Form DS-11 is the application for a U.S. passport when you can't renew by mail. You complete it, but you don't sign it until you are in front of an authorized agent.
When you need DS-11
The form says to apply in person if at least one of these is true:
- You are applying for your first U.S. passport.
- You are under age 16.
- Your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, was issued more than 15 years ago, or was lost, stolen or damaged.
You can't submit it online
DS-11 is handed in at an authorized acceptance facility. You complete the form first, then you take it to your appointment.
The steps, as the form lists them
- Complete the form. Do not sign it until an authorized agent asks you to.
- Attach a color photograph that meets the requirements.
- Schedule an appointment at an acceptance facility, using the State Department website or the National Passport Information Center.
- Arrive with the completed form and attachments. The agent administers the oath, watches you sign, and collects the fee.
- Track your application online once it is submitted.
- Receive your new passport and your original supporting documents.
Pages 1 to 4 are instructions
In the PDF, the first four pages are instructions. The application you actually fill in starts on page 5 and runs through page 6. DocZap's Form DS-11 page says the same, so you don't hunt for the fields.
Fees and documents
Fees, accepted identity and citizenship documents, and photo rules change, so check travel.state.gov instead of relying on a number from a blog. The instructions in the form also explain what to bring.
Fill it in, then print it
You can type into DS-11 in the DocZap editor, where its 86 fillable fields are highlighted, and nothing you enter is uploaded. Then print it and bring it to your appointment, and sign it in front of the agent. Check travel.state.gov for how the State Department wants it printed.
This is general information, not legal advice. Always use the current instructions.
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