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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Ready to explore beyond Douglasville? Getting a passport might seem like a maze, but it’s totally doable right here in our community. We’ve simplified the journey into six clear steps, making the process of securing your travel document straightforward and stress-free. Let’s get you set for your next big adventure!
Before anything else, figure out what kind of passport application you need. Are you applying for a passport for the very first time? Or is it time to renew an existing one? If it’s your inaugural passport, you’ll be tackling Form DS-11. This form requires an in-person visit to an acceptance facility. If your old passport is expired but not too old, or if you’re just updating it, you might be eligible to renew by mail using Form DS-82. Eligibility for renewal by mail depends on several factors, like your previous passport being issued within the last 15 years and undamaged. Knowing which category you fall into is step one for a smooth sail!
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 gather your necessary identity proofs and citizenship documents. For first-timers, you’ll absolutely need proof of U.S. citizenship, typically your original birth certificate (not a copy!) or a previous, undamaged U.S. passport. You’ll also need a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as your Georgia driver’s license. If your name has changed, bring certified legal documentation like a marriage certificate or court order. Make sure all your documents are originals or certified copies, as regular photocopies won’t cut it. Having everything ready before you start filling out forms prevents headaches later on.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Now for the paperwork! Head over to the Department of State’s website (travel.state.gov) to find and fill out either the DS-11 (for first-timers) or DS-82 (for renewals). Fill it out completely and accurately. If you’re using the DS-11, **do not sign it** until you’re in front of the acceptance agent at your appointment. They need to witness your signature. For the DS-82, you can sign it beforehand. Precision is key here; any errors could delay your application significantly. Take your time, double-check every field, and consider printing it clearly in black ink if filling by hand.
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.
You’ll need a specific photo for your passport – no selfies allowed! The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), in color, 2×2 inches in size, with a white or off-white background. Look directly at the camera with a neutral facial expression or a slight, natural smile, and ensure no shadows or glare obscure your face. Absolutely no glasses allowed! In Douglasville, you can easily get compliant passport photos taken at places like the UPS Store, Walgreens, or CVS. Just walk in, tell them it’s for a U.S. passport, and they’ll handle the rest.
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 first-time applicants using Form DS-11, you must submit your application in person at a passport acceptance facility. Good news for Douglasville residents: the U.S. Post Office on Fairburn Road is a primary acceptance facility. It’s highly recommended to call ahead or check their website to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins can be unpredictable and might result in long waits. Bring all your original documents, your unsigned DS-11 form, your passport photo, and be ready to pay the applicable fees. The acceptance agent will verify your identity and witness your signature, then mail everything off.
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.
When submitting your application, you’ll pay two separate fees: the passport application fee (payable to the U.S. Department of State, usually by check or money order) and an execution fee (payable to the acceptance facility, often accepted by cash, check, or card). Check current fees on the Department of State website before your appointment. Once everything is submitted, you’ll receive a tracking number. Keep it! You can use it online at travel.state.gov to monitor your passport’s journey. Processing times can vary, so apply well in advance of any planned travel. Standard processing can take several weeks, so patience is key after this final step!
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 douglasville
Make sure you have everything needed for douglasville facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ douglasville 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 douglasville’s 10 acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in Douglas County and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no douglasville facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from douglasville.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in douglasville. 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
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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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