Congratulations — you have become a United States citizen. After the oath ceremony, one of the most important next steps is applying for your U.S. passport. Your passport serves as definitive proof of your American citizenship and allows you to travel internationally and re-enter the United States freely. For many new citizens, holding that blue passport for the first time is a deeply meaningful moment that represents the completion of a long journey.

This guide walks you through every step of the passport application process, from the documents you need to where to apply, processing times, fees, and tips for getting your passport as quickly as possible. Whether you need to travel soon or simply want to have your passport ready, this guide ensures you know exactly what to do.

Why You Should Apply for Your Passport Right Away

While there is no legal requirement to get a passport immediately after naturalization, there are compelling reasons to apply promptly:

Proof of citizenship. Your naturalization certificate is your primary proof of citizenship, but it is an irreplaceable document. If it is lost or damaged, the replacement process is lengthy and expensive. A U.S. passport serves as secondary proof of citizenship and is much easier to replace if lost.

Travel readiness. With a passport, you can travel internationally at any time without additional planning or document gathering. Opportunities for trips — whether for family, business, or emergencies — can arise unexpectedly.

Identification purposes. A U.S. passport is one of the most widely accepted forms of identification in the United States and around the world. It can be used for domestic air travel, opening bank accounts, and verifying your identity in various situations.

REAL ID compliance. Starting May 2026, REAL ID-compliant identification is required for domestic flights and federal facility access. A U.S. passport satisfies this requirement, even if your state-issued ID is not yet REAL ID compliant.

Required Documents for Your First U.S. Passport

As a newly naturalized citizen applying for your first U.S. passport, you will need the following:

1. Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport)

This is the standard passport application form for first-time applicants. You can fill it out online at the State Department’s website and print it, or pick up a paper copy at a passport acceptance facility. Important: Do NOT sign the form until you are at the acceptance facility in the presence of the acceptance agent, who must witness your signature.

2. Naturalization Certificate (Original)

Your Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570) is your proof of U.S. citizenship for the passport application. You must present the original document — photocopies are not accepted. The acceptance agent will verify it and return it to you. It will be sent to the State Department for processing and returned to you with your passport.

3. Passport Photo

You need one recent color photograph that meets U.S. passport photo requirements: 2×2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, white background, full face visible, no glasses, and a neutral facial expression. Many drugstores, shipping stores, and photo studios offer passport photo services. Some acceptance facilities also take photos on-site for an additional fee.

4. Valid Photo Identification

Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, or your green card (which remains valid as identification even after naturalization, until it is returned to USCIS or expires).

5. Payment

Passport fees as of 2026 include the application fee paid to the State Department and an execution fee paid to the acceptance facility. For an adult passport book, the total is approximately $190 to $230 depending on the type and any expedited processing. Fees can be paid by check, money order, or in some cases credit card. Check the current fee schedule on the State Department’s website before your appointment.

Where to Apply: Passport Acceptance Facilities

First-time passport applicants must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility. These are located throughout the United States and include:

U.S. Post Offices. Many post offices serve as passport acceptance facilities, though not all. Search for participating locations on the USPS website or the State Department’s passport acceptance facility locator.

County clerk offices. Many county or municipal clerk offices accept passport applications.

Libraries. Some public libraries serve as acceptance facilities.

Other government offices. Various city and county government offices are designated acceptance facilities.

Most acceptance facilities require an appointment. Schedule yours in advance, especially during peak travel season (spring and summer), when wait times for appointments can be several weeks.

The Application Process Step by Step

Step 1: Complete Form DS-11. Fill out the form completely but do not sign it. Print it if you filled it out online.

Step 2: Gather your documents. Naturalization certificate (original), photo ID, passport photo, and payment.

Step 3: Go to the acceptance facility. Present your completed DS-11, all documents, and payment. The acceptance agent will review everything, witness your signature, and administer an oath verifying the truthfulness of your application.

Step 4: The agent submits your application. Your form, photo, citizenship evidence, and fees are sent to a State Department passport processing center.

Step 5: Wait for processing. Routine processing takes 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks for an additional fee. You can check your application status online using the State Department’s passport status checker.

Step 6: Receive your passport. Your new passport and your naturalization certificate will be mailed to you separately. The passport arrives in a plain white envelope for security purposes.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card

When applying, you can choose a passport book, a passport card, or both. Understanding the difference helps you make the right choice:

Passport Book: The standard blue booklet that allows international travel by air, land, and sea to any country. This is what most people think of when they hear “passport.” Every new citizen should get a passport book.

Passport Card: A wallet-sized card valid only for land and sea travel between the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It cannot be used for international air travel. It is convenient as a secondary ID and for frequent cross-border travel by car.

Both: You can apply for both the book and card simultaneously on the same DS-11 form. The additional cost for the card when applied with the book is relatively small and gives you a convenient backup identification document.

Expedited Processing and Urgent Travel

If you need your passport faster than the standard 6 to 8 week processing time, you have options:

Expedited service: For an additional fee (approximately $60 as of 2026), your application is processed in 2 to 3 weeks. You can request expedited service when you apply at the acceptance facility or by marking the appropriate box on Form DS-11.

Urgent travel — passport agencies: If you need to travel within 2 weeks (or within 4 weeks for expedited), you can make an appointment at a regional passport agency. You will need proof of imminent travel, such as airline tickets or a travel itinerary. Passport agencies can issue passports within 24 hours in true emergency situations.

Life-or-death emergencies: If you must travel immediately due to a life-or-death emergency (such as the serious illness or death of a family member abroad), call the State Department at 1-877-487-2778 for after-hours emergency service.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Signing Form DS-11 before arriving at the acceptance facility. The acceptance agent must witness your signature. If you pre-sign the form, you will need to fill out a new one.

Bringing photocopies instead of your original naturalization certificate. Only the original is accepted. There are no exceptions.

Not making an appointment. Many acceptance facilities require appointments. Walking in without one may result in being turned away, especially during busy seasons.

Incorrect passport photo. Photos that do not meet specifications (wrong size, glasses, shadows, colored background) will be rejected. Get your photo taken at a professional passport photo service to avoid issues.

Not checking the fee schedule before arriving. Passport fees change periodically. Confirm the current fees on the State Department website and bring the correct payment amount and form (some facilities do not accept credit cards).

After You Receive Your Passport

Once your passport arrives, take these important follow-up steps:

Verify all information. Check that your name, date of birth, and other details are correct. If there is an error, contact the State Department immediately to request a correction.

Sign your passport. Sign the signature page inside the back cover with a pen.

Store it safely. Keep your passport in a secure, fireproof location when not traveling. Consider a home safe or a safety deposit box.

Note the expiration date. Adult passports are valid for 10 years. Set a reminder to renew before it expires. Many countries require at least 6 months of validity remaining on your passport for entry, so plan renewal accordingly.

Register for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free State Department program provides safety information about countries you plan to visit and helps the U.S. embassy contact you in case of emergency abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions