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U.S. Passport Requirements — Complete Guide

Comprehensive breakdown of DS-82 renewal, DS-11 new application, child passports, fees, and processing times.

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BENEFITS

Support for growth and well-being

Benefits vary by location, but this reflects the shared framework.

DS-82

Renewal (DS-82)

Apply by mail if you have a current or recently expired passport.

Eligibility summary:
  • Had passport issued when 16+
  • Issued within last 15 years
  • Not damaged or altered
  • Same name (or legal name change docs)
DS-11

New/First Time (DS-11)

First-time applicants or those who don't qualify for renewal.

Eligibility summary:
  • Never had a U.S. passport
  • Previous passport lost/stolen/damaged
  • Passport issued 15+ years ago
DS-11

Child Passport

For minors under 16. Both parents must consent.

Eligibility summary:
  • Child under 16
  • Both parents present or notarized consent
  • Valid for 5 years only
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Our Complete Guide simplifies all US passport requirements, helping 1.5 million+ travelers annually navigate complex applications, photo rules, and processing times across 50 states with 100% up-to-date expert accuracy.

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Form DS-11

DS-11 New Application — Complete Breakdown

Apply in person when renewal is not an option.

Who Needs This
  • First-time applicants
  • Under 16 (child passport)
  • Previous passport lost, stolen, or damaged
  • Previous passport issued 15+ years ago
Required Documents
  • Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate)
  • Valid photo ID (driver's license)
  • One passport photo (2×2 inches)
  • DS-11 form
Fees
  • Book: $130 + $35 acceptance fee
  • Card: $30 + $35 acceptance fee
  • Book + Card: $160 + $35 acceptance fee
  • Expedite: $60 (optional)
  • Under 16: $100 + $35 acceptance fee
REQUERIMENTS
Other requeriments

Additional documentation and specific conditions required to successfully complete your application.

Child Passport Requirements

Special rules apply for minors under 16.

  • Both parents must consent (or provide sole custody documentation)
  • Child must appear in person at acceptance facility
  • Child passport is valid for 5 years (not 10 like adult)
  • Proof of relationship required (birth certificate, adoption decree)

If one parent cannot appear, they must submit Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) with a notarized signature. For sole legal custody situations, court documentation is required.

Photo Requirements

Photos must meet strict specifications or your application may be delayed.

  • Size: 2×2 inches
  • Head height: 1–1.375 inches from chin to top of head
  • Background: Plain white or off-white
  • Recency: Taken within last 6 months
  • No glasses
  • No headcoverings (unless for religious purposes; must not obscure face)
  • Neutral expression, eyes open
  • Full face visible, front view
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INTEGRATION
Processing Timeline Comparison

Compare processing methods and associated fees.

Standard Service

Routine Processing

Source / LaneSchema Target
InputStandard mail inputmail/standard
OutputProcessing time outputtime/6-8_wks
Processing Details
  • Fees: Book $130, Card $30
  • Notes: Standard mail processing
Priority Service

Expedited Processing

Source / LaneSchema Target
InputPriority mail inputmail/priority
OutputProcessing time outputtime/2-3_wks
Processing Details
  • Fees: + $60 expedite
  • Notes: Priority handling
Urgent Service

Agency/Center

Source / LaneSchema Target
InputAgency visit inputvisit/agency
OutputProcessing time outputtime/24_hrs
Processing Details
  • Fees: + $60 expedite + appt
  • Notes: HelloGov courier option

Processing times are estimates from the U.S. Department of State and may vary based on demand. HelloGov expedited courier service can deliver in as little as 24 hours for urgent travel.

Sydney AI

AI Support

Sydney helps applicants complete forms accurately, answers policy FAQs in plain language, and routes uncertain cases to a specialist before they become delays.

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+1 (555) 000-0000

Available 24/7 — a real person is always one step away...

Sydney AI can guide you through form selection, document checklist verification, and fee calculation based on your specific situation. Ask about DS-82 vs DS-11 eligibility, photo requirements, or expedited options. Available 24/7 for quick answers.

Structured Data
JSON-LD for Passport Requirements

Works with any runtime that supports fetch and JSON Schema validation. No SDK required.

VALIDATION_AGENT.JS
import Ajv from "ajv";
import addFormats from "ajv-formats";

// 1. Fetch the schema
const schema = await fetch(
  "https://govschema.org/schema/visa/lanes/US-BR.json"
).then((r) => r.json);

// 2. Compile validator
const ajv = new Ajv({ allErrors: true, strict: true });
addFormats(ajv);
const validate = ajv.compile(schema);

// 3. Validate agent output
const draft = await agent.invoke({
  input: "Prepare a Brazil tourist visa application",
  responseSchema: schema,
});

if (!validate(draft)) {
  // Handle remediation
  console.log(validate.errors);
}

// 4. Submit
await fetch("https://api.hellogov.com/v1/submit", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    lane: "visa/US-BR",
    schemaVersion: schema.schema_version,
    payload: draft,
    correlationId: crypto.randomUUID(),
  }),
});
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