How to Get Your First U.S. Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide

Oct 7

4 min read

Have you ever dreamed of visiting another country but had no idea where to start?

Maybe you've imagined yourself relaxing on a beach in Bali, walking through the streets of Paris, or exploring the rich history of Ghana. Whatever your dream destination, there's one important document you'll need before taking that first international flight: your passport.

If you've never applied for one before, the process might seem intimidating. The good news? It's much simpler than you might think.

At Black Joy Global Travel, we believe travel should be accessible to everyone. That's why we're breaking down the passport application process, one step at a time.

Step 1: Decide Which Passport You Need

The United States offers two types of passports: a passport book and a passport card.

A passport book allows you to travel internationally by air, land, or sea, subject to the entry requirements of your destination.

A passport card is more limited. It can be used for certain land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but it cannot be used for international air travel.

Our recommendation: If your goal is to explore the world, get the passport book.

Step 2: Complete Form DS-11

First-time adult passport applicants generally need to complete Form DS-11, the official application for a U.S. passport.

You can find the form on the U.S. Department of State's website.

You have two options:

Complete the form using the State Department's online form filler, then print it.
Download and print the blank form to complete by hand.

Important: Do not sign the application yet. You'll sign it in front of an authorized passport acceptance agent.

Step 3: Gather Your Required Documents

Before visiting a passport acceptance facility, gather the following:

Proof of U.S. citizenship

Examples include:

An original or certified U.S. birth certificate that meets State Department requirements
A Certificate of Naturalization
A Certificate of Citizenship
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad

Proof of identity

A valid, physical government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, is commonly accepted.

You'll also need photocopies of your citizenship evidence and the front and back of your identification. Follow the State Department's photocopy requirements.

Double-check your documents before your appointment. Missing paperwork can delay your application.

Step 4: Get Your Passport Photo Taken

Your passport application requires one recent color photograph.

The photograph must:

Measure 2 inches by 2 inches
Have been taken within the last six months
Feature a plain white or off-white background
Clearly show your face
Meet the State Department's expression, lighting, and clothing requirements

Many pharmacies, photo shops, and some passport acceptance facilities offer passport photography services.

Before paying for a photograph, make sure the provider understands U.S. passport photo requirements.

Step 5: Pay Your Passport Fees

For a first-time adult applicant age 16 or older, the standard fees as of October 2026 are:

Passport Type	Total
Passport book	$165
Passport card	$65
Book and card	$195

These totals include the $35 acceptance facility fee.

Expedited processing costs an additional $60. Passport photos, shipping options, and other optional services may cost extra.

Payment tip: At passport acceptance facilities, the application fee and acceptance fee generally require separate payments. Check the accepted payment methods before your appointment.

Step 6: Find a Passport Acceptance Facility

First-time adult applicants generally must apply in person.

Fortunately, you don't necessarily need to travel far.

Passport acceptance facilities can include:

Participating U.S. Post Offices
Public libraries
Clerks of court
Certain local government offices

Some facilities require appointments, while others accept walk-ins.

Use the official State Department facility locator to find a convenient location.

Bring your completed but unsigned application, required documents, photograph, and payment.

The acceptance agent will review your materials, witness your signature, and submit your application.

Step 7: Wait for Your Passport

After submitting your application, it's time to wait.

As of October 2026, the State Department lists these processing estimates:

Routine service: 4–6 weeks
Expedited service: 2–3 weeks

These estimates do not include mailing time, which can add several weeks.

If you're planning a trip, apply well in advance. Processing estimates can change, and unexpected delays happen.

You can monitor your application through the State Department's passport status system.

Step 8: Your Passport Has Arrived. Now What?

Congratulations! You're officially one step closer to exploring the world.

For most adults, a U.S. passport book is valid for 10 years.

Before booking your first international adventure, take a few additional precautions:

Check your destination's passport validity requirements. Some countries require several months of remaining validity.
Research visa and entry requirements.
Store your passport securely.
Keep a secure backup copy of your passport information.
Review your destination's travel advisories.

And remember, having a passport doesn't mean you need to book an expensive international vacation tomorrow.

It means you've created an opportunity for yourself.

Your Journey Begins Before You Board the Plane

For many Americans, especially those who have never traveled internationally, getting a passport represents something bigger than obtaining a government document.

It's the beginning of possibility.

It's the freedom to imagine yourself in places you've only seen on television, read about in books, or dreamed about visiting.

At Black Joy Global Travel, we believe that exploring the world shouldn't feel like a privilege reserved for a select few.

We want you to have the information, confidence, and resources to make your travel dreams a reality.

Travel Is Your Birthright.

And your passport is one of the first steps toward exercising it.

Ready to take the next step? Explore more free educational resources in our Travel 101 library, or discover upcoming international experiences with Black Joy Global Travel.