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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Determining your passport path starts with understanding your current document status. First-time applicants will need more comprehensive documentation compared to renewals. In Dover, we recommend checking your existing passport’s expiration and travel timeline. First-timers should gather birth certificates, government IDs, and prepare for in-person verification at our local processing center.
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.
Collect your documentation arsenal like you’re preparing for harvest season. You’ll need proof of citizenship, valid photo ID, social security number, and recent photographs meeting strict federal guidelines. Pro tip: Buehler’s Photo Center downtown offers passport-compliant images that’ll sail through federal scrutiny.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Complete DS-11 for new passports or DS-82 for renewals with the meticulous care a local craftsman applies to woodworking. Every detail counts. Fill out forms completely, avoiding erasures or cross-outs. Our Tuscarawas County processing experts appreciate clean, clear documentation that moves quickly through the system.
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.
Passport photos aren’t just pictures—they’re your international identity. Dover residents can get professional shots at Buehler’s or local pharmacies. Ensure a plain background, neutral expression, and proper sizing. No sunglasses, no hats, just you, looking official and ready for global adventures.
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.
Visit our local passport acceptance facility near the courthouse. Bring original documents, completed forms, and payment. Processing times vary, but Dover’s efficient system typically handles applications smoothly. Expect 4-6 weeks for routine processing, 2-3 weeks for expedited services.
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.
Passport fees depend on book type, age, and processing speed. Bring exact payment—cashier’s checks or money orders preferred. Adult passports run around $130-$165. Our local processors appreciate prepared travelers who arrive with complete documentation and correct payment methods.
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 Dover
Make sure you have everything needed for Dover facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ Dover 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 Dover’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 Dover facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from Dover.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in Dover. 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
There are no passport facilities currently listed for Dover.
Honest comparison to help Dover residents choose the right option
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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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