Form DS-11 is the official U.S. Department of State application used to apply for a new U.S. passport. Authorized under 22 U.S.C. Section 211a and administered by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, this form is the gateway to obtaining a U.S. passport book, passport card, or both. Unlike passport renewal (Form DS-82), DS-11 requires in-person submission at an authorized passport acceptance facility — such as a post office, county clerk's office, or U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Form DS-11 must be used by first-time passport applicants, children under age 16 (whose passports are valid for only 5 years under 22 CFR Section 51.4), applicants whose previous passport was issued before they turned 16, applicants whose most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago, and those whose passport was lost, stolen, or damaged. Under the Passport Act of 1926 and implementing regulations in 22 CFR Part 51, applicants must demonstrate U.S. citizenship, provide identity documentation, and submit to an in-person identity verification process.

The form collects extensive personal information used for both identity verification and national security screening. Under the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Paperwork Reduction Act, the information provided is protected by federal privacy laws but is shared with law enforcement and intelligence agencies as permitted under the routine uses published in the Federal Register.

Form DS-11 is required whenever you cannot renew an existing passport by mail using Form DS-82. The most common scenario is a first-time applicant who has never held a U.S. passport — this includes naturalized citizens who recently obtained citizenship, adults born in the U.S. who never applied, and U.S. citizens born abroad whose Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240) establishes their citizenship.

Parents must use DS-11 for all children under 16, and under 22 CFR Section 51.28, both parents (or legal guardians) must appear in person or provide notarized consent from the absent parent to prevent international child abduction in accordance with the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA). Applicants whose previous passport was lost or stolen must use DS-11 and should also submit Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport).

Additional scenarios include applicants whose passport was significantly damaged (water damage, torn pages, altered entries), those whose name has changed and whose previous passport was issued more than a year ago, and applicants who need to correct a data error on a previously issued passport after more than one year from issuance. Processing time for routine applications is 6-8 weeks, while expedited service takes 2-3 weeks for an additional fee.

Form DS-11 requires comprehensive personal information. The applicant's full legal name, date and place of birth, Social Security Number, and mailing address are mandatory fields. Under the Social Security Number Trace requirements of 26 U.S.C. Section 6039E, failure to provide your SSN may result in a $500 penalty and application delay.

Proof of U.S. citizenship must accompany the application. Acceptable documents include a previously issued U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by a state vital records office (hospital certificates are not accepted), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240 or DS-1350), or a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship (Form N-550 or N-560). The citizenship document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.

Identity documentation is also required. A valid driver's license, government or military ID, or previous U.S. passport serves this purpose. The acceptance agent at the facility will verify identity in person. A passport-sized photo (2x2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, on a white background) must meet specific State Department requirements for head size, expression, and background.

The application includes sections on parental information, emergency contact details, and travel plans. For minors under 16, Form DS-11 must include evidence of the parental relationship (birth certificate listing both parents) and the consent of both parents or legal guardians. Fees vary by applicant age and product type — passport book, passport card, or both — and separate execution and expedite fees may apply. The form must be completed but left unsigned until the acceptance agent witnesses the signature.