Complete Guide to US Passport Forms

Download official forms, expert guidance, and step-by-step instructions for every passport application scenario

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Quick Takeaways

Essential facts about US passport forms at a glance

📋

All Forms Are Free

Every passport form is free to download from the State Department. You only pay application fees when submitting.

✍️

Fill Online, Print & Sign

Complete forms digitally on your computer, then print and sign in black ink. Never use blue ink or corrections.

⏱️

6-8 Weeks Standard Processing

Routine service takes 6-8 weeks. Expedited service (add $60) takes 2-3 weeks. Same-day available for emergencies.

📬

DS-82 Can Be Mailed

If you qualify for renewal (DS-82), mail it directly. First-time applicants must apply in person (DS-11).

👨‍👩‍👧

Children Need Both Parents

Under-16 applicants require both parents present or a notarized consent form (DS-3053) from the absent parent.

💰

Name Changes Are Free (1 Year)

Use DS-5504 to change your name at no cost if your passport was issued within the past year.

🔍 Interactive Tool

Which Passport Form Do You Need?

Answer a few quick questions to find the right form for your situation

Question 1 of 6

Have you ever had a U.S. passport before?

📝

No, this is my first passport

I’ve never had a U.S. passport

🔄

Yes, I’ve had a passport

I have or had a U.S. passport previously

How old were you when your last passport was issued?

👶

Under 16 years old

I was a minor when I got my last passport

👤

16 or older

I was an adult when I got my last passport

When was your last passport issued?

📅

Within the last 15 years

My passport is relatively recent

🗓️

More than 15 years ago

My passport is quite old

What is the condition of your previous passport?

Undamaged and in my possession

My passport is in good condition

⚠️

Damaged

My passport is torn, water damaged, or mutilated

🚨

Lost or stolen

I cannot locate my passport

Is your passport in your current legal name?

Yes, same name

The name on my passport matches my current legal name

✏️

No, my name has changed

I’ve changed my name since getting my passport

Was your passport issued within the last year?

🎉

Yes, within the last year

My passport was issued less than 12 months ago

📆

No, more than a year ago

My passport was issued over a year ago

Your Complete Passport Forms Resource

Navigating US passport forms can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. At PassportsAndVisas.com, we’ve served over 500,000 customers since 1992, and we know exactly which form you need for your specific situation.

Every passport application requires specific forms depending on whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing, correcting information, or handling special circumstances. Using the wrong form can delay your application by weeks or even months.

Below, you’ll find every official State Department passport form with detailed explanations, download links, and guidance on when to use each one. All forms are free to download, and we provide expert assistance if you need expedited processing or help completing your application.

💡 Pro Tip
Don’t know which form you need? Start with these three questions: (1) Is this your first passport or are you renewing? (2) Is your current passport damaged, lost, or stolen? (3) Was your last passport issued when you were under 16? If you answered “yes” to questions 2 or 3, you need Form DS-11 and must apply in person. If your passport is undamaged and was issued when you were 16+, you can likely renew by mail with DS-82.

All Official US Passport Forms

📝

Application for a U.S. Passport

Form DS-11

Use DS-11 if you are applying for your first U.S. passport, if your previous passport was issued when you were under age 16, if your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, or if it was issued more than 15 years ago.

Where to Submit: Must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency.

Processing Time: 6-8 weeks routine, 2-3 weeks expedited

💡 Pro Tip
Fill out Form DS-11 online before your appointment, but don’t sign it yet. You must sign in front of the acceptance agent at your appointment. Signing early will invalidate the form.
🔄

Passport Renewal Application

Form DS-82

Renew your passport by mail if your previous passport is undamaged and in your possession, was issued when you were age 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and is in your current name (or you can document your name change).

Where to Submit: Mail directly to the State Department – no appointment needed

Processing Time: 6-8 weeks routine, 2-3 weeks expedited

💡 Pro Tip
Save weeks of processing time: Make copies of your completed form and all documents before mailing. If there’s an issue, you’ll have everything ready for resubmission. Also, use a trackable mailing method to confirm the State Department received your application.
✏️

Name Change, Data Correction & Limited Passport Replacement

Form DS-5504

Use DS-5504 to change your name, correct a printing error, or replace a limited passport book within one year of issuance at no charge. This form is free to submit if your passport was issued within the past year.

Where to Submit: Mail to the State Department with required documentation

Fee: No fee if passport issued within 1 year

💡 Pro Tip
Watch the calendar! DS-5504 is only free for the first year after your passport is issued. After 365 days, you’ll need to use DS-82 and pay the full renewal fee ($130) for a name change. If you recently got married or legally changed your name, submit DS-5504 immediately.
👶

Passport for Children Under 16

Form DS-11

Children under age 16 use Form DS-11 with special requirements. Both parents or guardians must appear with the child (or submit Form DS-3053 if one parent cannot attend). Parental consent is mandatory.

Where to Submit: In person at passport acceptance facility with both parents

Validity: 5 years for children under 16

📄

Statement of Consent for Absent Parents

Form DS-3053

This notarized form is required when applying for a child’s passport if one parent or guardian cannot appear in person. The absent parent must have their signature notarized on this document.

Requirements: Must be notarized, include photocopy of absent parent’s ID

Validity: Valid for 3 months from notarization date

💡 Pro Tip
Get it notarized right: Many banks offer free notary services for account holders. The absent parent must appear in person with their government-issued ID. Also include a clear, legible photocopy of that ID with the form. Forms expire 3 months after notarization, so time your appointment accordingly.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Statement of Special Family Circumstances

Form DS-5525

Use this form when applying for a minor’s passport and one parent or guardian cannot provide consent due to special circumstances (sole custody, sole surviving parent, etc.). Legal documentation must accompany this form.

