1.  Stop by your nearest Mail Boxes Etc. and get your passport photo taken.

General Passport Photo Information: 

Photographs must be 2x2 inches in size. The image size from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches. They may be in color or black and white. They must be full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background. 

The subject should not be photographed wearing a head covering unless the head coverings are worn habitually by members of religious orders or sects, e.g. nuns, rabbis, etc. False hairpieces or other cosmetic devices are acceptable if they do not disguise the natural appearance of the bearer and are worn habitually. 

For U.S. Immigration & Naturalization

The dimensions of the image should be 30mm (1 3/16 inches) from the hair to the neck just below the chin, and 26MM (1 Inch) from the right ear to the left cheek. Image Cannot exceed 32MM by 28MM (1 1/4IN x 1 1/16IN). If the image area on the photograph is too large or too small the photo cannot be used. Photographs must show the entire face of the person in a 3/4 view showing the right ear and the left eye. Facial features must be identifiable. Contrast between the image and the background is essential. Photo for very light skinned people should be slightly over-exposed.

2.  Download and printout the forms

You can download and print out the forms you need from here. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print these forms. If you do not have this for you can obtain it from this site:

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader

The available passport application forms are double sided. Although the second pages require no data from the applicant, they contain important information and official legal statements and are a required part of the application form. They should be read before completing the form and must be submitted with the completed first page. Your application will not be accepted without the second page. This form must be printed on 2 pages.

DSP 11 - Application For Passport

This form must be presented and signed in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. Contact your local Mail Boxes Etc. for directions to the nearest facility. If you have never had a U.S. passport, you are under age 18, or if your most recent passport was lost or stolen you must use this form. (If you are applying because your passport was lost or stolen, you will also need to submit Form DSP-64 listed below.) Please follow the instructions on the second page of the application.

DSP 82 - Application for Passport by Mail (For Renewals Only)

This form should be used for renewing a previously issued U.S. passport either by mail or in person. There are four criteria for using this form. Please use the following checklist to see if you are eligible to apply with a DSP-82:

1.  I can submit my most recent passport.

2.  I was at least 16 years old when my most recent passport was issued.

3.  I was issued my most recent passport less than 12 years ago.

4.  I use the same name as on my most recent passport, OR, I have had my name changed by marriage or court order and can submit proper documentation to reflect my name changes. 

If you answered NO to any of the four statements above...STOP!  You cannot use form DSP-82!!! You must apply on application form DSP-11.

Note:  The second page (back) of the DSP-82 gives a phone number to call for inquiries. This number has changed. If you have a question about the application process or want to know the status of a pending application, please call the:

             National Passport Information Center
             1-900-CALL-NPIC (1-900-225-5674)
             35 cents/minute for Automated Service
             $1.05/Minute for Operator Service
             TDD: 1-900-225-7778

             For Credit Card Users (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
             1-888-362-8668
             $4.95 Per Call
             TDD: 1-888-498-3648
 

DSP 19 - Passport Amendment/Validation Application 

This form should be used either in person or by mail whenever a change is required in the printed information (i.e., a name change), to extend the validity or to add pages in your passport.

DSP 64 - Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport

This form should be submitted along with the DSP-11 Application for Passport and brought with you when you go in person to apply for a new passport if your previous passport has been lost or stolen.

3. Read the instructions

Rather than reinvent the wheel, I will refer you to the following pages. I don't often refer people to other pages, but I feel the amount of information contained in this site is useful and important.  Please use your back key to return to this or my home page when you are done.

US State Department - Applying for a passport the easy way.

4. Turn in your paperwork

Contact your local Mail Boxes Etc. for directions. You can locate the nearest MBE here.