★ Travel & Voter ID Combined ★

U.S. Passport
Complete Guide

A U.S. passport is one of the most powerful identity documents you can hold — accepted as voter ID in every state that requires photo ID, and valid for international travel.

★ Accepted in All 50 States ★ Step-by-Step ★ Official Sources

🗳️

Accepted for Voting

A U.S. passport is valid voter ID in every single state that requires photo identification at the polls — no exceptions.

✈️

Travel Document

Required for international travel. Valid for 10 years for adults, 5 years for children under 16. A passport card is a cheaper alternative for land/sea travel.

🏛️

Federal ID

Accepted for REAL ID purposes at TSA checkpoints, federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear facilities — even if your driver's license isn't REAL ID compliant.

📋 Before You Apply

You will need your birth certificate to apply for a passport. Don't have yours? Get it here first →

★ Which Type Do You Need?

Passport Book vs. Passport Card

PASSPORT BOOK

$130 (adult) · $100 (under 16)

Valid for international air, land, and sea travel
Valid for domestic voter ID in all 50 states
Valid for REAL ID purposes at TSA
Valid for 10 years (adults) / 5 years (under 16)
Standard size — fits in a wallet

PASSPORT CARD

$30 (adult) · $15 (under 16)

Valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean
Valid for domestic voter ID in all 50 states
Valid for REAL ID purposes at TSA
Valid for 10 years (adults) / 5 years (under 16)
Cannot be used for international air travel

💡 Recommendation for Voters

If your primary goal is voter ID, the passport card at $30 is the most affordable option. If you want to travel internationally, get the passport book. You can apply for both at the same time for a combined fee.

★ Step-by-Step Application

How to Apply for Your First Passport

Step 01

Download Form DS-11

Download the DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport from travel.state.gov. Fill it out completely — but do not sign it yet. You must sign in front of a passport acceptance agent.

Step 02

Gather Your Documents

You'll need: Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate — original or certified copy) · Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID) · Photocopy of your ID (front and back on one page) · One passport photo (2"×2", color, white background) · Social Security number (not the card itself in most cases)

Step 03

Get a Passport Photo

Passport photos must be 2"×2", color, taken within the last 6 months, with a white or off-white background. Available at most post offices, pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), UPS stores, and AAA offices — typically $10–$20. No glasses, no hats (except religious headwear).

Step 04

Find an Acceptance Facility

Most U.S. Post Offices, courthouses, libraries, and government offices are passport acceptance facilities. Find one near you at iafdb.travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778. Make an appointment — many facilities require one.

Step 05

Appear in Person & Sign

Bring your completed (unsigned) DS-11 form, all documents, your photo, and payment. The agent will verify everything and witness your signature. You'll submit your original birth certificate — it will be returned to you with your passport.

Step 06

Pay the Fee & Wait

Standard processing: 6–8 weeks. Expedited processing (additional $60): 2–3 weeks. Overnight delivery available for additional fee. Check your application status at passportstatus.state.gov.

★ Current Fees (2026)

Fee Schedule

Document	Who	Application Fee	Execution Fee	Total
Passport Book	Adults (16+)	$130	$35	$165
Passport Book	Under 16	$100	$35	$135
Passport Card	Adults (16+)	$30	$35	$65
Passport Card	Under 16	$15	$35	$50
Book + Card (combined)	Adults (16+)	$160	$35	$195
Expedited Service	All ages	+$60	—	Add to above
Expedited Shipping (1–2 days)	All ages	+$19.53	—	Add to above

Fees subject to change. Verify current fees at travel.state.gov/fees. The execution fee is paid separately at the acceptance facility.

★ Already Have a Passport?

Renewing Your Passport

If your passport was issued when you were 16 or older and less than 15 years ago, you can renew by mail using Form DS-82 — no in-person visit required.

Eligible to Renew by Mail if:

Passport was issued at age 16 or older
Passport is less than 15 years old
Passport is not damaged
Same name as on current passport (or legal name change docs available)

Renewal Fees:

Book renewal: $130
Card renewal: $30
Expedited: +$60
No execution fee for mail renewals

Official Renewal Link

Download DS-82 and full instructions at travel.state.gov/renew

Need Your Birth Certificate First?

You must present your birth certificate to apply for a passport. Get yours from your state's official vital records office.