Fill DS-11 – Application for a U.S. Passport
Latest revision: 04-2025
Used to apply in person for a first-time U.S. passport, a passport for a minor, or when you do not qualify to renew by mail.
Agency: U.S. Department of State · Category: passport
For your safety and privacy, everything you enter stays on your device. Nothing is sent to any server.
Application for a U.S. Passport
For your safety and privacy, everything you enter stays on your device. Nothing is sent to any server.
Who this page is for
This page helps U.S. citizens and eligible applicants fill the official Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport, online in a browser before printing and submitting it in person. It is aimed at people who want a simple way to type the form on their own device without creating an account, then take the printed DS-11 to a passport acceptance facility, U.S. embassy, or consulate. It can be especially helpful for first-time applicants, parents applying for minors, or applicants replacing a lost or stolen passport.
What is Form DS-11?
Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport, is the primary application used to request a U.S. passport book, a U.S. passport card, or both through the U.S. Department of State. It collects your identifying details, citizenship information, travel plans, parental data (for some applicants), and other background questions. Unlike a mail-in renewal, DS-11 is typically completed for an in-person application where your documents and identity are verified at a passport acceptance facility or a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Used to apply in person for a first-time U.S. passport, a passport for a minor, or when you do not qualify to renew by mail.
Applicants commonly use DS-11 for their first U.S. passport, for certain minors, and for some replacement or correction cases where they are not eligible to renew using Form DS-82. By filling DS-11 on this page, you generate a clean, typed version of the official PDF so the information is easy to read when you appear in person, while the underlying form remains exactly the official version required by the U.S. Department of State.
After filling the fields here, you can download and print your completed DS-11, attach required photos and supporting documents, and then submit everything at the appropriate location following the official passport instructions.
Example situations where someone may use Form DS-11
People use Form DS-11 in many common passport-related situations. Examples include:
- First-time U.S. passport applicants who have never had a passport book or card before and need to apply in person for international travel.
- Parents or guardians applying for U.S. passports for children under age 16, where extra documentation and in-person consent are often part of the process.
- Applicants whose previous passport was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged, and who therefore cannot renew by mail using a standard renewal form.
- Individuals whose previous passport was issued many years ago, or under different circumstances, and who are instructed to complete DS-11 instead of DS-82.
- Some applicants living abroad who are directed by a U.S. embassy or consulate to use DS-11 as part of their local passport application process.
These examples are illustrative and based on general U.S. passport application practices. They do not replace the official instructions from the U.S. Department of State, and acceptance facilities or consular staff can provide guidance on which form is appropriate in specific cases.
How to fill Form DS-11
The on-page helper text next to each field walks you through the information that appears on the official DS-11. The summary below shows how the main sections of Form DS-11 map to the questions above, so you can quickly review each part before you print and sign your application. This structure can also help you follow along with the official U.S. Department of State instructions while you complete the form.
1–9. Applicant information
1. Applicant last name
Enter your last name exactly as it appears on your supporting identity documents.
1. Applicant first name
Enter your first name as it appears on your supporting identity documents.
1. Applicant middle name
Enter your middle name or initial, if you have one. Leave blank if you do not use a middle name.
2. List all other names you have used
List all other legal names you have used, such as maiden names, prior married names, or legal name changes.
2. Additional other names you have used
Use this field if you need more space to list other names used.
4. City & country of birth
Enter the city and country where you were born, as requested by the DS-11 instructions.
5. Date of birth – month (MM)
Enter the month of your birth as a two-digit number (01–12).
5. Date of birth – day (DD)
Enter the day of your birth as a two-digit number (01–31).
5. Date of birth – year (YYYY)
Enter the year of your birth as a four-digit year.
5. Date of birth – full date (if printed as one box)
If the form shows a single combined date-of-birth box, enter the full date here.
3. Sex
This checkbox links to the sex field on the DS-11 PDF. Some versions of the form use multiple internal widgets for M/F; this mapping sets the primary checkbox. If the PDF does not reflect your selection as expected, you can adjust the sex marker directly on the downloaded form.
6. Hair color
Enter your hair color using one of the options allowed on the DS-11 form (for example, Black, Brown, Blonde).
7. Eye color
Enter your eye color using one of the options allowed on the DS-11 form (for example, Brown, Blue, Green).
