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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Getting ready for an adventure? Securing your U.S. passport in High Point, NC, is your first exciting step toward global exploration. This guide cuts through the confusion, offering straightforward, local tips to get your travel document sorted without a hitch. We’ll navigate the process together, making it easy to prepare for your next journey!
This crucial initial step dictates your entire application journey. If you’ve never held a U.S. passport, or if your previous one was issued before age 16, more than 15 years ago, or is lost/stolen, you’ll be applying as a first-timer using Form DS-11. Alternatively, if you possess an undamaged passport issued when you were 16 or older within the last 15 years, you’re likely eligible for a simpler renewal via Form DS-82. Don’t forget, children under 16 always require a DS-11 and specific parental consent rules. Knowing your status upfront saves a lot of hassle down the line.
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.
Prepare to gather your most vital personal documents. For first-time applicants, this means solid proof of U.S. citizenship – think your original birth certificate, previous passport, or naturalization certificate – AND a valid primary photo ID, such as your North Carolina driver’s license. Remember, originals or certified copies are often required for citizenship proof, not just photocopies! For renewals, your old passport usually suffices as both proof of citizenship and ID. Ensure your documents are current, legible, and undamaged. Having everything organized before you start makes the rest of the process much smoother.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Head over to the official U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov) to find and complete either Form DS-11 (for new applicants/minors) or DS-82 (for renewals). You have the option to fill it out online and then print it, or print the blank form and complete it by hand using black ink. A critical tip for DS-11 applicants: **DO NOT SIGN** the form until you are physically in front of a passport acceptance agent; they must witness your signature. DS-82 renewals, however, can be signed beforehand. Double-check every single field for accuracy; even minor typos can cause significant delays.
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 specific 2×2 inch, color photograph taken within the last six months is a non-negotiable requirement for your passport. Ensure it’s against a plain white or off-white background, free of shadows, and shows your full face with a neutral expression (no big smiles!) and both eyes open. Crucially, no glasses, hats, uniforms, or distracting items are permitted. Luckily, several convenient places around High Point make this step easy. You can usually pop into your local CVS, Walgreens, or The UPS Store for a quick, compliant passport photo service, typically costing around $15-$20.
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.
For new applications (DS-11), you must submit everything in person to an acceptance facility. High Point offers a couple of convenient options: the High Point Main Post Office (located at 315 W High Ave) or the Northpoint Station Post Office (at 2500 N Main St). It’s highly recommended to call ahead or check their official websites for current hours and to determine if an appointment is necessary for passport services. Remember, for DS-11, you’ll bring all your gathered documents, the unsigned form, your photo, and your payment to the agent, who will verify your identity and witness your signature.
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.
The final step involves paying the necessary fees. You’ll typically have two separate payments: the passport application fee (payable to the U.S. Department of State, usually by check or money order) and an execution fee (payable separately to the acceptance facility, often around $35, which can sometimes be paid by credit card or separate check). After successful submission, you’ll receive tracking information. Standard processing times can vary, so check travel.state.gov for current estimates. Expedited service is available for an extra cost if you’re in a hurry. Now, the waiting game begins for your brand new passport to arrive!
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 high point
Make sure you have everything needed for high point facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ high 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 high point’s 10 acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in Guilford County and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no high point facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from high point.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in high 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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Everything you need to know when applying for your first U.S. passport, including required documents and fees.
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