exactly do you get that permission?

Well, by showing your United States passport, which gives border control agents proof that you're actually a U.S. citizen.

People often think that they need a passport to travel to another country, but that's actually not true. When you travel to other countries, your U.S. passport just acts as an international ID. You might be required to have additional documents, like a visa, to go to certain countries, but we'll touch on that topic another day.

Today, we're gonna focus on everything you need to know about getting an American passport.

So, if you're ready to do more than just dream about that trip to Bali, let's work together on the first step.

Let's get your passport and make seeing the world a reality.

Passport 101: Everything You Need To Know About Getting Your First U.S. Passport

An Easy, Step-by-Step Guide to Get Your First American Passport

Step 1: Fill out your application form

Complete your DS-11 form, but do not sign it yet!

Step 2: Gather all your required documents

You must provide proof that you are a U.S. citizen by bringing either your
- U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship
  - Bring the original document and one photocopy of the document
Photo ID
- Driver’s license, military ID, government employee ID, green card, or valid foreign passport
  - Bring the original ID and one photocopy of the ID

Step 3: Get your passport photo taken

There are a lot of requirements for a valid photo, so my suggestion would be not to take it yourself and have it done at an official passport photo facility like the drugstore, library, or post office.
Also, this photo must be current and taken within the last 6 months.

Step 4: Turn in your application to a passport acceptance facility.

You must do this yourself, in-person.
- If you are applying for a passport for a child under 16 years old, you must provide proof that you are the child’s legal parent or guardian and provide parental consent from both parents.
Click here to find the closest acceptance facility near you.

Step 5: Pay the passport fee & wait for your passport to arrive in the mail

It typically takes about 8 weeks for your passport to arrive.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For the purpose of this post, whenever the word “passport” is used, I’m referring to a “passport book,” not a passport card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a passport?

To travel outside the United States
- If you’ve ever dreamed of going to Cabo for spring break or Bali for a tropical getaway, you’ll need your passport.
Proof of citizenship
In case you ever lose your Driver's License
- Your passport can always be used as a backup ID
Potentially for work
- You never know if you’ll be offered a job where you’ll have to travel internationally for work. Don’t limit your options or opportunities by not having your passport set and ready to go for when that time comes.
- To visit family or friends that live abroad

Who can get a United States passport?

Any United States citizen

How long does it take to get my passport?

It usually takes up to 8 weeks after you have submitted your application to get your passport.

Where can I get a passport application?

You can download your passport application, or you can pick up an application from your local post office.

Do I need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?

No, you just need a valid Driver’s License or ID

Can I have more than one passport?

It depends.
- You can only have one valid U.S. passport at a time. However, you are allowed to have another country’s passport if you have dual citizenship in another country. Some counties that do not allow dual citizenship (or more than one passport) include India, Cuba, and China.

Can I get a passport with a felony?

In most cases, yes.
- There are a couple restrictions. If you are convicted of international drug trafficking, currently in jail, or on parole for felony drug charges, you could be denied a passport, unless pardoned.

How can I get a passport quickly or sooner than 8 weeks?

If you need to travel for a life or death emergency within 72hrs, you could get a passport immediately by applying at a passport agency.
You can get an expedited passport in less than 8 weeks, without needing a specific reason by applying in person at an expedited passport agency.
- You must also pay the expedited service fee of $60

Where can I get a passport photo taken?

At a local drugstore like CVS or Walgreens, your local library, online, local post office

Can I get a passport if I'm behind on child support?

It depends.
- If you owe more than 2,500$ in back child support, no - you can not get a U.S. passport until after that has been paid.
- If you owe less than 2,500$ in child support, yes - you can get a U.S. passport.

How much does a passport cost?

If you are 16 years old or older, a U.S. passport cost $110
If you are under 16 years old, a U.S. passport cost $80

Can I get a passport online?

No. You must apply in person at a passport agency for your first passport.

I learned a valuable lesson while writing this post.

Never assume, like I did, that everyone has the same resources as you.

If you found this post even just a little bit helpful, please share it with a friend who has the desire to see the world but just don't know how to make it happen.