Before you dive into gathering documents, decide if you’re applying for a brand-new passport or simply renewing an existing one. If you’ve never had a U.S. passport before, or if your previous one was issued when you were under 16, or if it was lost/stolen, you’ll be using Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport). For most renewals (if your passport is less than 15 years old, undamaged, and you were 16+ when issued), you’ll opt for Form DS-82. This initial distinction dictates which forms and supporting documents you’ll need to prepare. Understanding this from the start will save you time and frustration down the line.

This is a critical step! You’ll need original proof of your U.S. citizenship. For most Greensboro residents, this means a certified birth certificate (not a hospital record!), a previous undamaged U.S. passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Remember, photocopies won’t cut it here; they need to see the original document, which will be mailed with your application and returned to you separately. If you don’t have your birth certificate, contact the register of deeds in the county where you were born to request a certified copy. For North Carolina births, visit the NC Vital Records website.

You’ll need valid identification, typically your current, unexpired North Carolina driver’s license or state ID. Make sure it’s in good condition. Next, get that passport photo! It must be a recent (within 6 months), color photo, 2×2 inches, with a plain white or off-white background. No glasses, no hats (unless for religious reasons), and a neutral facial expression. Many pharmacies around Greensboro, like CVS or Walgreens, offer passport photo services. The UPS Store on Battleground Avenue or Printworks on Spring Garden Street are also reliable local options to get it done right the first time.

Now for the paperwork! Visit the official State Department website (travel.state.gov) to find and fill out the correct form (DS-11 or DS-82) online. While you can print a blank form, filling it out digitally helps ensure legibility. Print it single-sided, but *do not sign* the DS-11 form if you’re applying for a new passport! You must sign it in front of a Passport Acceptance Agent. For DS-82 renewals, you can sign it yourself. Double-check every field for accuracy, as mistakes can cause significant delays in processing your application.

Passport costs vary depending on the type of service (book, card, or both) and whether you need expedited processing. You’ll typically pay two separate fees: one to the U.S. Department of State (for the passport itself) and another to the acceptance facility (for their service). The State Department fee *must* be paid by check or money order. The acceptance facility fee can usually be paid by check, money order, or sometimes credit/debit card. Check current fees on travel.state.gov, and make sure you have the correct payment methods prepared before your appointment.

This is the final hurdle! You must submit your DS-11 application in person. Fortunately, Greensboro has several Passport Acceptance Facilities. Popular choices include the U.S. Post Office locations, such as the one on South Mendenhall Street or West Gate City Boulevard. You’ll need to make an appointment at most facilities, so call ahead! Bring all your original documents, your photo, the unsigned DS-11 form, and your payment. The agent will review everything, witness your signature, and mail off your application. For DS-82 renewals, you can mail it yourself directly.