How to Get a Passport in 2026: Complete Guide

How to Get a Passport in 2026: What You Need to Know

Learning how to get a passport is one of the most important steps in international travel planning. Whether you are applying for the first time, renewing an expired passport, or getting one for your child, this guide walks you through every step of the process for 2026.

US passport application with form and passport photos

The U.S. passport application process is straightforward, but it requires specific documents, correct photos, and patience with processing times. Mistakes on the application are the number one cause of delays. This guide helps you get it right the first time so your passport arrives before your trip.

Current processing times as of early 2026: 6-8 weeks for routine processing, 2-3 weeks for expedited. These times fluctuate seasonally, so always check travel.state.gov for the latest estimates before applying. Use our travel document organizer to keep your passport details and other travel documents in one place.

First-Time Application vs. Renewal

The first thing to determine when figuring out how to get a passport is whether you need a first-time application or a renewal. The requirements are different.

You Need a First-Time Application (Form DS-11) If:

You have never had a U.S. passport
Your most recent passport was issued when you were under 16
Your most recent passport expired more than 5 years ago
Your most recent passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
Your name has changed and you cannot provide legal documentation of the change

First-time applications must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility.

You Can Renew by Mail (Form DS-82) If:

Your most recent passport was issued when you were 16 or older
Your most recent passport was issued within the last 15 years
Your most recent passport is undamaged and in your possession
Your name is the same, or you can provide a legal name change document (marriage certificate, court order)

If you meet all four conditions, you can renew by mail or online without an in-person visit.

Online Renewal

The State Department now offers online passport renewal for eligible applicants. You can complete the process at travel.state.gov, upload your photo digitally, and pay online. Online renewal is typically 1-2 weeks faster than mail renewal because it eliminates mail transit time.

How to Get a Passport: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Complete the Application Form

For first-time applicants, fill out Form DS-11 online at travel.state.gov and print it. Do NOT sign it until you are at the acceptance facility in front of the agent. They need to witness your signature.

For renewals by mail, complete Form DS-82 and sign it before mailing.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

See the full document list in the section below. Make sure you have originals, not photocopies, for citizenship evidence. The State Department will return your documents by mail after processing.

Step 3: Get Your Passport Photo

Your photo must meet strict State Department requirements. See the passport photo section below for details and tips.

Step 4: Calculate and Prepare Your Fees

Fees vary based on application type, age, and processing speed. See the fees section below for the complete breakdown. Acceptance facilities accept checks and money orders. Some also accept credit cards.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

First-time applicants: Visit a passport acceptance facility in person. Bring your completed (unsigned) DS-11, all required documents, your photo, and payment. The agent will verify your identity, witness your signature, and submit everything on your behalf.

Renewals by mail: Mail your completed DS-82, most recent passport, new photo, and payment to the address on the form. Use a trackable shipping method (USPS Priority Mail or certified mail).

Online renewals: Complete the application at travel.state.gov, upload your photo, and pay online.

Step 6: Track Your Application

Check your application status online at travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778. You can typically check status 2 weeks after submitting.

Documents You Need for a Passport

Proof of U.S. Citizenship (One of the Following)

Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state (hospital birth certificates are NOT accepted)
Previous U.S. passport (undamaged)
Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240)

Proof of Identity (One of the Following)

Valid driver’s license (any state)
Valid government or military ID
Previous U.S. passport (can serve as both citizenship and identity proof)
Certificate of Naturalization

Additional Documents for Specific Situations

Name change: Certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change
Minors (under 16): Both parents must appear in person or provide a notarized consent form (DS-3053) from the absent parent
No birth certificate: You can submit secondary evidence (hospital records, census records, early school records) with a completed Form DS-10 (Birth Affidavit) from a relative who has personal knowledge of your birth

Passport Photo Requirements and Tips

Your passport photo is one of the most common reasons for application delays. Here are the exact requirements and tips for getting it right.

Official Requirements

Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51mm)
Taken within the last 6 months
White or off-white background
Full face, front view with both ears visible
Neutral expression (slight smile is acceptable, no wide grins)
No glasses (this rule changed in 2016 and is strictly enforced)
No head coverings except for religious purposes (with a signed statement)
No uniforms (except religious attire)
Head must be 1-1.375 inches from chin to top of head in the photo

Where to Get Passport Photos

CVS, Walgreens, Walmart: $15-$17. Convenient, staff know the requirements, and you get two printed photos immediately.
Post offices: $15. Available at most USPS locations that accept passport applications.
AAA offices: Free for members at most locations.
Online services: Take your own photo and upload to a service that formats and prints it. Cheaper but requires you to get the background and lighting right.

