A passport for your 16 or 17 year old.

Complete the DS-11 application form

The passport office only accepts the DS-11 completed online. Open the online DS-11 form, then fill it out fully, including travel details and emergency contact information. Review and correct it, then print 2 copies. Do not sign the form until you are in front of an Application Acceptance Agent or County Court Clerk and are instructed to sign. If a previous U.S. passport was lost, select the lost or stolen passport option.

Authorization Letters

Complete two Authorization Letters, check the 2 option boxes you prefer, and sign and date both copies. The courier company name, Global VIP Services, at the bottom of the form must be handwritten. Hand one to the post office and the second one to us. Open the Global VIP Letter of Authorization

Proof of U.S. citizenship

Prove the teen's U.S. citizenship with any one of the following, as an original:

• Certified U.S. birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state, showing the applicant's and parents' details
• Previous expiring or expired U.S. passport, undamaged and unaltered
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization

Photo identification

The applicant presents one primary photo ID and submits a photocopy, front and back:

• Valid driver's license (plus a second ID if it was issued in a different state than where you apply)
• Expiring or expired, undamaged U.S. passport
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Government-issued ID (city, state, or federal)

Parental consent

A 16 or 17 year old with their own identification can apply on their own. However, one parent should appear in person with the teen to identify them and to show parental awareness. The parent must show their original state-issued ID or driver's license and submit clear copies, front and back.

Proof of departure

A copy of your round-trip ticket (e-ticket) issued by the travel agency or the airline. To expedite the application, your travel date must be within 2 weeks of the application date.

Photographs

2 color passport-style photos, 2 by 2 inches, on a white background: full face, fully developed, no glasses, not smiling, no shadows, both eyes open. The measurement from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead must be 1 to 1 1/4 inches. We take compliant photos in our office.

Government fee $216.87

Pay by check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. If you would also like a passport card, the total fee is $246.87.

Application acceptance facility

Present the items above to the authorized agent at an acceptance facility near you for approval, and let the agent know you are using an expediting service to hand-carry your application. You pay the $35.00 application execution fee to the agent. The agent then seals your items in an envelope marked "To Be Opened by U.S. Passport Office Only" and returns it to you. Do not open it, or the application becomes invalid.

• This sealed envelope is time sensitive and must be presented to the Passport Office within 5 days of execution.