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First-Time U.S. Passport Application

For U.S. citizens applying for a passport for the first time, or whose most recent passport has expired, was issued more than 15 years ago, or was issued before age 16. We prepare, pre-check, and manage your application through the New York Passport Agency for the fastest possible turnaround.

1. Documents 2. Fees 3. Acceptance Facility Submit

If none of your previous passports meet the renewal conditions — issued within the last 15 years, issued at age 16 or older, undamaged, and in your current name — you'll need to apply as a first-time applicant using Form DS-11. This requires an in-person appearance at a Passport Acceptance Facility. Applying for a child age 15 or under? See our child passport page instead.

Government fee
$213.36 (add $30 for a passport card)
VisaRite service fee
Super Rush, from $499
Processing time
1-day review, 4–6 days agency processing, 1–2 days shipping
In-person visit
Required, at a Passport Acceptance Facility
1

Gather your application paperwork

Have these ready before you start — incomplete paperwork is the most common cause of delay.

Proof of citizenship

Provide one of the following: an original or certified birth certificate, an original Certificate of Naturalization, your previous undamaged passport, or an FS-240, DS-1350, or Certificate of Citizenship if you were born abroad to U.S. parent(s). All citizenship documents are returned to you with your new passport.

Proof of identity

A clear photocopy of your driver's license showing your photo. The license must have been issued or renewed at least 12 months ago; if not, additional proof of identity will be required.

Passport Application Form DS-11
  • Complete the DS-11 form online at the U.S. Department of State's website — handwritten forms are no longer accepted.
  • On the final "Print Summary" page, scroll to the bottom left and click Create Form to generate your printable application.
  • Print single-sided pages only — not back-to-back.
  • Do not sign the form until you're instructed to at the Acceptance Facility.
  • Adding a passport card option adds $30 to the government fee.

Passport Authorization Letter

Your authorization for VisaRite to act as your agent with the Passport Agency. This must carry your original (wet) signature — faxes and photocopies aren't accepted. Print and sign 2 copies: one goes inside the sealed envelope, the other is attached to the outside (see Step 3).

One recent passport photo

See our passport photo requirements, or find a location near you to have one taken.

Travel evidence

An international travel itinerary departing within 2 weeks (or 4 weeks if a visa is also needed), or a business letter on company letterhead — signed by your supervisor — explaining your travel date and purpose.

2

Pay the government & service fees

Make one check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State" for $213.36, or $243.36 if you're also requesting a passport card.

Paying the government fee: Personal check, business check, or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of State" in the amount above — credit cards and starter checks are not accepted. Be sure to write your date of birth on the check. If you have multiple applicants, use a separate check for each person; do not combine them into one check.
Service level Review Agency processing Shipping Service fee
Super Rush 1 day 4–6 days 1–2 days $499

Service fees may be paid online by credit card (a 3.6% surcharge applies) and are separate from the government fee above. Processing time reflects the Passport Agency's time to process your application once received — it does not include return shipping, and the day we receive your package does not count as a processing day.

3

Visit a Passport Acceptance Facility

You (the applicant) must appear in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility — usually a Post Office or County Courthouse — and present the paperwork you've prepared. You'll sign the application in front of the clerk.

What happens at the Acceptance Facility
  • Tell the clerk you're using an expediting service and need to "hand carry" your application.
  • The clerk will ask for your ID (driver's license) and have you sign the DS-11 form in front of them.
  • The clerk completes the ID information, signs, and stamps the application form.
  • The clerk seals the envelope and places an official stamp or seal on or beside the seal mark, and may mark it "Hand Carry" or "Open by authorized passport agent only."
  • You'll pay a $35 execution fee at the facility.
  • The clerk returns the sealed envelope to you so you can send it to VisaRite by FedEx.

If the clerk hesitates to release the envelope to you, they can refer to their Passport Agent's Manual, section on "Hand-Carrying of Executed Applications."

Once your envelope is signed and sealed, send it to us right away — it expires 3 business days after it's sealed.
What must be inside the sealed envelope
  • The signed original DS-11 application form.
  • Your original proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate).
  • One passport photo.
  • Your check made out to the U.S. Department of State.
  • One original Passport Authorization Letter with a wet signature.
  • One photocopy of your driver's license or supplemental ID.
  • Your travel reservation or business letter showing departure within 14 days.

Also include, outside the sealed envelope: one additional Passport Authorization Letter with an original wet signature.

Send us your application for a pre-check

  1. Email service@visarite.net a scanned copy or clear photos of your complete application paperwork before you ship anything.
  2. We'll review everything for errors or omissions that could delay processing.
  3. Once your pre-check is complete, we'll email you detailed shipping instructions.

Following these steps closely is the single biggest thing you can do to avoid delays.

Start a Passport Service Request