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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Living in Danby, VT, and dreaming of international adventures? Getting your first passport or renewing an old one might seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process when you know the steps. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from gathering documents to finding nearby submission spots, ensuring your journey to a new passport is as smooth as a fresh snowfall on our beautiful mountains.
First things first: are you a brand-new traveler needing your inaugural passport, or is it time to refresh an expired one? This initial distinction is crucial, as it dictates the official form you’ll need. If you’re applying for the first time, replacing a lost or stolen passport, or getting one for a minor under 16, you’ll tackle the DS-11 application. For those simply updating an unexpired or recently expired passport (issued within the last 15 years, when you were 16 or older), the DS-82 renewal form is your friend. Check that old passport’s expiration date right away – it’ll guide your next move.
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.
Now, it’s time for a treasure hunt for your foundational documents. You’ll need solid evidence of your U.S. citizenship. For most, this means your original birth certificate (issued by the city, county, or state of birth, not a hospital record) or a previous, undamaged passport. If you were naturalized, your Certificate of Naturalization works perfectly. Don’t forget a primary photo ID, like your valid Vermont driver’s license, and a photocopy of both the front and back of this ID. Remember, only originals of your citizenship proof are accepted, so dig them out and keep them safe. If you need a certified copy of your VT birth certificate, contact the Vermont Department of Health.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
With your form type identified, head to the U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov) to download and print the appropriate DS-11 or DS-82 form. Fill it out meticulously, either online and then print, or by hand using black ink. Pay close attention to detail; errors can cause delays. Crucially, if you’re filling out a DS-11 for a first-time passport or a minor, **do not sign the application** until you are explicitly instructed to do so by a passport acceptance agent. Your signature needs to be witnessed to be valid. For renewals (DS-82), you can sign it before heading out.
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.
Your passport photo has very specific requirements, so don’t just use a selfie! It needs to be a recent, color photo, 2×2 inches in size, with a white or off-white background, and you should have a neutral facial expression or a slight, natural smile, with both eyes open. No glasses, hats, or uniforms are permitted. While Danby itself doesn’t have a dedicated passport photo service, you can usually find these at pharmacies or mailing centers in nearby towns like Rutland or Manchester. Plan a quick trip to ensure you get a compliant photo that won’t cause delays in your application.
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.
Once you’ve got your documents in hand, the filled-out form, and your perfect passport photo, the next step is finding an official acceptance facility. For Danby residents, your closest options are generally U.S. Post Office branches or Clerks of Courts authorized to process passport applications. A common choice is the Post Office in Rutland or Manchester Center. You might also find facilities in Bennington. It’s highly recommended to search for “passport acceptance facility near Danby, VT” on the State Department’s website (travel.state.gov) and **always call ahead to schedule an appointment**. Facilities often have specific hours for passport services.
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.
On your appointment day, bring *all* your original documents, the completed form (unsigned DS-11s!), your passport photo, and your payment. The acceptance agent will review everything, witness your signature (if it’s a DS-11), and seal your application in an envelope. Be prepared to pay two separate fees: one to the U.S. Department of State (usually a check or money order) for the passport itself, and another, smaller execution fee directly to the acceptance facility (often payable by cash, check, or credit card). They’ll provide you with tracking information, and then it’s just a matter of patiently awaiting your new passport’s arrival!
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 DANBY
Make sure you have everything needed for DANBY facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ DANBY 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 DANBY’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 DANBY facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from DANBY.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in DANBY. 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
Honest comparison to help DANBY residents choose the right option
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