Your very first task is figuring out if you’re applying for a brand-new passport or simply renewing an old one. If you’ve never held a U.S. passport, or if your previous one was issued when you were under 16, or if it’s lost/stolen, you’ll be completing Form DS-11. This requires an in-person appearance. However, if your most recent passport is still valid or expired less than 5 years ago, and you were at least 16 when it was issued, you’re likely eligible for a simpler renewal process using Form DS-82 via mail. Don’t forget, separate rules apply for minor children, who always need both parents (or legal guardians) present with them when applying. Making this distinction upfront saves a lot of time!

Next, it’s time to gather all the essential pieces that prove your citizenship and identity. For new applicants, this typically means your original U.S. birth certificate (not a copy!) or a previous, undamaged passport. If you were born in Idaho, you can obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Vital Statistics office. You’ll also need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as your Idaho driver’s license, to prove your identity. Make sure these documents are current and in good condition. For renewals, your old passport usually suffices, but always double-check the specific requirements on the travel.state.gov website to ensure you have everything needed.

With your document type sorted, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of filling out the correct application form. Head over to travel.state.gov to access either Form DS-11 (for first-timers or specific situations) or Form DS-82 (for mail-in renewals). You can fill these out online and print them, which often makes things neater, or print a blank copy to complete by hand in black ink. Accuracy is paramount; double-check every date, name, and address. If you’re using Form DS-11, *do not sign it* until you are in front of a Passport Acceptance Agent at your local facility. They need to witness your signature, which is a critical part of the new application process.

Your passport photo isn’t just any picture; it has very specific requirements! It needs to be a recent (taken within the last six months) color photo, 2×2 inches in size, with a white or off-white background. You must look straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression or a slight, natural smile, and your full face should be visible. No glasses (unless medically necessary), no hats, and no uniforms. In Idaho Falls, several places offer passport photo services that are aware of these strict rules. Consider popping into the FedEx Office on E 17th St, The UPS Store on Woodruff Ave, or even pharmacies like Walgreens or CVS, which typically have staff trained for passport-compliant photos.

Now you know what you need, it’s time to figure out where in Idaho Falls you can officially submit your application. For new passports (DS-11), you must apply in person at a designated Passport Acceptance Facility. The primary facility for Idaho Falls residents is often the Main Post Office located at 250 S Park Ave, but always verify their specific passport service hours and if appointments are required by calling ahead or checking the USPS website. Other facilities might include certain county clerk’s offices, though the post office is generally the most common. Use the Acceptance Facility Search Tool on travel.state.gov to confirm the closest and most convenient location for your visit.

Finally, the big day arrives! When you head to your chosen Idaho Falls acceptance facility, bring *everything*: your completed (but unsigned, if DS-11) application form, your original proof of citizenship and identity documents, photocopies of both sides of your identity document and your citizenship document, and your passport photos. Be prepared to pay the necessary fees. Passport fees and execution fees are usually separate; check the travel.state.gov site for current amounts. Often, you’ll need to pay the passport fee with a check or money order made out to “U.S. Department of State” and the execution fee directly to the facility. Double-check your chosen facility’s accepted payment methods before you arrive to avoid any last-minute surprises.