8. Height
Enter your height in the format requested on the DS-11 form (for example, 5 ft 10 in).
9. Social Security number – first part
Enter the first portion of your SSN exactly as it appears on the form layout.
9. Social Security number – middle part
Enter the middle portion of your SSN, matching the DS-11 box layout.
9. Social Security number – last part
Enter the last portion of your SSN, matching the DS-11 box layout.
9. Alien number (if any)
If you have a USCIS A-Number, enter your nine-digit number here. Otherwise, leave this field blank.
10. Occupation
Enter your current occupation as you would list it on the DS-11 form.
11. Employer or school
Enter the name of your current employer or school, if applicable.
12. Email address
Enter an email address where the Department of State can contact you about this application.
Mailing address and contact details
Mailing address – street
Enter your full street address or P.O. box as shown in the mailing address section.
Mailing address – address line 2
Use this line for apartment, suite, or other secondary address information.
Mailing address – city
Enter the city for your mailing address.
Mailing address – state
Enter the U.S. state or territory abbreviation for your mailing address.
Mailing address – ZIP code
Enter the ZIP Code for your mailing address.
Mailing address – country
If your mailing address is outside the United States, enter the country name here.
Permanent address – street
Enter your permanent address if different from your mailing address.
Permanent address – apartment/unit
Enter the apartment or unit number for your permanent address, if applicable.
Permanent address – city
Enter the city for your permanent address.
Permanent address – state
Enter the state or province for your permanent address.
Permanent address – ZIP/Postal code
Enter the ZIP or postal code for your permanent address.
Primary phone number
Enter your primary phone number using digits only (no dashes or spaces).
Secondary phone number
Enter a secondary phone number using digits only, if applicable.
Additional phone number
Enter an additional phone number using digits only, if applicable.
Additional contact phone numbers
If the form asks for extra contact numbers, enter them as digits only.
Passport selection and status
Passport selection – document(s) for which fees are submitted
This checkbox links to the DS-11 selection field for passport book/card choice. Because the underlying PDF groups options, you may need to verify the correct option on the downloaded PDF.
Regular or large book selection
This checkbox links to the DS-11 field used to choose between the regular book and large book. Confirm the correct book size on the downloaded PDF.
21. Have you ever applied for or been issued a U.S. passport book or passport card?
Check if you have ever applied for or been issued a U.S. passport book or passport card. If the PDF shows separate Yes/No boxes, you may need to confirm the final selection after download.
21. Status of book – submitting with application
Check if you are submitting your previous passport book with this application.
21. Status of book – in my possession (if expired)
Check if your previous passport book is in your possession and expired.
21. Status of book – stolen
Check if your previous passport book was stolen.
21. Status of book – lost
Check if your previous passport book was lost.
21. Status of card – submitting with application
Check if you are submitting your previous passport card with this application.
21. Status of card – in my possession (if expired)
Check if your previous passport card is in your possession and expired.
21. Status of card – stolen
Check if your previous passport card was stolen.
21. Status of card – lost
Check if your previous passport card was lost.
Name as printed on your most recent U.S. passport book and/or passport card
Enter your name exactly as it appears on your most recent passport book or card.
Name as printed on your most recent passport card
If different, enter the name as it appeared on your most recent passport card.
Additional passport number(s)
Check if you have additional passport number information attached or listed.
Travel plans
13. Travel departure date
Enter the date you plan to depart, if known.
13. Travel return date
Enter the date you expect to return, if known.
Countries to be visited
List the countries you plan to visit on your upcoming travel.
20. Emergency contact
20. Emergency contact – name
Enter the full name of your emergency contact.
20. Emergency contact – street address
Enter the street address for your emergency contact.
20. Emergency contact – apartment/unit
Enter the apartment or unit number for your emergency contact, if applicable.
20. Emergency contact – city
Enter the city where your emergency contact lives.
20. Emergency contact – state
Enter the state or province for your emergency contact.
20. Emergency contact – ZIP Code
Enter the ZIP Code for your emergency contact.
20. Emergency contact – phone number
Enter a 10-digit phone number with digits only (no dashes or spaces).
20. Relationship to applicant
Describe how this person is related to you (for example, Parent, Spouse, Friend).
