How to Get a Passport at the Post Office

If there is a possibility for international travel in your life, you should have a passport. Whether your company has international branches, you have family out of the country or if a trip is in your future a passport is necessary. Don't be caught unprepared. You might miss the trip of your life.

When getting a passport for International Travel follow these steps.

1. Determine which form you need.

Use Form DS-11 for NEW passports, including passports for:

• Children under 16.


• People who were under 16 when their last passport was issued.


• People who have never had a passport.


• People whose passport was issued more than 15 years ago.


• People who have had their passports lost or stolen.


• People whose names have changed and they cannot document the change.

Use Form DS-82 for RENEWALS of passports for citizens 16 years and older:

Use the link from the USPS.com website to go to the U.S. State Department Website where the form is located. Print the form and complete it.

2. Bring 2 types of I.D. including copies of the original document

One that proves U.S. citizenship such as:

• Undamaged passport


• Certified birth certificate


• Consular report of Birth Abroad  or Birth Certificate


• Naturalization Certificate


• Certificate of Citizenship

One Current I.D.

• Undamaged U.S. passport


• Naturalization Certificate


• Valid Driver’s License


• Current Government I.D.


• Current Military I.D. (including dependents)

3. Get Passport approved Photograph: Photo must be taken with 6 months of application, full face 2”x2” in size, on white or off white back ground. The head should measure between 1” and 1 3/8” in size.

Places to have passport photos taken include:

• Some post offices perform this service for an extra fee.


• Walgreens


• CVS


• Fed Ex


• Wal-Mart


• JC Penney’s


• Most stores such as Wal-Mart and Jc Penney’s or Sears take passport photos where a photography studio is in place.

4. Pay fees

• For adults who are getting a passport for the first time: $110 plus a $25 acceptance fee.


• For adults getting a renewed passport $110


• For minors 16 and under $80 plus $25 acceptance fee


• The main fee is paid to the state department in the form of a check or money order. ($80 or $110)

The acceptance fee is paid directly to USPS and it may be paid with cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card.