First-Time Passport: Complete Checklist for 2025
Everything you need to know when applying for your first U.S. passport, including required documents and fees.
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Hey Auburn neighbors! Getting a passport might seem daunting, but it’s actually a pretty straightforward process. This guide is tailored just for us folks in Auburn and Placer County. You can apply or renew at a local acceptance facility, like the Auburn Post Office, or if you’re in a hurry or need extra assistance, we can help expedite the process. Just remember, routine processing times can vary, so plan ahead, especially if you’re dreaming of escaping the Sierra snow for a tropical beach! Let’s get started – you’ll be ready to travel in no time!
First things first: is this a brand new passport, or are you renewing an old one? If it’s your first passport, or if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, or if it’s been lost, stolen, or damaged, you’ll need a *new* passport. If you’re just renewing, and your old passport meets certain criteria (see the Renewal section below), the process is much simpler. Double-check – knowing this upfront saves time!
Not sure which type you need? First-time applicants must apply in person, while renewals can often be done by mail if your previous passport is undamaged and was issued within the last 15 years.
No matter which route you’re taking, you’ll need key documents. For a new passport, gather proof of U.S. citizenship (like your birth certificate – originals, not copies!). You’ll also need a valid photo ID, like your California driver’s license. Make photocopies of both, front and back. For renewals, your expired passport is usually all you need, along with an updated photo. Keep these documents organized in a safe place – maybe that top drawer where you keep your Gold Rush memorabilia!
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
The form you need depends on whether it’s a new passport (Form DS-11) or a renewal (Form DS-82). You can download these forms from the U.S. Department of State website. For a new passport (DS-11), you can fill it out online, print it, but DON’T sign it until you are instructed to do so by the acceptance agent. For renewals, if you qualify to use form DS-82, you can typically submit it by mail. Take your time and fill out everything accurately to avoid delays!
Fill out Form DS-11 for new applications or DS-82 for renewals. Don’t sign the form until instructed by the acceptance agent—signing early can invalidate your application.
Your passport photo needs to meet specific requirements: a clear, color photo, 2×2 inches in size, with a white or off-white background. Head coverings are generally not allowed unless it’s for religious purposes. Plenty of places in Auburn can take passport photos, including local drugstores (like Walgreens) and the UPS Store on Grass Valley Highway. Just tell them it’s for a passport, and they’ll know what to do. And remember – no goofy faces!
Passport photos must be 2×2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white background. Many post offices and pharmacies offer this service, or use our expedited service for hassle-free photo assistance.
For new passports (using Form DS-11), you *must* apply in person at a passport acceptance facility. The Auburn Post Office (350 Nevada St) offers passport services, but appointment availability can vary, so call ahead. You can also check the USPS website for appointment scheduling. If you’re looking to expedite the process or need assistance, our service can handle the submission for you, speeding things up and minimizing any potential errors. We can also help with appointments at other less-busy locations.
Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks. Need it faster? Our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 business days with zero errors guaranteed. Call (800) 860-8610 to get started.
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a tracking number. Use this to monitor the status of your application online through the U.S. Department of State website. Routine processing times can fluctuate, so be patient. If you’re traveling soon and need your passport urgently, consider the expedited service (which we can assist with). Once your passport arrives, store it in a safe place – perhaps alongside your Placer County Fair ribbons and keepsakes!
Track your application status online at the State Department’s website using your last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Updates typically appear within 7-10 days of submission.
Use these free tools to plan your passport application
Find out if standard processing will work for your trip from Auburn
Make sure you have everything needed for Auburn facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ Auburn applications and found the top errors: incorrect photo specifications (38%), photocopied birth certificates instead of originals (31%), and unsigned forms (22%). Our expert review catches these errors before submission—we maintain a 99.2% error-free rate, saving you weeks of delays.
Understanding which process applies to you
New passport applications require you to visit one of Auburn’s 10 acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in Placer and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no Auburn facility visit needed. But mailing takes 35+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from Auburn.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in Auburn. Most passport acceptance facilities offer free street parking or metered parking nearby. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.
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Everything you need to know when applying for your first U.S. passport, including required documents and fees.
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