Photo Tips

Remove glasses before the photo. No exceptions.
Tie hair back if it covers your ears or face.
Avoid shadows on your face or background (face the light source directly).
Babies and infants must have eyes open and mouth closed. This is hard. Take many photos and pick the best.
If taking a photo at home, use a white wall or hang a white sheet behind you.

Passport Fees in 2026

Type	Application Fee	Acceptance Fee	Total
Adult book (first-time, age 16+)	$130	$35	$165
Adult book (renewal)	$130	None	$130
Minor book (under 16)	$100	$35	$135
Passport card (first-time adult)	$30	$35	$65
Passport card (renewal)	$30	None	$30
Book + card (first-time adult)	$160	$35	$195
Expedited processing (add-on)	$60	None	$60
1-2 day delivery (add-on)	$19.53	None	$19.53

Note: The $35 acceptance fee is paid directly to the acceptance facility (post office, library, clerk of court), not to the State Department. It is required for all in-person applications but not for mail or online renewals.

Current Passport Processing Times in 2026

Routine processing: 6-8 weeks from the date the State Department receives your application
Expedited processing: 2-3 weeks (add $60 to your application fees)
Urgent/emergency: Same day to 72 hours at a regional passport agency (appointment required, proof of travel within 14 days or life-or-death emergency)

Seasonal Variations

Processing times increase during peak travel planning season (January through June) when application volume is highest. If you plan to travel in summer, apply no later than January or February. Fall and winter applications typically process faster than the published estimates.

Tips for Faster Processing

Pay the $60 expedited fee. The time savings are worth it if your trip is within 10 weeks.
Add $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery of your finished passport. This shaves 5-7 days off the wait.
Use online renewal if eligible. It eliminates mail transit time in both directions.
Submit a complete, error-free application. Errors cause the State Department to mail your application back for corrections, adding weeks to the process.

How to Expedite Your Passport

Option 1: Expedited Processing ($60 Extra)

Add expedited processing to any application (first-time or renewal) for $60. Write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the mailing envelope. Processing drops from 6-8 weeks to 2-3 weeks. This is the most common and reliable way to speed up your passport.

Option 2: Regional Passport Agency (Urgent Travel)

If you need a passport within 14 days (or within 28 days with proof of expedited processing already paid), you can make an appointment at one of 26 regional passport agencies across the United States. You must provide proof of imminent travel (flight itinerary, hotel confirmation).

Regional passport agencies are located in major cities including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC. Appointments are available through travel.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778.

Option 3: Passport Expediting Service (Third Party)

Private companies like RushMyPassport, ItsEasy, and CIBTvisas can get your passport in as little as 24 hours by physically going to a passport agency on your behalf. These services charge $100-$400+ in fees on top of government fees. Use them only for genuine emergencies.

Option 4: Congressional Office Assistance

Your U.S. senator or representative’s office can make an inquiry on your behalf to the State Department if your passport is delayed and you have imminent travel. This does not guarantee faster processing, but congressional inquiries receive priority attention.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card

Passport Book

Accepted for ALL international travel (air, land, sea)
Required for international flights
52 pages (standard) for visa stamps
Valid for 10 years (adults) or 5 years (under 16)
Cost: $130-$165

Passport Card

Valid ONLY for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda
NOT valid for international air travel
Wallet-sized, fits in your wallet like a credit card
Serves as a Real ID-compliant form of identification for domestic flights
Valid for 10 years (adults) or 5 years (under 16)
Cost: $30-$65

Which Should You Get?

Get the passport book. It covers every travel scenario. Add the passport card ($30 extra when applying for both) as a backup ID and for convenience at land border crossings. The card also works as your Real ID for domestic flights and federal buildings, which makes it a useful everyday ID even if you never use it for international travel.

Plan your international trip with Yopki’s trip planner while you wait for your passport to arrive. Having your itinerary ready means you can book immediately once your passport is in hand.

Renewing a Minor’s Passport

Children’s passports have different rules than adult passports. Here is what you need to know.

Children Under 16

Passports are valid for 5 years (not 10 like adults)
Both parents (or legal guardians) must appear in person at the acceptance facility, or the absent parent must provide a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent)
Children cannot renew by mail. Every application is treated as first-time (Form DS-11, in-person)
The child must be present at the time of application
Photo requirements apply to infants and children of all ages (eyes open, mouth closed, facing forward)

Children 16-17

Can apply with one parent present (or alone with notarized parental consent)
Passport valid for 10 years
First application is in-person (DS-11). Subsequent renewals can be by mail if eligible.

