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 an existing passport? First-time adults need to apply in person at our local county clerk’s office. If you’re renewing and your previous passport is undamaged and issued within the last 15 years, you might qualify for mail renewal. Bring proof of citizenship like a birth certificate and a valid government-issued photo ID.
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 proof of citizenship (certified birth certificate), government photo ID, passport photos, and completed DS-11 (for new passports) or DS-82 (for renewals) forms. Our local post office can help with passport photos if needed. Make sure your documents are current and match your identification exactly.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Fill out your application carefully. For DS-11 forms, use black ink and print clearly. Double-check all information for accuracy. If applying for a child’s passport, both parents must be present or provide additional documentation. Our local Liberty County offices can help guide you through the process.
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.
Budget for application and execution fees. Adult first-time passports cost $165 total, while renewals are $130. Child passports have different fee structures. We recommend bringing a check or money order, as some locations prefer these over cash or credit cards.
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 the Liberty County Clerk’s office during business hours. Bring all original documents—no photocopies accepted for first-time applications. The staff will review your paperwork, witness your signature, and help ensure everything is completed correctly. Arrive early and allow plenty of time for processing.
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 tracking number provided. Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks, while expedited services can complete in 3-5 weeks. For urgent travel, same-day and 2-week expedited services are available at additional costs.
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 Ames
Make sure you have everything needed for Ames facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ Ames 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 Ames’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 Ames facility visit needed. But mailing takes + days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from Ames.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in Ames. 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 Ames.
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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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