Learn About DS-11 Passport Form Printing

Understanding the DS-11 Form and Its Purpose

The DS-11 form is the official document used to request a U.S. passport in person at a passport acceptance facility. The State Department issues this form as part of the standard passport application process. Unlike some other passport forms, the DS-11 requires you to appear in person at an acceptance location, which means you cannot mail this application. This in-person requirement exists because officials need to verify your identity and review original documents before issuing a passport.

The DS-11 form itself is relatively short—typically one page when printed—but it requests specific information about you and your citizenship status. According to the State Department, approximately 24 million passport cards and books were issued in 2022, with a significant portion going through the DS-11 process for new passports and replacements. The form has been the standard application method for decades and remains largely unchanged in its core requirements.

You would use DS-11 when you need a new passport, when your passport was lost or stolen, when your passport was damaged, or when you need to replace a passport issued when you were under 16 years old. You cannot use this form for renewals of valid passports if your passport is not damaged and you still have it in your possession. The form applies to U.S. citizens of all ages, though parents or guardians must sign for minors.

Understanding what DS-11 is and isn't helps you determine whether this is the correct path for your situation. Reading through the form's instructions—available free on the State Department website—takes about 10-15 minutes and clarifies whether you need DS-11 or a different form like DS-82 or DS-64. Taking this initial step prevents submitting the wrong form and experiencing delays.

Takeaway: The DS-11 is the in-person passport application form for new passports, replacements, and certain other situations. Review the State Department's instructions to confirm DS-11 is the correct form for your specific needs before gathering documents.

What You Need to Bring to Your In-Person Appointment

The DS-11 form requires you to present multiple original documents in person. You cannot submit photocopies or certified copies for most required items. The State Department maintains a specific list of acceptable documents, and bringing the wrong items will result in your appointment being rescheduled. Planning ahead and verifying your documents prevents wasted time and travel.

You must bring proof of citizenship, which can be an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. The birth certificate must be a certified copy from the vital records office—not a hospital-issued birth certificate. If you were born outside the United States, you may need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or similar document. For adopted individuals, an amended birth certificate showing the adoptive parents is acceptable.

You also need a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or federal employee ID. Your ID must not be expired, or if it recently expired, you may face additional scrutiny. If you do not have any government-issued photo ID, the State Department provides instructions for proceeding with alternate documentation, though this complicates the process.

A completed DS-11 form is required, and you must sign it in person at the acceptance facility. Do not sign the form before your appointment—the official must watch you sign. You also need a new color passport photo that meets specific requirements: 2x2 inches, taken within six months, showing your face straight-on, with a white or off-white background. Many post offices, pharmacies, and photography studios offer passport photos for $10-15.

Payment is required at the time of application. As of 2024, a passport book costs $130 for adults (plus a $35 execution fee), while a passport card costs $30 (plus the $35 execution fee). You can pay by check, money order, or credit/debit card, depending on the acceptance facility. Some locations have ATMs if you need cash.

Takeaway: Gather original certified documents, a valid photo ID, a new passport photo, the signed DS-11 form, and payment before your appointment. Create a checklist and verify each item meets State Department standards to prevent delays.

How to Obtain and Complete the DS-11 Form

The DS-11 form is available free from the State Department website (state.gov). You can view it on your computer or print it directly onto white 8.5x11 inch paper. The form is also available at passport acceptance facilities and some libraries. Many people print the form at home, which takes less than five minutes and requires only black ink. The State Department does not charge for the form itself—only for processing your passport application.

The form contains several sections. The first section asks for your full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, height, eye color, and other identifying information. You must fill in this section exactly as it appears on your birth certificate. Any variations or nicknames should not be used. The next section asks about your citizenship status and requires you to indicate whether you have any prior U.S. passports. If you do, provide the passport number and date of issue if you remember it—if not, leave it blank and the official will help you locate this information.

You will also see a section about your mailing address and phone number. Print clearly and use blue or black ink. Many people type the form on a computer before printing, which is acceptable and often results in more legible information. However, some acceptance facilities require handwritten signatures; you cannot sign the form electronically or before arriving at the appointment.

The form includes a parental consent section if you are under 16 years old. Both parents or legal guardians typically must provide consent, though one parent may consent if they have sole custody. This section must be completed and signed before your appointment. Special rules apply if one parent is deceased or if the child is in foster care; the State Department's detailed instructions explain these situations.

Do not write outside the designated boxes on the form. Do not use correction fluid (white-out) or cross out information. If you make mistakes, print a new copy. The form's instructions page includes examples of how each section should appear, and reviewing these examples takes about five minutes and helps you avoid common errors that cause acceptance facilities to reject incomplete forms.

Takeaway: Download and print the DS-11 form from state.gov, complete it neatly with accurate information matching your citizenship documents, and bring it unsigned to your in-person appointment.

Finding a Passport Acceptance Facility and Scheduling Your Appointment

The State Department maintains a searchable database of passport acceptance facilities on its website. You can search by zip code or city to find locations near you. These facilities include post offices, public libraries, courthouse, and municipal offices. According to the State Department, there are more than 9,000 passport acceptance facilities across the United States, meaning most people have at least one location within 20-30 miles.

Not all post offices or libraries accept passport applications—only those designated as official acceptance facilities can process DS-11 forms. The State Department's facility locator clearly marks which locations accept passport applications and which only issue passport cards. Before traveling to a location, use the official locator tool to confirm it processes DS-11 applications. Calling ahead is also a reasonable precaution; many facilities provide their phone numbers through the locator.

Appointment availability varies significantly by location and season. Some facilities operate first-come, first-served and do not require reservations. Others require appointments that may be scheduled weeks in advance, particularly from March through July when passport demand increases. Some locations operate by appointment only, while others accept walk-ins during certain hours. The State Department's facility information page shows whether each location requires an appointment and how to book one.

When calling or visiting a facility's website, ask about their processing times and whether they have current availability. Some facilities can process your passport in 1-2 weeks, while others experience longer backlogs. If a location cannot schedule you soon, try nearby facilities—another post office or library 10-15 miles away may have earlier openings. Keep in mind that standard processing typically takes 4-6 weeks from the date the application is accepted, though expedited processing (available for additional fees) takes 2-3 weeks.

Bring all required documents to your appointment—arriving without necessary items will result in rejection and the need to reschedule. Most facilities recommend arriving 15 minutes early to