What Form DS-11 Is and When You Need It

Form DS-11 is the process for a new U.S. passport or a replacement passport when your old one was lost, stolen, or damaged. You fill it out in person at a passport acceptance facility — you cannot mail it in. This form is also required if your passport was issued when you were under 16, or if you want to change your name on your passport.

If your passport is still valid and you only need to renew it by mail, you would use Form DS-82 instead. But if you are explore for your first passport, replacing a lost one, or need expedited service, DS-11 is the form you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DS-11 must be completed and submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility, not by mail.
  • You will need your completed form, a government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship, and a new passport photo at your appointment.
  • Processing times vary — standard service takes several weeks, while expedited service (available at some locations) takes one to two weeks for an additional fee.
  • You can read the blank form from the State Department website or pick one up at the acceptance facility, but arriving with it already filled out saves time.

Gathering Your Documents Before You Go

Before you sit down to fill out the form, collect the documents you will need to bring with you. You will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a naturalization certificate if you were not born in the U.S., or a consular report of birth abroad. A photocopy is not enough — the acceptance facility staff will examine the original.

You also need a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have one, bring a school ID plus a utility bill or lease in your name. For your passport photo, bring a new 2-by-2-inch color photo taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face straight-on, with a plain white or off-white background, and you cannot wear sunglasses or a hat (religious head coverings are permitted).

Filling Out Form DS-11 Step by Step

read Form DS-11 from the State Department website (state.gov) or fill it out at the acceptance facility. The form is four pages long. Use black or blue ink and print clearly — do not use pencil.

Start with your full legal name as it appears on your birth certificate. If you have changed your name since your last passport, you will need to provide legal documentation of that change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Fill in your date of birth, place of birth, and current address. Leave the passport number field blank if this is your first passport.

In the section asking about your citizenship, check the box that matches your situation — born in the U.S., naturalized, or born abroad to a U.S. parent. Answer the questions about your parents' citizenship and your previous passports honestly. If you have never had a passport, write "none" or leave those fields blank. Sign and date the form in the spaces provided — your signature must match the one on your photo ID.

Taking Your Photo at the Acceptance Facility

You can bring a photo you took yourself, or you can have your photo taken at the acceptance facility for a small additional fee (usually $15 to $20). If you bring your own photo, the staff will inspect it to make sure it meets the requirements. If it does not, you will need to have a new one taken there before you can proceed.

Many people choose to have the photo taken at the facility to avoid rejection. The staff know exactly what the State Department requires, and you will not waste time going back and forth.

What Happens at Your In-Person Appointment

Arrive at your passport acceptance facility with your completed Form DS-11, your documents, your photo, and a check or money order for the passport fee. As of 2024, a passport book costs $130 for adults, plus a $35 execution fee paid to the acceptance facility. Fees change, so check the State Department website before you go. Some facilities accept credit cards, but many do not — call ahead to confirm payment methods.

The staff will review your form and documents, verify that your photo meets requirements, and take your fingerprints. They will ask you to swear or affirm that the information on your form is true. You will receive a receipt showing your process number and expected delivery date. Keep this receipt — you will need it if you want to check the status of your passport later.

Standard vs. Expedited Processing Times

Standard passport processing takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date you submit your form. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs an extra $60. Not all acceptance facilities offer expedited service, so ask when you call to make your appointment.

If you need your passport even faster, some facilities offer same-day or next-day service for an additional rush fee, but this is only available if you have a travel date within 2 weeks and you are explore in person. Check the State Department website to find facilities near you that offer rush service.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not sign the form before you arrive at the acceptance facility — the staff must watch you sign it. If you sign it early, they will ask you to sign again in front of them, which wastes time. Do not use pencil or faded ink; use black or blue pen only. Do not write outside the boxes or cross out mistakes — if you make an error, start with a fresh form.

Do not bring a photo that is too old, taken at an angle, or with a colored background. Do not forget your original birth certificate or government ID — photocopies will not be accepted. If you are changing your name, do not forget the legal document that proves the change. Arriving without any of these will mean rescheduling your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out Form DS-11 online or does it have to be on paper?

You can fill it out on your computer and print it, or fill it out by hand. Either way, you must bring the printed form to your in-person appointment. You cannot submit it electronically.

What if I do not have my birth certificate?

Contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy — this usually takes one to two weeks. If you were born outside the U.S., you will need a consular report of birth abroad or a naturalization certificate instead. Plan ahead, as these documents take time to obtain.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Most acceptance facilities require an appointment. You can book one on the State Department website by entering your zip code. Walk-in service is rarely available, so do not count on it.

What if my name has changed since my last passport?

Bring the legal document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The acceptance facility staff will examine the original and may make a copy for your file.

Can someone else submit the form for me if I cannot go in person?

No. You must appear in person and sign the form in front of the acceptance facility staff. This is a legal requirement and cannot be waived.