Are you a first-timer, or is your old blue book ready for retirement? This crucial distinction guides your entire process. If you’ve never had a passport, or if your last one was issued when you were under 16, or if it’s been lost or expired for more than 15 years, you’re a ‘new applicant’ – requiring the DS-11 form and an in-person visit. For renewals, if your passport is relatively recent and still in your possession, you’ll use the DS-82 form and can usually mail it in. Knowing which category you fall into right away saves considerable time and ensures you gather the correct documents for your Navesink journey.

This step is about digging up the bedrock documents. For proof of U.S. citizenship, grab your original birth certificate (issued by the city, county, or state), a previous undamaged U.S. passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Photocopies won’t cut it – you need the genuine article. Alongside this, prepare a valid photo identification, like your New Jersey driver’s license or a state-issued ID card. You’ll need both the original and a photocopy of the front and back of your ID. Keep everything organized; having it all neatly prepared before you head out from Navesink makes the submission process seamless.

Head over to the official U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov) to find the correct form. If you’re a new applicant or meet the DS-11 criteria, you’ll complete that specific form online, print it out single-sided, but **DO NOT SIGN IT**. Your signature for the DS-11 must be witnessed by an acceptance agent during your in-person appointment. For renewals, you’ll use the DS-82 form, which can be signed at home. Ensure all fields are accurately filled; mistakes can cause frustrating delays. Double-checking every detail before leaving your Navesink home is a smart move.

Your passport photo needs to meet strict federal guidelines: a clear, color photo, taken within the last six months, against a plain white or off-white background. No hats, glasses, or distracting shadows are allowed. Luckily, you have several convenient options close to Navesink. Pop over to the CVS Pharmacy at 766 River Rd, Fair Haven, NJ, or the Walgreens at 1106 NJ-35, Middletown, NJ. Both locations are just a short drive and typically offer passport photo services. This ensures your picture is compliant and won’t be a reason for application rejection.

For new passport applications (DS-11), an in-person visit to a passport acceptance facility is mandatory. Near Navesink, convenient options include the **Middletown Post Office** (886 NJ-35, Middletown, NJ) or the **Holmdel Post Office** (32 Main St, Holmdel, NJ). It’s crucial to check their specific hours and, more importantly, **make an appointment** beforehand. Many facilities require them. Bring all your original documents, photocopies, the unsigned DS-11 form, and your passport photo. The acceptance agent will verify your identity and witness your signature, sending your application off to processing.

Whether you’re a new applicant or renewing, there’s a fee involved. For new passports, you’ll typically pay the passport book fee and an execution fee directly at your in-person submission facility. Be ready with a check or money order for the passport fee, and potentially a separate payment for the execution fee (cash or card might be accepted at some facilities). If you’re renewing via mail (DS-82), enclose a check or money order made out to ‘U.S. Department of State’ with your application. Double-check all fees on travel.state.gov before finalizing, then mail your renewal packet securely from your Navesink Post Office.