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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Getting your U.S. passport can seem like a puzzle, but it’s a straightforward journey with the right guidance. Especially for residents of Coral Gables, knowing the local nuances can smooth out the process considerably. Let’s walk through each step, making sure your application is solid and ready for your next international adventure!
This crucial first step determines which path you’ll follow. Are you applying for your very first U.S. passport, or is it time to renew an expired one? If you’re a first-time adult applicant, or if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, you’ll generally need to complete Form DS-11 and apply in person. On the other hand, if you’re renewing an adult passport that’s less than 15 years old and still in good condition, you can typically use Form DS-82 and mail it in. Don’t forget, passports for minors always require a special in-person application with both parents present (or specific documentation for single-parent scenarios). Understanding this distinction early saves a lot of headaches!
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.
Time to play detective and collect your essential papers. For most first-time applicants, this means your original birth certificate (or naturalization certificate) as proof of U.S. citizenship, along with a valid government-issued photo ID like your Florida Driver’s License. Remember, you’ll need both the original *and* a photocopy of each document, front and back, on separate sheets of paper. Renewing? You’ll need your old passport. It’s wise to double-check the State Department’s website for the most current list, but having these core items ready is a great start. These are non-negotiables for your application!
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Head over to the U.S. Department of State’s website to access either the DS-11 (for first-timers, minors) or DS-82 (for renewals) form. It’s highly recommended to fill out the form online, as it helps prevent errors and ensures all fields are correctly populated. Print it out single-sided. **Crucially, if you’re completing Form DS-11, DO NOT SIGN IT YET!** Your signature must be witnessed by a passport acceptance agent at your appointment. For DS-82 renewals, you can sign and date it before mailing. Take your time to accurately input all personal details; mistakes here can cause 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 has strict requirements – no smiles, no glasses, a plain white or off-white background, and 2×2 inches in size. Think serious, neutral expression! Many places in Coral Gables can help you get this just right. Local pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, as well as shipping centers such as The UPS Store, typically offer passport photo services. They’re usually familiar with the exact specifications, saving you a potential trip back. It’s a small detail, but a non-compliant photo is a common reason for application delays, so get it done professionally.
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.
Before you head out, tally up your fees. A new adult passport book currently costs $130 (application fee) plus a $35 execution fee if applying in person. Renewals are typically just the $130 application fee. Checks or money orders payable to the “U.S. Department of State” are usually required for the application fee, while the execution fee might be payable separately to the facility. For dropping off, Coral Gables residents have options! The Coral Gables Post Office (located at 2701 Salzedo St) is a primary acceptance facility, but you can also check the State Department’s locator for other nearby options like select libraries. Call ahead to confirm hours and if an appointment is necessary.
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.
If you’re a first-time applicant (DS-11), it’s time for your in-person appointment. Bring *everything*: your unsigned DS-11 form, original documents and their photocopies, your passport photo, and your payment (check/money order). The acceptance agent will review your documents, witness your signature, and seal your application. For renewals (DS-82), simply mail your signed form, old passport, photo, and payment to the address specified on the form. Whichever route you take, double-check one last time that you haven’t forgotten anything crucial. Then, patiently await your new passport, ready for international adventures from Coral Gables!
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 coral gables
Make sure you have everything needed for coral gables facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ coral gables 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 coral gables’s 10 acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in Miami-Dade County and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no coral gables facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from coral gables.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in coral gables. 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.
Find the nearest acceptance location — or skip the hassle entirely
Honest comparison to help coral gables residents choose the right option
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