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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Determine whether you need a brand new passport or a renewal. For first-timers, you’ll need to appear in person at our local processing center. Renewals offer more flexibility, but we recommend confirming specific requirements based on your unique circumstances.
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.
Gather your identification arsenal: birth certificate, driver’s license, and proof of citizenship. Pro tip from locals: make copies at Diehm’s Hardware to ensure you have backup documents. Our town clerk’s office can also verify document authenticity if needed.
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 (new passport) or DS-82 (renewal) form with precision. Use black ink, write clearly, and double-check every entry. Our community values attention to detail, so take your time and get it right the first 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.
Get passport photos that meet federal standards. While chain stores work, local photographers near the Krider Garden understand lighting and composition. Aim for a neutral expression, no glasses, and a plain background that reflects New Paris’s clean, straightforward aesthetic.
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.
Visit our local acceptance facility with all documents. Bring payment methods accepted by the county clerk. Processing times vary, but our small-town efficiency means you’ll likely have faster turnaround than big city locations. Ask about expedited options if you’re on a tight timeline.
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.
Pay required fees via check, money order, or approved credit methods. Current passport book fees range from $130-$165 depending on age. Keep receipt copies – a habit we’ve learned from generations of meticulous Elkhart County record-keepers.
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 New Paris
Make sure you have everything needed for New Paris facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ New Paris 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 New Paris’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 New Paris facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from New Paris.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in New Paris. 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 New Paris.
Honest comparison to help New Paris 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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