Tips for Minor Passport Applications

Schedule the appointment early in the day when kids are most cooperative for photos
Bring snacks and entertainment for the wait. Acceptance facilities can be slow.
If parents are divorced, bring the custody agreement along with the consent form
Infant photos are the hardest part. Lay the baby on a white sheet, stand above them, and take many photos. Select the best one.

Common Mistakes That Cause Passport Delays

These are the most frequent errors that cause the State Department to return your application for corrections, adding weeks to processing time.

Submitting a hospital birth certificate instead of a certified copy. You need the certified copy issued by the city, county, or state vital records office. Hospital certificates with footprints are not accepted.
Signing the DS-11 before going to the acceptance facility. The agent must witness your signature. If you sign at home, you need to start over with a new form.
Passport photo does not meet requirements. Glasses, shadows, wrong dimensions, and outdated photos (over 6 months old) are the top rejection reasons.
Missing or incorrect fees. Double-check the exact amount for your application type. Acceptance facilities may not accept all payment methods.
Name mismatch. The name on your application must match the name on your citizenship document exactly. If you have changed your name, you must provide legal documentation.
Incomplete parental consent for minors. If both parents cannot appear, the DS-3053 must be properly notarized and include a photocopy of the absent parent’s ID.
Sending the application to the wrong address. Routine and expedited applications go to different addresses. Check the form instructions carefully.

Where to Apply for a Passport

Passport Acceptance Facilities (First-Time Applications)

Over 7,000 locations accept passport applications across the United States:

Post offices: Most USPS locations accept passport applications (call ahead to confirm and make an appointment)
County clerk offices: Many county courthouses have passport acceptance desks
Public libraries: Some libraries serve as acceptance facilities
City and town halls: Municipal offices in many areas

Find the nearest acceptance facility at iafdb.travel.state.gov. Always call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. Many facilities require appointments, especially during peak season.

Regional Passport Agencies (Urgent Applications)

26 locations in major U.S. cities for applicants who need passports within 14 days. Appointments required. Located in: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Dallas, Detroit, El Paso, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan, Seattle, St. Louis, Tucson, Stamford, Washington DC, and two additional locations.

Before You Go

Make an appointment (required at most locations)
Bring all documents, photos, and payment
Do NOT sign Form DS-11 until instructed by the agent
Allow 30-60 minutes for the visit

Once you have your passport, check our international travel checklist to make sure you have everything else ready. Read our complete trip planning guide to organize the rest of your trip, and review our first-time flying guide if this passport is for your first international flight.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get a Passport

How long does it take to get a passport in 2026?

Routine passport processing currently takes 6-8 weeks from the date the State Department receives your application. Expedited processing takes 2-3 weeks and costs an additional $60. If you need a passport within 14 days for emergency travel, you can make an appointment at a regional passport agency for same-day or next-day service (proof of imminent travel required). Processing times fluctuate seasonally, with the longest waits during spring and summer. Always check travel.state.gov for current processing times before applying.

How much does a passport cost in 2026?

A new adult passport book costs $130 (application fee) plus a $35 acceptance agent fee for first-time applicants, totaling $165. Renewal by mail costs $130 with no acceptance fee. Adding expedited processing costs an additional $60. A passport card costs $30 (first-time) or $30 (renewal). For a passport book and card together, the combined first-time cost is $195 plus the $35 acceptance fee. Minor passports (under 16) cost $100 plus the $35 acceptance fee.

Can I renew my passport by mail?

You can renew by mail if your most recent passport was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, is in your possession and undamaged, and has your current legal name (or you can provide a legal name change document). If any of these conditions are not met, you must apply in person using Form DS-11 as a first-time applicant. Online renewal is also available through the State Department website for eligible applicants.

What is the difference between a passport book and passport card?

A passport book is the standard passport accepted for all international travel including air travel to any country. A passport card is a wallet-sized card that is only valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel. Most travelers need a passport book. The card is useful as a backup ID or for frequent land border crossings.

Do I need a passport to fly within the United States?

A passport is not required for domestic flights, but with Real ID enforcement now active (as of May 2025), you need either a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, a passport, passport card, military ID, or another TSA-accepted identification. If your state driver’s license is not Real ID-compliant (check for the gold star), a passport or passport card works as your TSA identification for domestic flights.