Before gathering anything, figure out if you’re applying for a brand-new passport or simply renewing an existing one. If you’ve never had a U.S. passport, your previous one was issued when you were under 16, or it was lost/stolen, you’ll need to apply in person using Form DS-11. For renewals, if your most recent passport is intact, was issued within the last 15 years, and you were 16 or older at the time, you can likely mail in Form DS-82. Understanding this distinction is crucial as it dictates the forms and exact documents you’ll need, making your Murfreesboro passport quest much smoother.

This step involves collecting all the critical identification and proof of U.S. citizenship. For a new passport (DS-11), you’ll absolutely need your original birth certificate or a previous, undamaged U.S. passport. You’ll also need a valid photo ID, such as your Tennessee driver’s license. Remember, originals or certified copies are required; photocopies won’t cut it for proof of citizenship. If renewing (DS-82), your previous passport is generally sufficient. It’s wise to double-check the State Department’s specific requirements, ensuring every piece of identification is accounted for before you move on.

Your passport photo must adhere to strict guidelines – no selfies allowed! It needs to be a recent (within the last six months) 2×2 inch color photo, taken against a plain white or off-white background, with no glasses, hats, or digital alterations. Luckily, obtaining a compliant photo in Murfreesboro is straightforward. Most major drugstores like Walgreens and CVS, or shipping centers such as The UPS Store and FedEx Office right here in town, offer quick passport photo services. Ensure the photographer is familiar with U.S. passport photo regulations to avoid delays.

Now it’s time to accurately fill out your application form, either DS-11 or DS-82. While you can print a blank form and fill it out by hand, the State Department strongly recommends completing it online via their website. This method helps prevent errors and ensures all necessary fields are addressed. Print the completed form single-sided. A critical note: Do NOT sign the DS-11 form until you are in front of a passport acceptance agent. They will instruct you on when and where to sign during your appointment, ensuring proper authentication. Accuracy is paramount here to avoid processing delays.

For new passport applications (DS-11), you must submit your documents in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. Your primary go-to spot in Murfreesboro is typically the **Murfreesboro Main Post Office at 501 N Thompson Ln**. Remember, these facilities usually require appointments, so hop onto the State Department’s online locator (travel.state.gov) to schedule your visit and confirm their operating hours. You might also find other smaller post offices or even some county clerk offices are designated acceptance facilities, but the main post office is a reliable starting point for your Murfreesboro passport journey.

Attend your scheduled appointment with everything in tow: your completed (unsigned DS-11) form, proof of citizenship (original!), valid photo ID, the photocopy of your ID (front and back), and your passport photos. Be prepared to pay two separate fees: the passport application fee and an execution fee. The application fee is payable to the ‘U.S. Department of State’ by check or money order. The execution fee, paid to the acceptance facility, can often be paid by credit card, cash, or check. The agent will review your documents, witness your signature on the DS-11, and send your application off for processing. Now, the waiting game begins!