One of the first practical steps many new citizens take is applying for a U.S. passport. A passport is not only your ticket to international travel but also a secure form of identification and proof of your new citizenship. If you have recently naturalized, here is what you need to know about applying for your first U.S. passport.
The process begins by confirming your eligibility. Once you have taken the Oath of Allegiance and received your Certificate of Naturalization, you are eligible to apply. This certificate will serve as your primary proof of U.S. citizenship when you submit your application for a passport.
As a first-time applicant and new citizen, you must apply in person. Here are the steps.
This information is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney or accredited representative. The content was last updated October 2025.
Step 1: Fill out the application
Complete Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport. You can fill it out online using the State Department’s Form Filler tool and then print it, or you can complete a paper copy by hand. Be sure to print on single-sided paper and do not sign the form until instructed to do so by a passport acceptance agent at the acceptance facility.
On the application, you may request a passport book, passport card, or both. If you travel frequently, you can opt for the “large book” version with extra visa pages.
Also Read: After The Green Card: What New Lawful Permanent Residents Should Do Next
Step 2: Gather required documents
You will need to provide evidence of your U.S. citizenship. For new citizens, it would be your Certificate of Naturalization. You’ll need to submit the original Certificate of Naturalization along with your application. You must also submit a photocopy of this certificate on plain white 8.5 × 11-inch paper.
Along with your citizenship evidence, you must present a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID card, and provide a photocopy of the front and back of that ID. If your ID is from a different state than the one in which you are applying, bring a second photo ID. You can see the identification page for the full list of acceptable photo IDs.
A passport photo is also required. The photo must meet official standards: it should be in color, two inches by two inches in size, taken within the last six months, and set against a plain white or off-white background. Glasses are not allowed. Do not attach the photo yourself; the acceptance agent will take care of that.
Step 3: Submit your application and documents
When you have gathered your application, your certificate, your identification, your photocopies, and your photo, you will bring everything to a passport acceptance facility. These are commonly located in U.S. Post Offices, some libraries, or local government offices. Some of these facilities can take your passport photo on site, too.
If you need your passport urgently, you may instead visit a regional passport agency.
Once you arrive at the facility, you will present your documents, take an oath, and sign your form in front of an agent. You will also need to pay the required fees. A standard passport book for adults costs $130. If you need faster processing, you can request expedited service for an extra $60. Payment is typically made by check or money order to the “U.S. Department of State.”
You will also need to pay an additional $35 acceptance fee to the passport acceptance facility. Usually, you can pay this with a credit or debit card.
Step 4: Track your application
After you submit your application, it will be forwarded for processing. Standard processing typically takes six to eight weeks, while expedited service is usually completed in two to three weeks.
You can check the status of your application online through the State Department’s website. If you provided an email address, you’ll also receive status updates via email.
If you are not receiving updates, need to change the email address used for notifications, or want more details about each type of status update, check the application status page for more instructions.
Step 5: Receive the passport and documents
Once your application is approved, your new passport will be mailed to you. Your Certificate of Naturalization will be returned separately in its own envelope, so it is normal for the two items to arrive at different times. Passports are sent through a trackable USPS delivery service. Naturalization certificates, however, are typically mailed by First Class Mail in a separate envelope without tracking, and they may take up to four weeks longer to arrive.
You can check your application status online to see when your passport and supporting documents have been mailed. If it has been more than two weeks since your passport was mailed, call 1-877-487-2778 for assistance. If more than four weeks have passed without receiving your supporting documents, call the same number to report the delay.
