You've never had a U.S. passport
This includes both the traditional passport book and the smaller passport card.
How to Apply for Your First U.S. Passport
From application to delivery, a dedicated CIBTvisas advisor prepares your paperwork, secures your appointment, and tracks every step to your door.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
First-time rules apply if you've never had a U.S. passport, your last one was issued before age 16, it expired more than 5 years ago, it was lost/stolen/damaged, or you can't document a name change.
Applicants need original proof of citizenship (certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or CRBA), matching photo ID, and single-sided black-and-white photocopies of each document.
The DS-11 form must be signed in front of an acceptance agent at a Passport Acceptance Facility, not ahead of time; the sealed envelope is then shipped to CIBTvisas.
Who needs a first-time passport?
Not everyone who needs a passport is starting from scratch. If you have never applied, were under 16 at your last application, or your last passport is no longer valid, you will go through the first-time application process.
You're a first-time applicant if any of these apply
Your last passport was issued before you turned 16
Child passports can't be renewed. Once you turn 16, you apply again as an adult.
Your previous passport expired more than 5 years ago
Even if you've held an adult passport before, one that has been expired for over 5 years means starting fresh.
Your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use
If you can't present your last passport because it's missing or no longer valid, it counts as a first-time application.
Your name changed and you can't document it
Without legal documents to prove the change you can't renew, so you apply as a new applicant.
Five steps to get your passport
Your advisor reviews every document before submission. Don't have something ready? We'll guide you through obtaining it.
- 1
Submit Your Application
Choose how fast you want your passport back once we receive your documents.
- 2
Collect Your Documents
Collect the required documents for your appointment. Leave form DS-11 unsigned. You’ll sign it at your appointment.
- 3
Make Your Appointment
Make an appointment at a passport acceptance location (such as your local post office).
- 4
Send Your Documents
Send us your sealed envelope and we'll take care of the rest. Your order is tracked, insured, and your originals returned
- 5
Track It to Your Door
Follow real-time status until your passport arrives by secure courier.
What you'll need to apply
Proof of U.S. citizenship
Certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate (original).
Completed Form DS-11 (unsigned)
We pre-fill it; you sign in person at the acceptance facility.
Government-issued photo ID
A valid driver's license or state-issued ID card.
Acceptance facility visit
Make an appointment at a passport acceptance location near you
One passport photo
2×2 in., color, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
Letter of Authorization
Allows CIBTvisas permission to act on your behalf with third parties
Photocopies of all documents
A photocopy of your citizenship evidence & ID, in black and white
CIBTvisas passport application
Completed application with travel details & processing speed
How and where to bring your documents
- 1
Do not sign Form DS-11
First-time applications must be signed in front of an authorized acceptance agent.
- 2
Bring it to your appointment
Take your documents to the passport acceptance facility to have your documents reviewed and your identity verified.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
First-time passport rules that catch travelers off guard
If any of these apply, your document list may change. Missing them delays your application until you fix it.
Action required
Apply in person
First-time applicants must submit Form DS-11 in person at an acceptance facility. Mail-in renewal is not an option.
May affect eligibility
Certified birth certificate
Citizenship proof must be an original or certified copy with a raised seal. Hospital and abstract certificates are rejected.
Plan ahead
Photo standards
Photos must be 2x2 inches, under 6 months old, no glasses, white background. A rejected photo suspends your application.
Our promise to every traveler
Backed by 35+ years of expertise, a money-back guarantee, and direct access to U.S. Passport Agencies.
100% application accuracy
Money-back guarantee
Direct State Dept. access
Real expert advisors
Fully managed process
35+ years of trust
You must use Form DS-11 for a first-time passport, a replacement for a lost or stolen passport, or if you are under age 16
CIBTvisas provides passport services for US citizens by submitting proper documentation on your behalf to the United States Department of State. This eliminates the need for you to visit, communicate, and correspond directly with the Department of State. CIBTvisas also provides a full line of passport services including First Time Passports, Passport Renewals, Child’s Passports, and Passport Name Change services for US passport holders. Please go to the Passports section of our website to see the full range of passport services CIBTvisas provides.
Visit the United States Department of State Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page to find a Passport Acceptance Facility near you.
A passport authorization letter is a letter that authorizes CIBTvisas to act as your representative when submitting your passport application. The United States Passport Agency requires that you sign this letter before they will release your new or updated passport to us once your order is complete.
No. You can only submit original copies of these forms. You can find instructions for downloading and printing the US Department of State Passport Application Forms in our CIBTvisas Application Kits.
No, you must submit original copies of all documents and order forms to CIBTvisas for processing.
CIBTvisas can process your passport in as little as one day. Each passport service supports a variety of processing times to meet your specific travel needs. Visit the Passports section, select your service and determine the best processing time for your order.
No, all documents must be originals. If this question is regarding a naturalization certificate – you must give up the original. If you wish to keep the certificate, be sure to make a copy before you submit it because you will not get the original back. In addition, no one can sign on your behalf. Any documents that require a signature must be signed by you.
Ready to get your passport?
Start your application in minutes; no account required. Questions? Call 1-800-929-2428.