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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Are you a first-time applicant or renewing? First-time adult passport seekers need to apply in person at our county clerk’s office. If you’re 16 or older and this is your first passport, you’ll need to show up with all required documents. Renewals can sometimes be done by mail, which saves time and makes the process more convenient.
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.
You’ll need proof of US citizenship like a certified birth certificate, a valid government-issued photo ID, and a recent passport photo. For Cleveland residents, the county clerk’s office can help verify these documents. Make sure your photo meets strict federal requirements – no selfies or casual snapshots allowed!
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Form DS-11 for first-time applicants or DS-82 for renewals must be filled out completely and accurately. Take your time and double-check every detail. Pro tip: Use black ink and print clearly. Mistakes can delay your application and nobody in Cleveland wants unnecessary bureaucratic headaches.
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 fees vary based on book or card selection. Adult passports cost $130 for the book plus a $35 execution fee. Remember to bring a check, money order, or credit card. Our local banks can help if you need to prepare your payment method in advance.
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.
First-time applicants must appear in person at the Pawnee County Courthouse or designated passport acceptance facility. Bring original documents, photocopies, completed forms, and payment. A county clerk will review everything and help ensure your application is perfect.
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.
After submission, you can track your passport online using the application number. Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks, but expedited services are available for an additional fee. Most Cleveland residents receive their passports within the standard timeframe without issues.
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 Cleveland
Make sure you have everything needed for Cleveland facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ Cleveland 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 Cleveland’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 Cleveland facility visit needed. But mailing takes + days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from Cleveland.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in Cleveland. 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 Cleveland.
Honest comparison to help Cleveland 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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