Requirements: Court orders, death certificates, or other legal proof required

Submit with: Form DS-11 and supporting documentation

🚨

Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport

Form DS-64

Report your passport as lost or stolen using Form DS-64. This immediately invalidates the passport to prevent misuse. You must submit DS-64 before applying for a replacement passport with Form DS-11.

Submit: Online or by mail immediately upon discovery

Then Apply: Use Form DS-11 for replacement in person

📸

Submit Additional Documentation

Form DS-86

Use DS-86 to submit additional documents after your passport application has been submitted. This is commonly used to provide supplemental evidence of citizenship, identity, or name change.

Use When: State Department requests additional documentation

Include: Your file number and requested documents

🔍

Passport Records Request

Form DS-11 (File Search)

Request copies of your passport records, including previous passport information. Useful for genealogy research, legal documentation, or recovering information about old passports.

Processing Time: 6-8 weeks for routine requests

Fee: Applies per record requested

Need Your Passport in a Hurry?

We can expedite your passport renewal in as little as 24 hours. Our expert team handles everything from form preparation to hand-delivery at passport agencies.

Get Started with Your Expedited Passport Today!
💡 Pro Tip
Common form mistakes to avoid: (1) Don’t sign DS-11 before your appointment – sign only in front of the acceptance agent. (2) Never use white-out or cross out errors – start with a fresh form. (3) Use black ink only, not blue. (4) Don’t staple your passport photo – use glue stick or tape. (5) Make copies of everything before mailing. These simple mistakes cause thousands of delays each year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Passport Forms

Common questions about downloading, completing, and submitting passport forms

Which passport form do I need? +

The form you need depends on your situation:

  • Form DS-11: First-time applicants, minors, or if your passport is lost/stolen/damaged
  • Form DS-82: Renewing an adult passport issued within the last 15 years
  • Form DS-5504: Correcting errors or name changes within one year of issuance
  • Form DS-3053: Parental consent when one parent cannot appear
Can I fill out passport forms online? +

Yes! The State Department offers an online fillable form option. You can complete Forms DS-11, DS-82, and others on your computer, then print them out. However, you cannot submit most forms electronically – they must be printed and submitted by mail or in person with your original documents.

Do I need to submit my forms in person or by mail? +

In Person (Form DS-11): First-time applicants, children under 16, and anyone with a lost/stolen/damaged passport must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility.

By Mail (Form DS-82): Eligible renewals can be mailed directly to the State Department processing center.

By Mail (Form DS-5504): Name changes and corrections can be mailed if your passport was issued within the past year.

How much do passport forms cost? +

The forms themselves are free to download. However, you’ll need to pay government fees when submitting your application:

  • Adult passport book (DS-11): $130 application fee + $35 execution fee
  • Adult passport renewal (DS-82): $130 (no execution fee)
  • Child passport (under 16): $100 application fee + $35 execution fee
  • Corrections (DS-5504): No fee if within 1 year of issuance

Expedited service adds $60 per application, and overnight delivery adds $19.53.

Can I use black ink or does it need to be blue? +

You must use black ink when filling out passport forms by hand. Blue ink is not accepted. If you’re filling out the form electronically, this isn’t a concern – just print the completed form and sign in black ink.

What if I make a mistake on my passport form? +

Do not use white-out or cross out mistakes on passport forms. If you make an error, you should download a fresh form and start over. The State Department can reject applications with corrections or alterations. The only exception is the signature line – you should not print this, only sign in black ink.

How long does passport processing take? +

Current State Department processing times:

  • Routine Service: 6-8 weeks from submission
  • Expedited Service: 2-3 weeks (add $60)
  • Agency Appointment: Same-day to 2 weeks for urgent travel

These times don’t include mailing time. PassportsAndVisas.com can expedite your passport in as little as 24 hours with our hand-delivery service.

💡 Pro Tip
Need it faster? Regional passport agencies serve only travelers with international trips within 14 days (or 28 days for visas). If you don’t meet these criteria, you can’t book an agency appointment. However, registered expeditors like PassportsAndVisas.com can hand-deliver your application and get same-day or next-day service regardless of your travel date.
Do I need a passport book, passport card, or both? +

Passport Book: Required for all international air travel. Can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and Bermuda.

Passport Card: Valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and Bermuda. Cannot be used for international flights.

Most people need a passport book. You can get both by checking the appropriate box on Form DS-11 or DS-82 and paying the additional fee.

Still Have Questions?

Our passport experts are here to help. We’ve processed over 500,000 applications and can guide you through any situation.

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Additional Passport Resources

📍 Find Local Passport Facilities

Locate passport acceptance facilities, photo services, and post offices near you.

Find Locations →

🏛️ Regional Passport Agencies

Schedule appointments at one of 26 regional passport agencies for urgent travel.

View Agencies →

📸 Passport Photo Requirements

Learn the exact specifications for passport photos to avoid application delays.

Photo Guidelines →

💰 Passport Fees & Payment

Complete breakdown of all passport fees, payment methods, and expediting costs.

View Fee Schedule →

🆕 First-Time Passport Guide

Everything you need to know about applying for your first U.S. passport.

New Passport Guide →

🔄 Passport Renewal Guide

Step-by-step instructions for renewing your passport by mail.

Renewal Guide →
💡 Pro Tip
When to use an expediting service: If you’re traveling within 6 weeks, have a complex situation (name changes, damaged passport, applying for a child), or simply don’t want the stress of tracking your application – professional expediting services are worth every penny. We handle the forms, appointments, and delivery so you don’t have to take time off work or worry about mistakes.

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