Get a new or first adult passport
If you need your first adult passport or a new passport after not being eligible to renew by mail, this page explains the official U.S. process in simple words and shows your options if you want help finding a private expediter.
What this service is
You usually need a new adult passport application if this is your first U.S. passport, your last passport was issued before age 16, it was lost or stolen and you cannot renew by mail, or you are otherwise not eligible to use Form DS-82. In most first-time adult cases, you apply in person using Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office, library, or clerk of court that offers passport acceptance.<p>Passlane is an independent private company. We are a free matching service that helps you understand the official process and, if you want, connect with an independent private passport expediting company. Passlane is not the U.S. Department of State, not the National Passport Information Center, not USCIS, not an embassy or consulate, and not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.</p><p>We do not issue passports, do not process government applications, and do not give legal or immigration advice. If your question is about immigration status, citizenship, or a legal problem, you should speak with a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative.</p><p>You can always apply directly with the government yourself at no service charge. If you want private help with couriering and expediting logistics, you can also ask to get matched with an independent provider at no cost from Passlane.
How the official process works
For a first or new adult passport, the standard route is to complete Form DS-11, gather your documents, have a passport photo, and appear in person before an acceptance agent. The agent checks your identity, reviews your packet, and sends it to the government for processing. Only the government can approve or issue a passport.<p>You will usually need:</p><ul><li><strong>Proof of U.S. citizenship</strong>, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship</li><li><strong>Photo ID</strong>, such as a valid driver license or other accepted government ID</li><li><strong>A photocopy</strong> of the front and back of your ID</li><li><strong>One passport photo</strong> that meets official rules</li><li><strong>Your completed DS-11</strong>, usually signed when instructed at the acceptance appointment</li></ul><p>Typical official processing times are often about 4 to 6 weeks for routine service and about 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service, but times can change. If you have urgent international travel within about 14 days, or a qualifying life-or-death emergency, the government may offer limited urgent appointment options. See timelines and fees for a simple overview.</p><p>If you want a private expediter after your in-person acceptance step, Passlane may connect you with an independent company that can help move documents through the legitimate private expediting channel. That private company's service fee is separate from the official government fee.
Documents, fees, and what you pay for
There are usually two different kinds of costs to understand. First, there is the official government application fee and related passport fees. Second, if you choose to use a private expediting company, there may be a separate private service fee for that company's work. These are not the same thing, and the private fee does not include the government fee.<p>For first-time adult applicants, the government generally charges an application fee and an acceptance fee. If you request faster government processing, there is usually an extra government expedited fee as well. Exact amounts can change, so confirm the current amount on the official government website before you pay.</p><p>You may also choose between a passport book and a passport card:</p><ul><li><strong>Passport book:</strong> used for international air travel and most international travel</li><li><strong>Passport card:</strong> valid only for entry to the U.S. by land or sea from certain places, and <strong>not valid for international air travel</strong></li></ul><p>Important privacy note: Passlane forms should collect only contact information and your request details so we can match you. We do not ask for your Social Security number, passport number, or scanned identity documents on our site.
Faster routes and when private help may make sense
If you need your passport sooner, there are a few legitimate paths. You can request the government's expedited service for an added government fee. In urgent cases, you may try for a government urgent-travel appointment if you meet the rules. Some travelers also use a private passport expediter to help with couriering and hand-carrying parts of the process where allowed, after the required in-person acceptance step for DS-11 applicants.<p>A private expediter may be useful if you are short on time, do not want to sort through the process alone, or need help understanding the steps in plain language. But no private company can promise approval or guarantee a specific timeline. Only the government decides whether to issue the passport and how quickly it can be completed.</p><p>Passlane is only a matching and information service. We can explain common routes and connect you with an independent provider, but you always keep the option to apply directly yourself without paying any private service charge. If you want to compare options, read how to expedite a passport or get matched for free.</p>
If you need your first adult passport, you usually apply in person with Form DS-11 and bring proof of citizenship, ID, copies, and a passport photo. You can do this yourself directly with the government for no service charge, or Passlane can free-match you with an independent private expediter if you want extra help. Government fees and any private service fee are separate, and only the government can approve and issue the passport.