What Do I Need To Get a U. S. Passport?

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Are you in need of a new passport or a passport renewal? Do you need a passport photo? Do you need to know what counts as citizenship evidence for getting a passport? Do you need to get in touch with a consulate or embassy for passport assistance? Do you need to obtain a travel document?

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit public library, we are not allowed to serve as a passport acceptance location, but we have created this guide to provide you with some information and resources on the basic process of obtaining your passport and other related needs. Please also check the end of the blog for what our library is able to help you with.

How Do I Get Started?

Travel.State.Gov, opens a new window offers an online quiz, What Form Should I Use, opens a new window, that you can quickly and easily fill out to help you determine the exact form you need for your passport.

Two Common Forms:

  • Form DS-11, opens a new window           
    • Form DS-11 is the application that should be submitted by U.S. citizens to obtain the following:
      • A first-time passport
      • Replacement of a lost, stolen or damaged passport
      • Renewal of a passport that has been expired for more than 5 years
      • Renewal of passport issued to a minor age 16 or younger
  • Form DS-82, opens a new window           
    • For renewing a passport that was issued to an applicant age 16 or older.
    • This form can be used at any time during the validity of the passport or up to five years after the expiration of the passport.
    • Eligible U.S. citizens can renew their passport online.

Citizenship Evidence for Passport Applications

  • Submitting citizenship evidence is one of the requirements when applying for a passport. This is not just a proof of identity, but proof of U.S. citizenship.
  • The type of evidence you need to provide depends on if you were born in the United States or born outside the United States.
  • Refer to the Travel.State.Gov, opens a new window website for information on what documentation you might need.


Getting an Appointment

Walk-Ins

  • Check the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page, opens a new window for the nearest acceptance facilities.
    • You can check additional search criteria such as handicap access and facilities with photo services.
    • The link for each facility in your search results will tell you whether they are appointment-only or allow walk-ins.
  • What to expect from a walk-in passport office:
    • It may be necessary for you to travel 10 to 30 miles or more, to get to a facility where you don't need an appointment. It all depends on where you live.
    • It is recommended that you arrive early and try to be one of the first applicants in line.
    • Local passport application acceptance facilities only accept DS-11.
      • Any service that requires a different application form, like a passport renewal, should be mailed directly to the address on the form.

Schedule An Appointment

  • You can get help with booking a passport appointment online at USPS.com, opens a new window. Their website walks you through booking an appointment with a passport office.
  • For new passports, passports for minors, and passport photos, you will need to Schedule an Appointment.
    • Once you click that option, follow the step-by-step instructions to schedule an appointment.
  • Fed-Ex also offers passport application and renewal services.

Renewing Your Passport

Passport renewals require you to fill out Form DS-82. If you need to renew your passport, you will have 2 options:

  • Renew by mail
  • Renew online

Where to Get a Passport Photo

  • Some passport acceptance facilities will offer photo services with your appointment for an additional fee. Cost will vary by location.
  • If you are scheduling an appointment through USPS.com to get a new passport, the website allows you to search for acceptance facilities that offer a photo service with your appointment.
  • Many pharmacies, photo centers and retailers offer passport photos. Cost will vary by location.

Expediting Your Passport Application

If you need a passport as quickly as possible, you will have to pay for both an expedited passport service as well as the additional government fees

Do You Need a Travel Document?

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may need permission to return to the United States after traveling abroad. This permission is granted through a Travel Document, opens a new window.

Travel documents are also given to people who want to travel but cannot get a passport from their country of nationality.

Consulates and Embassies of Foreign Countries for Colorado Residents

Consulates and embassies can potentially provide emergency assistance, types of legal support, passport / identification services, dual citizenship for children, and other resources for their nationals.  Listed below are some of the consulates and embassies serving Colorado.

What Arapahoe Libraries Can Do to Help

Please be aware: The staff at Arapahoe Libraries are not government or immigration experts. They cannot give legal or financial advice.

For help with printing, copying, scanning, sending faxes or accessing a computer, visit your favorite library location. Technology specialists are available for walk-up questions as well.

You can also schedule a free, 30-minute appointment with a librarian to get assistance with technology or help finding resources.

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