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 for an adventure beyond the Pascagoula River? Getting a U.S. passport from right here in Moss Point, MS, is your first step! This guide will walk you through the entire process, making it simple and straightforward. Just gather your items, follow these easy steps, and soon you’ll be ready to explore the world!
Before you dive into gathering documents, decide if you’re applying for a brand-new passport, renewing an old one, or getting one for a minor. This initial decision is crucial because it determines which application form you’ll need. If this is your very first passport, your previous one was lost or stolen, or you’re applying for a child under 16, you’ll complete Form DS-11. For adult renewals, where you still possess your previous, undamaged passport issued within the last 15 years, you’ll fill out Form DS-82. Understanding this distinction early saves you time and ensures you start with the correct paperwork right from your home in Moss Point.
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.
Now it’s time to gather the essential pieces of your identity. For a new passport, this typically includes your original birth certificate (or a certified copy) or your previous passport as proof of U.S. citizenship. You’ll also need a valid government-issued photo identification, like your Mississippi driver’s license. Don’t forget to make photocopies of both sides of your citizenship evidence and your ID – these are often required alongside the originals. Having everything organized beforehand prevents last-minute scrambling and makes the submission process much smoother. Double-check expiration dates to ensure all your IDs are current!
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
With your application type determined and documents in hand, head over to the U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov) to find and print the appropriate form (DS-11 or DS-82). Fill out every section clearly and accurately. It’s a good idea to use black ink and write legibly. While filling it out, remember one extremely important rule for Form DS-11: DO NOT sign it until you are specifically instructed to do so by a Passport Acceptance Agent. They must witness your signature, so keep your pen uncapped but your signature hand still until they give the nod.
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.
A crucial part of your application is a compliant passport photo. This isn’t just any selfie! The photo must be recent (within the last six months), 2×2 inches in size, in color, with a plain white or off-white background. Look directly at the camera with a neutral facial expression or a natural, subtle smile. No glasses, hats, or uniforms are allowed. In Moss Point, places like the Walgreens on Main Street or the Walmart Supercenter nearby are reliable spots for this service. Call ahead to confirm service availability and hours before you head out!
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.
You’ll need to prepare two separate payments for your passport. The first payment covers the passport book and/or card fee, which must be a check or money order made payable to the ‘U.S. Department of State.’ No cash or credit cards are accepted for this portion. The second payment is an execution fee for the passport acceptance facility, which processes your application. This fee is usually around $35 and can often be paid by check, money order, or sometimes credit card or cash, depending on the facility. When you visit your acceptance facility in Moss Point, be ready with your payment method for their processing fee, separate from the U.S. Department of State payment.
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.
Finally, with all your documents, completed (but unsigned DS-11) form, photo, and payments ready, it’s time to submit everything. For Moss Point residents, the go-to spot is typically the U.S. Post Office located at 4400 Main Street, which serves as a designated Passport Acceptance Facility. It’s absolutely vital to call ahead and schedule an appointment before you just show up. Walk-ins are rarely accepted for passport services. Bring all your original documents, their copies, your photo, and both forms of payment. The agent will review everything, witness your signature (for DS-11), and send your application on its way!
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 MOSS POINT
Make sure you have everything needed for MOSS POINT facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ MOSS POINT 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 MOSS POINT’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 MOSS POINT facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from MOSS POINT.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in MOSS POINT. 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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