Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she's been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.
Sylwia Green July 12th, 2024 5 min read
Every US passport application requires you to fill out a specific form, depending on whether you’re getting your passport for the first time or getting it renewed. Out of all official forms, DS-11 is the most common one. However—
When should you use it, and how do you fill it out correctly? Read on to learn everything about the DS-11 passport form and the necessary supporting documents.
Looking for related information on passport applications? These articles might help:
DS-11 is one of the most common forms you submit with any passport application (besides Form DS-82, which you’ll need to renew your US passport). But in which specific cases is it used?
You should submit form DS-11 when you:
Let’s discuss the process of getting, completing, and submitting the DS-11 form.
As a US citizen, you have two options for getting Form DS-11. You can:
Regardless of how you choose to get your DS-11 form, you need to print it out and attach it to your passport application. Although the form is in color, you don’t need to print it as such—you can print it out in black.
Applicants who opt to fill the form out by hand must do so in black ink, following the guidelines provided by the Department of State. With the document in front of you and a pen in hand, move on to pages 5 and 6—that’s where you need to start completing the form.
Important! Only fill out the sections indicated in orange!
Here’s an example of a filled-out form DS-11:
Now that you’ve got your form ready, you’ve completed the first step in applying for a US passport. But the form isn’t the only thing you’ll need! You must also supply the following documents:
After you’ve collected all the necessary documents, you must submit them with your application. Note that you must apply in person at an acceptance facility or passport agency—mailing your passport application isn’t possible.
Pro tip: The current passport processing times are 7–10 weeks—you can see how to track the US passport status with this guide. And if you need your passport quickly (e.g., for urgent travel), consider opting for expedited passport service (additional fees will apply).
Have all the necessary documents at home, but you’re missing the photo? No worries! Take your own passport photo at home with our service (in 3 minutes or less) and have it delivered right to your mailbox within 3 business days—anywhere in the US.
Applicants applying for their child’s passport must follow the same instructions when filling out the DS-11 form. There are, however, additional documents that need to be provided, so we encourage you to read our detailed guide on how to get a child’s passport.
Even when an official form seems straightforward, it can be a stressful process, and from then on, it’s not difficult to make a mistake. To ensure your passport application goes smoothly, we have compiled several tips to help you avoid the most common mistakes.
That’s it! You’re now ready to complete the DS-11 form and carry on with your passport application.
All forms for passport applications are available on the Department of State’s website. You can find the form (in PDF format) under this link. Alternatively, you can use this fillable passport DS-11 passport form available online.
Yes, you can print your Form DS-11 in black and white or in color—the acceptance facility will accept either without any issues.
Form DS-11 is used for first-time passport applications (adults and minors under the age of 16), replacing a lost or stolen passport, or replacing an expired passport. Meanwhile, Form DS-82 is used when you want to renew your current passport.
You can submit form DS-11 in person at any passport acceptance facility or passport agency/center. Note that some facilities require you to book an appointment beforehand.
DS-11 is a form you submit as part of your passport application package, when applying for a new US adult passport, child passport, or when your current passport got lost, stolen, or damaged.
Remember that, besides this form, you must also submit the following documents:
If you still don’t have your passport pictures ready, get them done right away from home! Download our Passport Photo Booth App for iOS or Passport Photo Maker App for Android and take compliant biometric photos like a professional—in no time at all.
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Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.
