Form DS-11
Application for a US Passport
The application for a first US passport, and for renewals that do not qualify for the mail-in DS-82 — submitted in person.
What is Form DS-11?
Form DS-11 is used when you are getting a passport for the first time, you are under 16, your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, or your prior passport was issued more than 15 years ago or before age 16. If none of those apply and you still have your old passport, you use Form DS-82 by mail instead.
You must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility (many post offices, libraries, and clerk of court offices) or a passport agency. Do not sign the form until the acceptance agent tells you to.
You bring the completed form unsigned, proof of US citizenship plus a photocopy, a valid photo ID plus a photocopy, one passport photo, and the fees (the application fee and the execution fee are paid separately).
- Who needs it
- First-time adult applicants, all applicants under 16, and anyone who cannot use the DS-82 mail-in renewal. Each child needs their own DS-11 with both parents present or the required consent.
- Deadline
- No deadline — apply well before travel. Routine processing takes several weeks; expedited service is faster for an extra fee. Check current times on the State Department site.
- How to submit
- In person only. Fill it in online with the State Department's Form Filler or by hand, print it single-sided, and take it unsigned to a passport acceptance facility. It cannot be mailed or submitted online.
Form DS-11 — line-by-line
Applicant identity
Full name, date and place of birth, Social Security Number, and contact information.
Parents' information
Each parent's full name, date and place of birth, and citizenship — required for all applicants.
Travel plans and emergency contact
Approximate travel dates and countries, and a contact who is not travelling with you.
Prior passport
Details of your most recent US passport, if any.
Signature
Left blank until the acceptance agent instructs you to sign in front of them.
Form DS-11 — frequently asked questions
DS-11 or DS-82 — which do I use?+
DS-82 (by mail) if you have your most recent passport, it was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, and in your current name. Otherwise DS-11 in person.
Can I submit Form DS-11 online?+
No. You can complete it online with the Form Filler tool, but you must print it and apply in person.
Do I sign the DS-11 before my appointment?+
No. Sign only when the acceptance agent tells you to, in their presence.
What do I bring?+
The unsigned form, proof of citizenship plus a photocopy, photo ID plus a photocopy, one passport photo, and payment for both the application and execution fees.
Related forms
Form DS-11 is published by the US Department of State. Official page and instructions .
PDFCure is not a government agency and does not provide tax, legal, or immigration advice. This page is general information — for your specific situation, follow the official instructions or consult a qualified professional. Always download the current edition from the agency before filing. Revision referenced: See the State Department for the current version.