Your Passport Application Package
Prepared by American Passport | AmericanPassport.us | hello@americanpassport.us
What's Inside This Package
| # | Document | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1A | Renewal Eligibility Check | Confirm if you qualify for renewal (DS-82) |
| 1B | New Application Eligibility Check | Confirm if you must apply as a new applicant (DS-11) |
| 1C | Lost or Stolen Passport Guidance | Steps to take if your passport is lost or stolen |
| 2 | Form Completion Guide | Step-by-step field instructions |
| 3 | Document Checklist | Verify everything before you submit |
| 4 | Submission Guidance | Where to go and what to expect |
Please read each document in order before completing your forms. If you have any questions at any point, contact us before submitting — it is easier to correct an issue before your application is mailed.
Welcome Letter
Purpose: Your guide to a smooth, successful passport application.
Dear [Customer First Name],
Thank you for placing your trust in American Passport. We have carefully prepared this package to guide you through every step of your U.S. passport application — from confirming your eligibility to submitting your completed documents.
Here is what we have included for you:
- A personalized Eligibility Check to confirm whether you qualify for renewal (DS-82) or must apply as a new applicant (DS-11)
- Step-by-step form completion guidance so every field is filled out correctly the first time
- A Document Checklist to ensure nothing is missing before you submit
- Clear Submission Instructions including mailing addresses, in-person requirements, and current processing timelines
Your passport photo has been professionally prepared and is enclosed. It meets all U.S. Department of State specifications.
Important Reminders:
- Do not sign your application form until instructed — signing in the wrong place is one of the most common reasons applications are returned
- Use a trackable mailing service when submitting by mail and retain your tracking number
- Processing times are set by the U.S. Department of State — we will be happy to help you interpret any status updates you receive
We wish you safe and successful travels.
The American Passport Team
AmericanPassport.us | hello@americanpassport.us
Document 1A — Renewal Eligibility Check (DS-82)
Use Form DS-82 only if ALL of the following apply:
☐ My most recent U.S. passport is in my possession
☐ My passport was issued when I was age 16 or older
☐ My passport was issued within the last 15 years
☐ My name has not changed, OR I have legal documentation of my name change
☐ My passport is undamaged (no water damage, tears, or missing pages)
✅ If you checked ALL boxes above → Proceed with Form DS-82 (Renewal)
❌ If you did NOT check all boxes → See Document 1B — you must apply with Form DS-11
Not sure? Contact us at hello@americanpassport.us before proceeding.
Document 1B — New Application Eligibility Check (DS-11)
You must apply with Form DS-11 if ANY of the following apply:
☐ I am applying for my first U.S. passport
☐ I am under 16 years of age
☐ My previous passport was issued when I was under age 16
☐ My previous passport was issued 15 or more years ago
☐ My previous passport has been lost, stolen, or damaged
☐ My previous passport has been reported lost or stolen
☐ My name has changed and I do not have legal documentation to support the change
✅ If you checked ANY box above → You must apply with Form DS-11 (New Application)
⚠️ Important: DS-11 applications must be submitted in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. You cannot mail this application.
Not sure? Contact us at hello@americanpassport.us before proceeding.
Document 1C — Lost or Stolen Passport Guidance
Purpose: Protect your identity and get a replacement passport as quickly as possible.
Step 1 — Report It Immediately
You must report your passport lost or stolen to the U.S. Department of State. This cancels the old passport and prevents fraudulent use.
- Online: travel.state.gov → “Report a Lost or Stolen Passport”
- By phone: 1-877-487-2778 (Monday–Friday, 8am–10pm ET)
- By mail: Submit Form DS-64 along with your new DS-11 application
Step 2 — Complete Form DS-64 (Lost or Stolen Report)
☐ Download Form DS-64 at travel.state.gov
☐ Complete all fields accurately
☐ Submit DS-64 together with your new DS-11 application — do not submit separately
Step 3 — Apply for a Replacement with Form DS-11
A lost or stolen passport requires a full new application. You cannot renew a lost or stolen passport.
☐ Complete Form DS-11 (see Document 1B and Document 2, Section B)
☐ Gather all required documents (see Document 3, DS-11 checklist)
☐ Submit in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility
☐ Submit DS-64 at the same time
Step 4 — Request Expedited Processing if Needed
If you have urgent travel within 3–5 weeks, request expedited processing or book an appointment at a regional passport agency.
