The US passport holds considerable global influence due to its extensive visa-free access to numerous countries, making it one of the most powerful passports worldwide. This travel document is reserved for U.S. citizens and non-citizens, a category that includes individuals who are eligible for this status by merit or at the will of the U.S. government.
The U.S. government is very strict about the issuance of passports, so there are year-round procedures for passport application, production, and delivery.
Steps to take to obtain a US passport: everything you need to know
Before applying for an American passport, consider completing the following steps to ensure a smooth and efficient application process:
Fill in the DS-11 passport application form, which will be handed in printed form at the corresponding office. This type of form is only available in English and must be completed in English.
You have two options for this
- Fill it in online (in English) and then print it out.
- Download and fill it in by hand
Note: Do not sign Form DS-11 until instructed to do so by the agent who will see you in person.
Where do I complete the US passport application process?
An application for a U.S. passport can only be made in person by the passport holder or the passport holder’s legal guardian (if the passport holder is a minor) at a passport agency. Enter your zip code in the search bar to see a list of the nearest offices.
Note: Some of these cases may require an appointment or have specific hours of operation.
Personal documents required
- An original document of proof of citizenship (and a photocopy of both sides)
- An identity document with a photo (and a photocopy of both sides)
- Passport photograph
In addition to these documents, you will need to make an initial payment (Application) for the application process and one when you receive your document ready (Acceptance).
How much does a U.S. passport cost?
- First time passports for adults over 16 years of age are as follows:
- Passport Booklet: Application $130 and Acceptance $35
- Passport Card: Application $30 and Acceptance $35
- Passport Book and Card: Application $160 and Acceptance $35
- Passport for children and adolescents under the age of 16:
- Passport Booklet: Application $100 and Acceptance $35
- Passport Card: Application $15 and Acceptance $35
- Passport Booklet and Card: Application $115 and Acceptance $35
What is the cost of renewal?
The passbook renewal costs $130, while the card costs only $30, and if you renew both, the two prices are added together for a total of $160. No acceptance fee is required for the renewal process.
How long does it take for the US passport to be ready?
As of 18 December 2023, the waiting time for the US passport has returned to pre-pandemic levels. For regular service, applications are now processed within 6 to 8 weeks.
This processing time begins when the application is received by the Department of State, and since this depends on the postal service, it can take up to 2 weeks for your application to arrive at its destination, and then another 2 weeks for you to receive your completed passport.
Fast-track passport: what is it?
In some cases you can get a passport faster. This type of passport can only be applied for in exceptional cases, whether it is an emergency (life or death), an urgency or if you pay a higher fee ($60 plus postage) for expedited processing. It only takes 2 to 3 weeks for this passport to be ready for you.
You can follow the verification steps of your application online, so you are kept up to date on the progress of your application.
About Us
Opapeleo is your agency for procedures 100% online or telephone. We are in Washington DC 150 meters away from the Cuban Consulate. We provide services for the Extension and Renewal of Cuban Passport, Legalisations, Powers of attorney on all kinds, Authorisations for minors to leave the country, DVT, Visas to Cuba, Top-ups, applications for Cuban certificates, delivery of official documents and all kinds of procedures related to Cuba.
