Applying for a US Passport For the First Time (Get it FAST!)

Learn how to apply for a US passport for the first time! This video walks through the US passport application process (Form DS-11) step by step. Whether you are applying for a US passport after naturalization or generally for the first time, this video will answer all your questions on how to apply for a US passport in person (and what mistakes to avoid)!

RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

OFFICIAL FORM DS-11, U.S. PASSPORT APPLICATION
(expand #1 and click on PDF to print out blank form)

Acceptable Forms of ID

Schedule Passport Appointment with Post Office

Passport Fee Calculator

Applying for a Passport for Children Under 16

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NOTE: The content and materials available via Ask Ellis are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Ask Ellis is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm.

#ApplyingForUSPassport #ImmigrationTips #ManeeshaMukhi

[legacygamergirl]

I’m 19 years old and a US Citizen I never had my very own passport but I know that my parents don’t want to help me all the time so I’m taking the chance to fill out for a passport by myself :)

[AdkismLaura]

We applied for our first passport, this week, followed your steps exactly and our postal clerk was very impressed how prepared we were, thank you for the detailed information.

[KurtBorong]

Thank you! I just recently got mine after 1 month of waiting and didn’t have to pay for expedited service. The employees commended me for having everything ready on my appointment.

For those who are watching and reading some comments, take your time to understand and prepare everything. I can guarantee you that it will all go smooth for as long as you have everything ready and prepared.

[allensethdunn]

Just so people are aware: The cost of the passport has gone up since this video as has the forecasted wait time. It’s currently $130 for the book, $30 for the optional card, plus $35 acceptance fee. The $35 goes to the place you go to in person to, the remaining fees go to the U.S. State Department. Also, the current wait time is forecast as 8-11 weeks, but they are currently running about 8 weeks, if not a little less.

I fully recommend getting the card if you have not upgraded your state ID to Real ID standards. The card is Real ID compliant for when the new ID requirements for domestic air travel and government buildings finally kick in next year.

[arbenkajtazi]

Expedited, 1-2 days delivery the total $202
Mailed: 06/22
In Process: 06/30
Approved: 07/12
Shipped: 07/12
Arrived: 07/13
Flight: 08/10
Good luck everyone 🇺🇸

[heathercutler]

This is actually great timing for me. My daughter and I are about to apply for our first passports, and this was a great walk through of how we'll need to do it, without making beginner errors. We won't need to expedite, but look forward to having them at the ready for future plans. Thank you for posting this!
Also- I really appreciate your straight to the point, concise, but friendly delivery style.

[iSoleyy]

27 years old and just applied for my passport.

State of New York

*Not Expedited*

Applied January 3, 2022
In process January 17, 2022
Approved February 2, 2022
Mailed ✅
Delivered February 5, 2022

My birth certificate came a day before my passport.

[kylinpersaud]

The appointments are so backed up where I live. I had no choice but to do a walk in at one location that was the only one available within a 50 mile radius. When I got there the line was all the way out the door. Literally. I sat in line for 6+ hours. While in line I was talking to the people in line and they informed how they had appointments at different locations but they canceled on them smh. But thank you for all the information. This helped me so much. The guy at the window was happy how I came prepared. I took my photo at walgreens. I paid $649 for me, my wife, and my 9 year old son. I was able to pay for everything with a debit card. I got expedited for all three of us with standard shipping. But the expedited is 5 to 7 weeks.

[victoriamanley]

I’m so happy!! I got it in exactly 3 weeks!! I’m in NJ and paid for expedited service and shipping on July 15th, and received it today on August 5th. I wanted it for my vacation on the 20th but I moved it to September anyway. Oh well! :)

[veo]

No fluff, straight to the point. Thanks for the walkthrough! Hoping to get my first passport in as short of a time as possible. Also in NYC. I think my only option is to wake up early and call the Passport Agency for an urgent travel appointment.

[ubvrwrv]

One of the best video on obtaining passports from a actual person who got her. Very informative and well explained

[Jackiebrook]

I was born in the US. Just applied for my first passport ever and choose standard delivery since I am not traveling until May 2022. The whole process was fast. I had everything filled out. Some post offices will also do the photo for you for $15. Mine did and i choose to do it there. I just choose the small book as I dont do a lot of international travel. Just have a trip I have been dreaming of and needed one.

[shyryTsrk]

I was born an American citizen, 20 years old, and I still don't have a passport lol. To be fair I never felt the need to have one since this country is so big and has pretty much all kinds of climates, terrain, even different laws and etc but I'd love to travel outside the country soon so thanks so much for this great video!

[Xwrt]

Thanks Maneesha. This is my experience: I live in the City so i had to do a bit of a maneuvering to get an early two (2) day appointment at this post office (45mins drive away but worth it). Smooth, easy and very professional service.
I applied on 4/28/2022
Passport card arrived on 5/19/2022
Passport arrived on 5/21/2022 (exactly 3weeks).
I used the expedited service.
Thanks.

[ryanchite]

This video is a lifesaver - used it for my toddler, and it was perfect. Saved us so much time! Thank you so much.

[themindprobe]

Precisely to the point, and step by step. Nicely done! 10 🌟 for you!

[elsierra]

I applied today 6/13/23 for my first passport I got the standard wait, with $15 USPS photo service, total came out to $181.75. I’m in California

[zipjay]

A tip, if you dont wanna send in your original birth certificate because of sentimental reasons, you can get a copy from your town or county government for fairly cheap. My town charges just $5 to print one off.

[melanatedegnima]

I ran across a site before seeing your video.
They are charging 65 dollars NOT even saying that I need to go to the P.O. etc.
I'm glad I didn't pay.
Thank you so much for this information.

[Joooshey]

Just went and got it first try! For those wondering, with photo service, expedited service, and money order service at my post office, my cost was about $245