Parent information
9. Parent 1 – last name
Enter Parent 1's last name.
9. Parent 1 – first and middle name
Enter Parent 1's first and middle name.
9. Parent 1 – date of birth
Enter Parent 1's date of birth.
9. Parent 1 – place of birth
Enter Parent 1's city and country of birth.
10. Parent 1 – sex
Links to the sex field for Parent 1 on the PDF. Verify M/F after download if needed.
10. Parent 1 – U.S. citizen?
Check if Parent 1 is a U.S. citizen. If the PDF shows separate Yes/No boxes, confirm the final selection on the downloaded form.
10. Parent 2 – last name
Enter Parent 2's last name.
10. Parent 2 – first and middle name
Enter Parent 2's first and middle name.
10. Parent 2 – date of birth
Enter Parent 2's date of birth.
10. Parent 2 – place of birth
Enter Parent 2's city and country of birth.
10. Parent 2 – sex
Links to the sex field for Parent 2 on the PDF. Verify M/F after download if needed.
10. Parent 2 – U.S. citizen?
Check if Parent 2 is a U.S. citizen. If the PDF shows separate Yes/No boxes, confirm the final selection on the downloaded form.
Name of Applicant 2 (if present on this page)
Used when more than one applicant appears on the same DS-11 sheet.
Spouse and marital history
11. Full name of current or most recent spouse
Enter your current spouse's name or most recent spouse's name, as requested on the DS-11 form.
11. Current spouse – date of birth
Enter your current spouse's date of birth.
11. Current spouse – place of birth
Enter your current spouse's city and country of birth.
11. Current spouse – U.S. citizen?
Check if your current or most recent spouse is a U.S. citizen. Confirm the final Yes/No selection on the PDF if the layout uses multiple boxes.
11. Date of marriage (MM/DD/YYYY)
Enter the date of your marriage to your current or most recent spouse.
11. Have you ever been married?
Check if you have ever been married. If the PDF shows separate Yes/No boxes, verify the correct choice on the downloaded form.
11. Have you ever been widowed or divorced? – Divorced checkbox
Check this box if you have been divorced, in accordance with the DS-11 instructions.
11. Widow/divorce date (MM/DD/YYYY)
If your spouse died or your marriage ended in divorce, enter the date of that event.
Lost or stolen passport explanation
Explain circumstances of lost/stolen book/card
If your previous passport book or card was lost or stolen, briefly explain when, where, and how it happened.
After reviewing your entries, download the filled PDF, add any required signatures, and submit it together with your photos, supporting documents, and fees at the location specified by the official passport instructions.
Common mistakes on Form DS-11
- Leaving key identification fields incomplete or inconsistent with supporting documents, such as your full legal name, date of birth, or place of birth.
- Providing a different signature on the application than appears on your identification, or signing the form before being instructed to do so at the acceptance facility.
- Forgetting to provide required parental information for minors, or not bringing required consent and documentation when applying for a child's U.S. passport.
- Using photos that do not meet the U.S. Department of State's passport photo standards, such as incorrect size, lighting, or background.
- Not listing prior names or previous passports when requested, which can slow down processing or lead to follow-up questions.
- Omitting contact information or emergency contact details, making it harder to reach you if there are questions about the application.
- Bringing photocopies instead of original citizenship evidence when originals are required, which may require an additional visit to complete the DS-11 application process.
When Form DS-11 is usually not used
Form DS-11 is widely used, but some situations rely on different passport forms or processes:
- Many adult applicants renewing an existing, undamaged passport that meets specific criteria may use Form DS-82 for a mail-in renewal instead of DS-11.
- Certain name corrections, limited validity changes, or data page adjustments may use other forms such as DS-5504, depending on the scenario.
- Emergency travel in special circumstances may involve different procedures and forms as directed by a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Some consular services or identity documents outside the U.S. passport system may rely on other application forms and not Form DS-11 at all.
These are broad distinctions drawn from general passport practices. Official guidance from the U.S. Department of State, acceptance facilities, and consular staff explains which form applies in a given situation.
Where to find the official U.S. Department of State instructions for Form DS-11
The U.S. Department of State publishes official information about Form DS-11, current passport requirements, and related forms on its website. You can review how to apply, who should use DS-11, and what supporting documents are required on the official U.S. Department of State passport forms page. Those instructions describe the steps for applying in person, fees, processing times, and special cases.
