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 your passport in Yemassee, SC, doesn’t have to be a confusing ordeal. Whether you’re planning an international adventure or need to renew an expired document, this guide will walk you through each step. We’ll help you gather your papers, fill out the forms, and know exactly where to go, right here in the Lowcountry.
Before you gather any paperwork, figure out if you’re applying for your very first U.S. passport or simply refreshing an old one. If this is your debut passport, or your previous one was issued when you were under 16, or if it’s been lost/stolen, you’ll need to complete Form DS-11 – the Application for a U.S. Passport. However, if you’re renewing an adult passport that’s still valid or expired less than 5 years ago, and it’s undamaged, you can likely use Form DS-82 – Application for Passport Renewal By Mail. Knowing this upfront saves a lot of hassle and dictates what documents you’ll need. Make sure your current passport meets the renewal criteria before proceeding!
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.
This is where you hunt down the vital documents proving your U.S. citizenship and identity. For a first-time application (DS-11), you’ll absolutely need your original birth certificate (not a copy!) or a previous, undamaged U.S. passport. You’ll also need a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as your South Carolina driver’s license. Make sure these documents are current and in good condition. For renewals (DS-82), your most recent passport is usually sufficient as proof of citizenship and identity. Having everything neatly organized beforehand makes the rest of the process much smoother. Don’t forget, these originals will be sent off with your application, so make copies for your records.
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 U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov) to find the correct application form. For a new passport, it’s the DS-11; for a renewal, it’s the DS-82. It’s highly recommended to fill out the form online using the ‘Passport Application Wizard’ – this helps prevent common errors and prints out perfectly for submission. Be meticulous with your details, ensuring everything matches your supporting documents exactly. For the DS-11, *do not sign* the form until you are instructed to do so by a passport acceptance agent. The DS-82 can be signed at home before mailing. Double-check every field for accuracy before printing.
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 crucial step is getting a compliant passport photo. This isn’t just any selfie! Your photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), in color, 2×2 inches in size, with a white or off-white background. You need a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, and no glasses, hats, or uniforms (unless for religious purposes, with a signed statement). Most pharmacies near Yemassee, like Walgreens or CVS in nearby Ridgeland or Beaufort, offer passport photo services that guarantee compliance. Even some local post offices might provide this service. It’s worth the small fee to ensure your photo isn’t rejected, causing delays.
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.
Passport fees vary depending on the type of service you need. A standard passport book will have one fee, and if you opt for the passport card (for land and sea travel to certain areas), that’s an additional cost. There’s also an ‘execution fee’ for first-time applicants submitting the DS-11, which goes directly to the acceptance facility. You can find the most current fee schedule on travel.state.gov. Generally, the passport book and card fees are paid via check or money order made out to the ‘U.S. Department of State,’ while the execution fee is typically paid separately to the acceptance facility, often by check or money order as well. Cash or credit card options can be limited, so come prepared.
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.
If you’re applying for your first passport (DS-11), you *must* submit your application in person at a passport acceptance facility. Good news for Yemassee residents: the Yemassee Post Office at 144 Railroad Ave, Yemassee, SC 29945, is a designated acceptance facility! *Crucially, call them first* at (843) 589-2234 to confirm their passport acceptance hours and if an appointment is necessary. Bring all your documents, your unsigned DS-11, photo, and payment. For renewals (DS-82), you’ll simply mail your application, old passport, photo, and payment directly to the address specified on the form. Congratulations, you’re almost there!
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 YEMASSEE
Make sure you have everything needed for YEMASSEE facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ YEMASSEE 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 YEMASSEE’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 YEMASSEE facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from YEMASSEE.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in YEMASSEE. 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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