New Passport (16 years or older)
Requirements for applying for a NEW U.S. Passport:
- You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time
- OR your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession
- OR your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago
- OR your expired passport was issued when you were under age 16
Step 1 – Gather required documents.
Gather and take the documents listed below to an “Acceptance Agent” at a U.S. Passport Agency. Click here to find the closest Post Office or courthouse that acts as a Passport Agency.
You must appear in person. You should tell the “Acceptance Agent” that you are using an Expediting service, who will hand carry your expedited package to the Passport Agency. After they authenticate your documents, they will put ALL items in a sealed envelope. This envelope CANNOT be opened! Make sure the “Acceptance Agent” gives you the sealed envelope once he/she completes your transaction.
1. Proof of Citizenship. To prove your citizenship, you must have an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, naturalization papers or old passport. If you are unable to obtain your birth certificate, you may obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate from the state that you were born, or you can go to vitalchek.com to obtain information about ordering a certified copy of your birth certificate.
2. Proof of Identity. You will be required to show a valid state-issued Driver’s License with photo, or a state-issued ID that was issued more than six (6) months ago. Military ID or Official government ID are also acceptable forms of identity.
3. State Department Application. The U.S. Passport Agnecy now requires all applications for a U.S. Passport be typed for submission. This provides the ability for a 2D-barcode to be printed on the form, which allows the State Department to scan your information into their database, thus making processing your application faster. Once you have entered your information onto the application through the State Department’s website, click “Create Form”, which will prepare your application for printing. Print two (2) copies of this application. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN, you will need to sign in front of the “Acceptance Agent”! Please click here to access the DS-11 online application.
4. Two (2) Passport Photos. Two (2) identical passport-size (2″x2″) photos. Requirements for photos:
*Pale or white background *Full face, front view *The photos must be identical and taken in the last 6 months *Do not wear a hat unless for religious reasons (if so, please include an explanation) *Wear normal day-to-day attire. Do not wear uniforms *If you normally wear a wig, hearing aid, or prescription glasses, wear them for the photo.*Photo studios and pharmacies are well prepared to do passport photos for you. Its much more effective to get good passsport photos from a pharmacy, photo studio or post office rather than try to do it yourself.
5. Proof of Departure. Print out a copy of your travel itinerary showing when you will be departing the U.S. for international travel. A copy of your airline ticket is also acceptable.
Step 2 – Order Form, Authorization Form, Shipping and Service.
1. Washington Express Visas Passport Order Form. Please click here to fill out a Washington Express Visas Passport Request Form.
2. Washington Express Visas Passport Authorization Form. Please click hereto fill out. This form gives Washington Express Visas permission to submit your hand-carried sealed expedited envelope to the Washington, DC Passport Agency on your behalf. The State Department requires that it be an original signature, in blue ink, or it may be rejected. Xerox copies or faxed signatures will be rejected.
3. Shipment. Please send the sealed envelope from the “Acceptance Agent”, the Washington Express Visas Authorization Form, and the Washington Express Visas Passport Order Form to our office at the address below via Fed/Ex or UPS so you can track your documents:
4. Service. Please call us at (202) 393-3030 to let us know that your documents have been sent and indicate whether you require Same-Day Expedite Service ($200) or 3-Day Expedite Service ($150). The State Department fee to issue a new passport is $170.
Our passport processing specialists are experts in the field, and are able to accomplish the entire process in days, instead of the weeks or months it would normally take. (202) 393-3030.
