Before gathering anything, figure out your passport situation. Are you applying for the very first time, including for a child? Then you’ll need the DS-11 form. If you’re renewing an expired or expiring passport, the DS-82 form is your path. It’s crucial to check your current passport’s expiration date – some countries require several months of validity beyond your travel dates. For minors, the rules are stricter, often requiring both parents’ presence. Knowing which application type applies to you right from the start will save you significant time and potential headaches down the line.

This step involves collecting all the critical proof of who you are. For first-time applicants, you’ll need original evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or a previous, undamaged passport. Also required is a valid government-issued photo ID, like your Oklahoma driver’s license. Don’t forget photocopies of *both sides* of your citizenship document and ID – these are mandatory for the application. If you’re renewing, your old passport usually serves as both citizenship proof and ID. Always bring originals to your appointment; copies are merely supplemental for the application process itself.

Once you’ve determined if you’re a DS-11 (new) or DS-82 (renewal) applicant, find the appropriate form on the Department of State website. You can fill it out online and print it, or print and complete it by hand using black ink. Accuracy is paramount; mistakes can lead to significant delays. A crucial tip for DS-11 applicants: *do not sign the form* until you are explicitly instructed to do so by a passport acceptance agent. For DS-82 renewals, you can sign it before mailing. Double-check every field, ensuring all information matches your supporting documents exactly.

Your passport photo must adhere to very specific federal guidelines: it needs to be recent (taken within the last six months), in color, 2×2 inches, against a plain white or off-white background. No glasses, no hats (unless for religious reasons with a signed statement), and a neutral facial expression or a slight, unexaggerated smile are key. In Stillwater, several places offer passport photo services. Check out local CVS Pharmacy locations, Walgreens, or The UPS Store on North Perkins Road. Call ahead to confirm their current hours and passport photo availability.

If you are applying for a *new* passport (DS-11), you absolutely *must* submit your completed application, original documents, photo, and payment in person. Your primary local option in Stillwater is the U.S. Post Office at 802 S Main St. Another excellent resource is the OSU Passport Acceptance Facility, typically located within the OSU Student Union; however, be sure to call them beforehand to inquire about their specific operating hours and whether appointments are required. This is where the agent will witness your signature on the DS-11 form. Renewing by mail (DS-82) simply requires sending everything to the address listed on the form.

There are generally two main fees: the application fee, paid directly to the U.S. Department of State (usually by check or money order), and an execution fee for new applications, paid to the acceptance facility (which may accept credit/debit cards). Always verify current fee amounts on the Department of State website as they can change. Standard processing times vary widely, so apply well in advance of your travel dates. If you’re in a rush, expedited service is available for an additional cost. Once submitted, you can track your application status online through the Department of State’s official website. Soon enough, your brand-new passport will arrive, ready for exciting journeys!