Introduction
Congratulations, you’ve decided that you need a new passport! You’re in good company. The US Department of State estimates that more than 16 million Americans will travel internationally in 2019. And if your passport is about to expire or has already expired, it’s time for a renewal. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in completing the DS-11 application form and submitting it for processing by the US Department of State.
Fill in all sections of the application form DS-11.
- Fill in all sections of the application.
- Use black ink and a pen that is easy to read.
- Keep your handwriting neat and legible.
- Make sure you sign and date the form before submitting it to an Acceptance Agent or Passport Office for processing.
Pay the application fee at a passport acceptance facility or submit payment online.
Pay the application fee at a passport acceptance facility or submit payment online.
You can pay your application fee at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office or bank, or submit it online if you are eligible to use this service. If you choose to pay by credit card or electronic check, there is no additional cost for using this option. If paying with a cashier’s check or money order, there is an additional processing fee of $8 per transaction; however, if you are eligible for one-day delivery services (see next section), then this fee will be waived and only the regular $25 application fee will apply. The following methods of payment are accepted:
- Credit/debit cards (Visa/MasterCard/Discover)
- Electronic checks from banks within the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S territories
- Money orders drawn on U.S banks
Collect your supporting documents and photographs.
- * Collect your supporting documents and photographs.
- Your passport application requires evidence of the following:
- your identity;
- your citizenship;
- your age; and,
- your name change, if applicable.
Take your completed application and supporting documents to a designated passport agency for processing.
You must bring your completed application and supporting documents to a designated passport agency for processing. You can find the nearest location by using the Passport Wizard or by calling 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793).
The following items are required at time of application:
- Your DS-11 form filled out completely with black ink pen on white paper. Please note that the application must be signed in blue or black ink only. Do not sign it until instructed to do so during your appointment with an agent or representative of the Passport Agency;
- One 2 x 2 inch passport photo taken within 6 months before applying;
- Proof of U.S citizenship (birth certificate, certificate of naturalization); If you were born abroad:
- Bring proof of your current name change if it has been less than 5 years since you changed it on any official document such as driver’s license/ID card etc., OR
- Bring proof of previous name changes if they occurred more than 5 years ago but less than 15 years ago (such as marriage licenses), OR
- Bring both proofs if either applies above;
Many people find it difficult to complete this form, but with practice, you can do it!
The most important thing to remember when filling out your DS-11 form is that it’s a standard form used by all US passport agencies. It’s important to read the instructions carefully and follow them step by step, so that you can avoid making mistakes on your application and have it processed quickly.
You should also make sure that you sign and date the form before mailing it in. If there are any questions about what information needs to go where on the application, feel free to contact us! We’ll be happy to help walk through things with you over email or phone calls as needed until we get everything right–and then send off our recommendation for approval!
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to complete the DS-11 form. It can be a daunting task, but if you take your time and follow our tips, we’re confident you’ll have no problem getting through it quickly!
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