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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Planning an international adventure from Suwanee? Awesome! Securing your U.S. passport doesn’t have to be a headache. This straightforward guide walks you through each necessary step, making the process smooth and understandable. Get ready to explore the world with confidence, knowing you’ve handled the paperwork efficiently!
Before anything else, figure out your application status. Are you applying for a passport for the very first time, including for a child under 16? Then you’ll need Form DS-11. Did your old passport expire less than 15 years ago, and you were at least 16 when it was issued? You might be eligible to renew by mail using Form DS-82. Children’s passports always require both parents to apply in person with the child. Knowing your category dictates the forms and documents you’ll prepare. Make this initial distinction to streamline your entire process.
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.
This step is all about hunting down crucial identification. For first-time applicants, you’ll need proof of U.S. citizenship – think your original birth certificate or a previous, undamaged U.S. passport. You’ll also need a valid government-issued photo ID, like your Georgia driver’s license. Remember, originals are key here; photocopies usually won’t cut it for primary proof of citizenship. For renewals, your old passport is your main document. Double-check expiration dates and ensure everything is current and in good condition before moving forward.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Now it’s time to get down to details with the actual application form. Head over to travel.state.gov to access either Form DS-11 (for new applicants) or DS-82 (for renewals). It’s often easiest to fill out the form online and then print it; this minimizes errors and ensures legibility. If you’re using a printed blank form, write neatly in black ink. Crucially, if you are completing a DS-11, *do not sign the form* until you are in front of a passport acceptance agent. They must witness your signature, a vital part of the application process.
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 recent, color photograph that meets specific government requirements. This means a 2×2 inch photo, taken against a plain white or off-white background, with a neutral facial expression or a slight, natural smile. No glasses are permitted, and your full face must be visible. Fortunately, getting this done is super convenient right here in Suwanee. Most CVS, Walgreens, or UPS Store branches, like the CVS on Buford Highway or the Walgreens off Peachtree Industrial, can provide compliant passport photos quickly and affordably. Skip the DIY if you’re unsure!
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 (DS-11), you must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility. This is where you’ll present all your documents, unsigned form, photo, and ID to an authorized agent who will verify your identity and witness your signature. Your go-to spot in the area is often a local post office. The Suwanee Post Office on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road is a certified acceptance facility. Always check their specific passport appointment hours and requirements – sometimes you need to schedule ahead – before heading over. Bring your originals!
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.
The final step at the facility involves payment. You’ll typically pay two separate fees: one directly to the U.S. Department of State for the passport itself, and an execution fee to the acceptance facility. For the government fee, a check or money order is usually required, so come prepared! Credit cards aren’t always accepted for this portion. After everything is submitted, you can track your application’s status online at travel.state.gov. Standard processing times can vary, so if your trip is imminent, consider paying extra for expedited service.
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 suwanee
Make sure you have everything needed for suwanee facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ suwanee 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 suwanee’s 10 acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in Gwinnett County and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no suwanee facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from suwanee.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in suwanee. 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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