Before you gather a single document, it’s vital to clarify what kind of passport you need. Are you a first-timer, perhaps a child getting their initial passport? Or are you simply renewing an old one that’s expired or about to? Maybe your previous passport was lost or stolen. This initial decision dictates which form to use (DS-11 for new/lost/minor, DS-82 for renewal) and whether you’ll submit in person or by mail. Understanding this upfront saves a lot of backtracking and ensures you prepare correctly for your journey. Take a moment to check your old passport’s expiration date or confirm if this is truly your inaugural U.S. passport application.

This step is all about hunting down the necessary evidence of who you are and where you’re from. You’ll need proof of U.S. citizenship, which is usually your original birth certificate or a previous, undamaged passport. Don’t forget your valid government-issued photo ID, like your Mississippi driver’s license; you’ll need both the original and a photocopy of the front and back. If you’re applying for a minor, you’ll also need their birth certificate, both parents’ IDs, and proof of your relationship. Make sure all names match up across documents to avoid any hiccups. Having everything neatly organized beforehand makes the rest of the process much smoother.

Now it’s time to fill out the appropriate form. If you’re a first-time applicant, getting a passport for a child, or replacing a lost/stolen one, you’ll need Form DS-11. For adult renewals, provided your previous passport is still valid or expired within the last 5 years, you’ll use Form DS-82. You can find these forms online at travel.state.gov and fill them out electronically before printing, or print them blank and complete by hand with black ink. Remember, if you’re using the DS-11, **DO NOT SIGN IT** until you are in front of an acceptance agent at your submission appointment. They need to witness your signature.

Your passport photo isn’t just any snapshot; it has very specific requirements. It must be a recent, color photo, 2×2 inches in size, taken against a plain white or off-white background. Make sure you have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, and no glasses, hats, or uniforms are allowed. It’s often easiest to visit a professional service or pharmacy that specializes in passport photos. In Biloxi, reliable spots include most CVS and Walgreens locations, as well as the FedEx Office on Sangani Blvd. They’re usually well-versed in the exact specifications, saving you a potential rejection later on.

For first-time applicants, minors, or those replacing a lost/stolen passport (using Form DS-11), you **must** submit your application in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. In Biloxi, the U.S. Post Office at 1684 Beach Blvd is a primary location. You might also consider the Harrison County Circuit Clerk in nearby Gulfport (1801 23rd Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501), which often handles passport services. Call ahead to confirm hours and if an appointment is necessary. Remember to bring all your original documents, photocopies, your unsigned DS-11 form, and your passport photo. If you’re renewing by mail with a DS-82, simply send it off via a traceable method.

The final step before the waiting game is payment. There are typically two fees: the application fee (for the passport book itself) and an execution fee (paid only for DS-11 in-person applications). Fees can vary, so check travel.state.gov for current rates. For in-person submissions, the execution fee often needs to be a separate check or money order. Have these ready when you go to the facility. After submission, you can track your application’s status online. Processing times fluctuate, from several weeks for routine service to a few days for expedited, so plan accordingly for your Biloxi departure!