Obtaining a U.S. Passport does not have to be a daunting and dreadful task. There are forms to file and fees to pay, but with a little direction it is possible to have a passport in your hands in a relatively short time. You must apply in person with the proper documentation and proof of citizenship to start the process. The following information will start you on the path to successfully acquiring a U.S. Passport.

The first step in applying for a passport is to submit a completed form DS-11 application for a U.S. Passport. This form must be submitted, in person, at a Passport Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency.

These facilities are located in each state, and there are numerous locations available. Although your DS-11 form should be filled out prior to arriving at the Passport Facility, do not sign the form until you are instructed by the Acceptance Agent to do so. A valid Social Security number will also be required. In order for your application to be accepted you will need some additional documents. If you are renewing an existing passport it is possible to do that through the mail using for DS-82: Application for U.S. Passport by Mail.

Minors applying for a U.S. Passport will need to submit a completed DS-11 form. They, too, are required to apply in person, regardless of age. Both parents or guardians must be present. If this is not possible notarized proof of consent from the unavailable parent/guardian is needed. Evidence of sole authority over the child will suffice. Minors will need all of the additional documentation required of adults.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is needed and can come in the form of a certified birth certificate or a previous passport. If you were born outside of the U.S. You will need to supply a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Certificate of Birth Abroad or a previous U.S. Passport. Additionally you will need proof of identity. Proof of Identity is also required. You can present a valid driver license, military ID, a previous passport, or a government ID. Each of these items must be current to be considered valid.

Passport fees vary based on the age of the applicant. An adult (age 16 and up) would pay $75 plus a $25 execution fee for a total of $100. Children (under the age of 16) would be charged $60. plus the $25 execution fee for a total of $85. The fee itself is payable to the Department of State. The execution fee is payable, separately, to the facility you are making your application at.

In order to complete your U.S. Passport application you will have to provide two recent color photos. The photos must be identical and have no other subject in the photo. Only full face photos are accepted. Passport photos can be taken at a variety of locations. These locations can include local Post Offices, drug stores, department stores and photography studios.

Once all of the necessary documentation has been presented to the agency and all forms have been signed you can expect to wait four to six weeks for your passport application to be processed. It is possible to expedite your application for an additional fee of $60 per application. The expedited process will be completed in approximately two weeks. Due to recent changes in passport laws it is possible that the average processing time may be longer. If you will need to travel within a twelve week period it is recommended that you use the expedited service. Once you have successfully obtained your passport, security is key. Be sure to keep it someplace safe, such as a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box.