U.S. Passport

How long prior to needing my passport should I apply?

You should apply for your passport several months prior to needing it. If you will be needing a visa from a foreign embassy, then it is necessary to apply for your passport even earlier. It is possible to expedite your passport, but this is an additional $60.00.

The amount of passport applicants rise during the summer, so in order to ensure that you have enough time prior to your trip, make sure to apply early.

You should only make an appointment with a Regional Passport Agency if you need the passport in less than 2 weeks or if you need a foreign visa in less than 4 weeks.

Do I need to apply in person?

Yes, all applicants must apply in person, with the exception of renewing your passport, this can be done through the mail. If you are applying for a dependent under the age of 16, then both parents must be present.

Requirements when applying for a U.S. passport:

  • You must apply in person at an Acceptance Agency or a Passport Agency
  • You cannot sign the application until you are instructed by the Acceptance Agent to do so.
  • You need to provide your Social Security Number
  • You must provide 2 identical passport pictures that are in color, 2×2 inches, have a white or off-white background, between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, the picture must be taken in normal street attire.
  • The following additional documentation must be included:
    • Evidence of U.S. citizenship: this can be in the form of a previously issued, undamaged passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship.
    • You must also bring identification: this can be in the form of a previously issued, undamaged passport, valid driver’s license, naturalization certificate, current governmental identification, or current military identification.

To open the DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport, please click  .

To find the nearest Passport Acceptance Agency go to http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ and enter your zip code.

In the event that you do need to make an appointment with a Regional Passport Agency, call 1-877-487-2778 to make the appointment; the list of current agencies are as follows:

California
95 Hawthorne Street, 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105-3901
Hours: 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.,
local time
Monday through Friday

Federal Building
11000 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1000
Los Angeles, CA 90024-3615
Hours: 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.,
local time
Monday through Friday

Connecticut

50 Washington Street
Norwalk, CT 06854
Hours: 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.,
local time
Monday through Friday

Colorado
Cherry Creek III
3151 South Vaughn Way, Suite 600
Aurora, CO 80014
Hours: 8:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.,
local time
Monday through Friday

District of Columbia (Wasington, D.C.)
1111 19th Street, N.W.
First Floor, Sidewalk Level
Washington, DC 20036
Hours: 8:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.,
local time
Monday through Friday

Florida
OMNI Center
1501 Biscayne Boulevard, #210
Miami, FL 33132
Hours: 8:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.,
local time, Monday through Friday

Hawaii
Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole
Federal Building
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite I-330
Honolulu, HI 96850
Hours: 8:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, local time

Illinois
Kluczynski
Federal Building
230 S. Dearborn Street, 18th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604-1564
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
local time, Monday through Friday

Louisiana
One Canal Place (corner of Canal and North Peters Streets)
365 Canal Street, Suite 1300
New Orleans, LA 70130-6508
Hours: 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.,
local time, Monday through Friday

Massachusetts
Thomas P. O’Neill
Federal Building
10 Causeway Street,Suite 247
Boston, MA 02222-1094
Hours: 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. local time
Monday through Friday

Michigan
211 West Fort Street, 2nd floor
Detroit, MI 48226-3269
Hours: 9:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Local Time
Monday through Friday

New York
Greater New York
Federal Building
376 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014-3621
Hours: 7:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.,
local time, Monday through Friday

Pennsylvania
U.S. Custom House
200 Chestnut Street, Room 103
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Hours: 8:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.,
local time
Monday through Friday

Texas
Mickey Leland
Federal Building
1919 Smith Street 4th Floor
Houston, TX 77002-8049
Hours: 8:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.,
Monday-Friday, local time

Washington
Jackson Federal Building
915 Second Avenue, Suite 992
Seattle, WA 98174-1091
Hours: 8:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, local time

Source: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html