Before anything else, pause and clarify your passport needs. Are you applying for the very first time, or is your old passport merely expired or nearing its expiration date? First-time applicants, and children under 16, typically use Form DS-11, which requires an in-person appointment. If you’re an adult renewing a valid or recently expired passport (issued within the last 15 years, and you were 16 or older when it was issued), you’ll likely use Form DS-82 and can mail it in. Knowing which category you fall into upfront will dictate the exact forms and documents you’ll need, streamlining the entire process from the start.

This is where you dig into your important papers. You’ll need original documents to prove both your U.S. citizenship and your identity. For citizenship, think about your certified birth certificate (not a hospital copy!) or a previous, undamaged U.S. passport. For identity, a valid driver’s license from Florida or a state ID card works perfectly. Remember, you’ll need to provide both the originals and clear photocopies of these documents (front and back for ID). If you need a certified birth certificate quickly, contact the Florida Department of Health in Leon County for local processing details, or order online from Florida Vital Records.

Your passport photo needs to be current (taken within the last six months), 2×2 inches, in color, and against a plain white or off-white background. No hats, no glasses, no selfies! Ensure your full face is visible with a neutral expression or a natural, slight smile. Luckily, Tallahassee offers several convenient spots for this. Many CVS, Walgreens, and UPS Store locations throughout the city, including those on Thomasville Road or Mahan Drive, provide passport photo services that meet official requirements. AAA members can also often get photos done at their local branch. It’s a quick step, but crucial for acceptance!

Head over to the official U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov) to find and complete the appropriate form. If you’re a first-timer or applying for a child, it’s the DS-11. For eligible renewals, it’s the DS-82. You can fill these out online and print them, or print blank forms and complete them by hand. Always use black ink, write legibly, and avoid any scribbles or correction fluid. Make sure every field is accurate and consistent with your supporting documents. Crucially, do NOT sign the DS-11 form until instructed to do so by an acceptance agent at your appointment.

For first-time applicants using Form DS-11, you must appear in person at an official passport acceptance facility. In Tallahassee, reliable options include various U.S. Post Office branches, such as the one on Mahan Drive or Capital Circle NW. The Leon County Clerk of Court also typically functions as an acceptance facility, offering another local choice. Always check their specific hours and appointment requirements—many facilities require you to schedule ahead. For renewals (DS-82), you’ll mail your application directly, so this in-person step is only for new passports. Confirm the nearest, most convenient location for your visit.

There are two main fees: the passport application fee (paid to the U.S. Department of State) and an execution fee (paid to the acceptance facility for DS-11 applicants). The application fee usually requires a check or money order. The execution fee, however, might accept credit cards, cash, or checks, depending on the facility, so confirm ahead. Once all documents are checked, forms are signed (if DS-11), and fees are paid, your application will be sealed and sent off. Routine processing times vary, but you can pay an additional fee for expedited service if you’re in a hurry. You’ll often receive a tracking number to monitor its journey.