- Expedited processing: Add the expedite fee and note your travel date on the application
- Urgent/emergency appointments: Call 1-877-487-2778 or visit travel.state.gov to book
⚠️ Important Reminders
- Never leave a lost or stolen passport unreported — it can be used for identity fraud
- If found after reporting, the old passport is permanently cancelled and cannot be reactivated
- Keep a photocopy of your passport in a separate location when traveling
Not sure what to do next? Contact us at hello@americanpassport.us — we are here to help.
Document 2 — Form Completion Guide
Section A: DS-82 (Renewal)
Complete all fields in black ink or type. Write “N/A” if not applicable.
| Field | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Last Name | As it appears on your current passport |
| First & Middle Name | As it appears on your current passport |
| Date of Birth | MM/DD/YYYY format |
| Place of Birth | City, State (if U.S.) or City, Country |
| Social Security Number | Required — failure to provide may result in denial |
| Email Address | Use an address you check regularly |
| Mailing Address | Where your new passport will be delivered |
| Travel Plans | Enter departure date if traveling within 6 weeks |
| Name Change | If applicable, attach certified legal document |
| Signature | Sign in the designated box — do not sign until instructed |
⚠️ Do not sign the form until instructed by a passport acceptance agent or notary.
Section B: DS-11 (New Application / First-Time / Lost or Stolen)
Complete all fields in black ink. Do not sign in advance.
| Field | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Last Name | Legal last name as it should appear on passport |
| First & Middle Name | Full legal name |
| Date of Birth | MM/DD/YYYY format |
| Place of Birth | City, State or City, Country |
| Social Security Number | Required by law |
| Gender | Select M, F, or X |
| Height | In feet and inches |
| Hair Color | Current natural or dyed color |
| Eye Color | Current color |
| Mailing Address | Where your passport will be delivered |
| Emergency Contact | Name, address, and phone number |
| Parental Information | Required if applicant is under 16 |
⚠️ DS-11 must be signed in person before an authorized acceptance agent. Do not sign in advance.
Document 3 — Document Checklist
Purpose: Verify everything before you submit. Missing documents are the #1 cause of delays.
For DS-82 (Renewal)
☐ Completed and unsigned Form DS-82
☐ Most recent U.S. passport (original — will be returned)
☐ One (1) passport photo — 2"×2", color, white background, taken within 6 months
☐ Applicable fee payment (check or money order payable to U.S. Department of State)
☐ Name change documentation (if applicable — certified copy only)
For DS-11 (New Application)
☐ Completed and unsigned Form DS-11
☐ Proof of U.S. citizenship (original + photocopy) — Birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or prior passport
☐ Government-issued photo ID (original + photocopy — front and back)
☐ One (1) passport photo — 2"×2", color, white background, taken within 6 months
☐ Applicable fee payment
Additional Items for Lost or Stolen Passport (DS-11 + DS-64)
☐ Completed Form DS-64 (Lost or Stolen Passport Report)
☐ Submit DS-64 together with your DS-11 — not separately
☐ If previously reported online, bring confirmation or reference number
Passport Photo Requirements (All Applications)
Purpose: Ensure your photo meets all U.S. Department of State standards.
☐ 2 inches × 2 inches
☐ Color photo, white or off-white background
☐ Taken within the last 6 months
☐ Full face visible, neutral expression, eyes open
☐ No glasses, hats, or head coverings (except religious)
☐ Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Your passport photo was prepared by American Passport. It meets all U.S. Department of State requirements.
Document 4 — Submission Guidance
Purpose: Tell customers exactly what to do after filling out their forms and gathering their documents.
DS-82 (Renewal) — Mail-In Submission
Renewals can be submitted entirely by mail. No in-person appointment required.
Standard & Expedited Processing:
U.S. Department of State
National Passport Processing Center
P.O. Box 640155
Irving, TX 75064-0155
For expedited: Write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the envelope.
- Use a trackable mail service (USPS Priority Mail or FedEx/UPS)
- Keep your tracking number until your passport arrives
DS-11 (New Application / Lost or Stolen) — In-Person Submission
DS-11 applications must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility.
Where to go:
- U.S. Post Offices that accept passport applications
- Public libraries or county clerk offices
- Passport agencies (by appointment only — for urgent travel)
Find a location: travel.state.gov/passportacceptancefacilities
Processing Times
| Service Level | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Routine Processing | 4-6 weeks |
| Expedited Processing | 2–3 weeks |
| Urgent / Emergency | Same day to 3 days (agency appointment required) |
Processing times are set by the U.S. Department of State and may vary. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov.
Track Your Application
Visit travel.state.gov → “Check Passport Status”
You will need your last name, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your SSN.
American Passport is a private document preparation service. We are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State or any government agency. Our services are provided for informational and preparation assistance purposes only.