The everything guide to US Passports & the application process

Passport Form DS-11

Last Updated on November 29, 2020

DS-11 Application Links

DS11 Form

It is recommended that you utilize the official Department of State Passport Office online application system. This will generate a PDF application that you can print that is pre-printed rather than written. It is secured by the Federal Government and there is the added benefit of it being uniquely barcoded and thus allowing for easier processing.

Download DS-11
Fill out DS-11 Online

DS-11 Instructions for Adults

Eligibility for DS-11 (Adults)

You will need to fill out a DS-11 Form if:

  • This is your first time applying for a passport
  • Your current passport has been expired more than 5 years
  • Your passport has been Lost, Damaged or stolen
  • You are applying or reapplying for a minors passport (age 15 or younger)

When filling out the DS-11 electronically online there will be fields that are not required, however the more information you include the better. If you know the information that is being asked, you should always include it.

A couple of helpful hints while filling the DS-11 out:

  • Make sure your name is spelled the way you want it to appear on the passport but also needs to match up with your proof of Identification. (PRO TIP: if you were recently married and changed your name, make sure your license has the new name before applying for a passport)
  • If you have been issued a Passport in the past but do NOT know the passport number, fill it in with all zeros.

See: Completing the DS-11 Application below

DS-11 Instructions for Minors

Eligibility for DS-11 (Minors)

You will need to fill out a DS-11 Form if:

  • You are applying or reapplying for a minors passport (age 15 or younger)
  • You are a minor age 16 or 17

A couple of helpful hints when filling out the application for your minor:

  • Make sure the minors name is spelled the way you want it to appear on the passport but also matches up with their proof of citizenship.
  • Remember that all the information should be the minor’s information. When it asks for father, it wants the child’s father not your father, the same for mother.
  • The minor’s social security number must be filled in accordance to 26 U.S.C.6039E. Not including it will cause substantial delays or even denial of application.
  • If the minor has been issued a Passport in the past but you do NOT know the passport number fill in with all zeros.

See: Completing the DS-11 Application below

Completing the DS-11 application

After filling in all the information you are going to come to an “edit” page. Stop and take the time here to carefully review your application and make any necessary changes.

Product Selection & Application Fees

Next you will come to the product service and fees page. This page is going to tell you how much your application fees are, you will need to use a check or money order and may it payable to “US Department of State”. The listed total includes the fee for the Acceptance Clerk but you pay that fee separately when you get your application sealed.

The first section will ask you what products you would like:

  • Passport book – Standard 28 pages or non-standard 52 pages
  • Passport Card – Only good for travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean
  • Both book and card

Shipping & Expediting

The next sections will have you select your shipping and service type which will differentiate on how quickly you need your Passport. At this point you will also check if you are doing a File Search.

Printing the application

The next page you come to is going to allow you to create a PDF of your application and print it. To do this simply scroll to the bottom left hand corner where it says Create Form. You must check the computer fraud box above it before it will let you create the form. Now it will create your application into a 6 page PDF so you can print. Although it is six pages page 5 and 6 are the actual application. You will need to print these out and leave them UNSIGNED. You will sign the application in front the Acceptance Clerk.

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