Form DS-11
Last updated on August 26, 2026
Form DS-11: The First-Passport Application
Form DS-11 is the U.S. Department of State application used to apply for a passport in person. It is the form for anyone who cannot renew by mail, and it must be submitted at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency rather than posted.
Who Has to Use It
- First-time applicants of any age
- Applicants under 16, every time, including renewals
- Anyone whose most recent passport was issued before they turned 16
- Anyone whose passport was lost, stolen or damaged
- Anyone whose previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago
What You Submit With It
Proof of citizenship as an original certified document — a long-form birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a certificate of naturalization — plus a photocopy of it, government-issued photo identification and a photocopy of that, and one compliant passport photo. Two separate fees apply: the State Department application fee and the facility’s execution fee.
Do Not Sign It in Advance
The signature block is completed in front of the acceptance agent, who witnesses it. A pre-signed DS-11 is rejected and has to be redone, which is one of the most common and most avoidable delays.
Your Birth Certificate Comes Back Separately
The certified copy you submit travels with the application and is returned by mail, usually after and separately from the passport. If you will need that certificate in the meantime, order a spare certified copy before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mail Form DS-11?
No. It exists precisely for the cases where identity must be verified in person. Mail renewal uses Form DS-82.
Will a short-form birth certificate work?
Generally not. The State Department requires a certificate showing full name, date and place of birth, parents’ full names, and the registrar’s signature or seal.
Do children need to be present?
Yes. Applicants under 16 must appear, and both parents or guardians must consent, usually in person or with Form DS-3053.
How long is a first passport valid?
Ten years for applicants 16 and over, five years for those under 16.
Related Terms
Form DS-82, Passport Acceptance Facility, U.S. Passport, Proof of Citizenship, Long-Form Birth Certificate