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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Let’s navigate your passport process step by strategic step.
First things first: determine whether you’re a first-time applicant or renewing. First-timers will need to appear in person at our local facility, while renewals offer more flexibility. Consider your travel timeline and the specific requirements for your situation. Gather basic documents like birth certificate, current ID, and proof of citizenship before your initial visit.
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.
Hunt down every single required document with precision. You’ll need an acceptable form of identification, proof of citizenship, and recent photographs that meet strict federal guidelines. Our local processing center recommends double-checking every single document to prevent potential delays. Pro local insight: The Cape Coral Library often has resources to help verify document requirements.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Complete the DS-11 form for new passports or DS-82 for renewals with meticulous attention. Use black ink, write clearly, and avoid any stray marks. Our Villas community knows that precision prevents paperwork purgatory. Consider filling out the form at home first, then bringing a clean copy to submit. Mistakes here can cost you weeks of processing time.
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.
Passport photos in Villas are serious business. Head to the CVS on Del Prado Boulevard for professionally taken shots that meet all federal requirements. No selfies, no home prints. The photo must have a plain white or off-white background, showcase your full face, and meet exact size specifications. Our local photographers understand these nuanced requirements.
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.
Choose your submission location wisely. The Lee County government center offers reliable passport processing with knowledgeable staff who understand the intricacies of travel documentation. Bring all original documents, don’t fold anything, and be prepared to pay processing fees. Cash, credit, and specific money orders are typically accepted.
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.
Payment is the last critical step in your passport journey. Fees vary depending on book or card type, age, and processing speed. Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks, while expedited services can deliver in 2-3 weeks. Our Villas processing centers accept multiple payment methods, but always confirm current fee structures before your visit.
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 Villas
Make sure you have everything needed for Villas facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ Villas 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 Villas’s acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no Villas facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from Villas.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in Villas. 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
There are no passport facilities currently listed for Villas.
Honest comparison to help Villas residents choose the right option
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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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