This page is only a helper for filling the DS-11 PDF and does not replace the official instructions, checklists, or eligibility rules. Before submitting your application, it is a good idea to verify that you are following the most recent guidance provided by the U.S. Department of State.
Where to get a blank or replacement Form DS-11
If you need a blank Form DS-11, you can download the current blank DS-11 PDF from the U.S. Department of State's official forms portal. This page uses that same official PDF and helps you fill it in your browser so it is ready for printing and signing. Many acceptance facilities may also provide paper copies of DS-11 if you prefer to complete the form by hand.
If your original DS-11 is damaged, outdated, or contains mistakes, you can fill a new DS-11 based on the latest instructions and submit the corrected version when you appear in person. Keeping a digital copy of your filled form may make it easier to reprint it if you need another copy before your appointment.
Glossary of key terms on Form DS-11
- U.S. passport book
- A U.S. passport book is the traditional booklet used for international air, sea, and land travel. It contains multiple visa pages and is accepted in most countries for entry and exit. Form DS-11 allows you to apply for a passport book alone or together with a passport card.
- U.S. passport card
- A U.S. passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized travel document valid for certain land and sea entries from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It is not valid for international air travel. DS-11 includes options to request a passport card by itself or in addition to a passport book.
- Passport acceptance facility
- A passport acceptance facility is an authorized location—often a post office, county office, or other local government site—where DS-11 applications can be submitted in person. Staff there typically review your documents, witness your signature, and send your application to a U.S. passport agency or center for processing.
- Evidence of U.S. citizenship
- Evidence of U.S. citizenship may include documents such as a U.S. birth certificate, a previously issued U.S. passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or other records listed in official guidance. DS-11 requires you to present acceptable citizenship evidence when you apply, and the original documents are usually reviewed in person.
Security best practices when handling a completed DS-11
A completed Form DS-11 contains personal identifying information, including your name, date of birth, place of birth, and contact details. While a DS-11 application is ultimately submitted in person, many applicants still want to handle the filled PDF carefully before printing and taking it to a passport acceptance facility. Basic precautions can help keep your information safe during this step.
- Store the filled PDF only on devices you control, and consider deleting it after your passport is issued if you no longer need a copy.
- Avoid sending your completed DS-11 by ordinary email unless you understand how it will be handled; in many cases, you will simply print and bring it in person.
- Keep printed copies of your filled DS-11 in a secure place, especially if they contain additional notes or document numbers.
- Confirm that you are downloading the DS-11 PDF from official sources or trusted tools before entering personal information, and always follow the instructions given by the U.S. Department of State and acceptance facilities.
These are general security considerations. Official passport instructions explain how applications are handled once they are received by the U.S. Department of State.
Common questions people also ask about Form DS-11
- Do both parents need to be present for a child's DS-11 application? Many child applications involve special consent rules, and the U.S. Department of State explains when one or both parents or guardians must appear. This page only fills the form itself, so questions about presence and consent are usually answered by the official instructions and acceptance facility staff.
- Can I use DS-11 if my previous passport is expired? Some expired passports can be renewed using DS-82 by mail, while others require the in-person DS-11 process. The difference depends on factors such as how long ago the passport expired and how old you were when it was issued, and the U.S. Department of State details these criteria in its guidance.
- Is there a difference between applying for a book and a card on DS-11? The main difference is the travel uses and fees for each document. Form DS-11 lets you check whether you want a passport book, a passport card, or both, and the U.S. Department of State explains which options are appropriate for different types of travel.
FAQ about Form DS-11
What is Form DS-11 used for?
Form DS-11 is used to apply in person for a U.S. passport book, a U.S. passport card, or both through the U.S. Department of State. It is often used by first-time applicants, many minors, and applicants who do not qualify to renew by mail using DS-82. The form collects identification, citizenship, and contact information so a passport can be issued if you meet the requirements.
Who should use Form DS-11 instead of Form DS-82?
DS-11 is typically used by people who either do not have a previous U.S. passport or do not meet the conditions for a mail-in renewal. Examples include many first-time applicants, some minors, and applicants whose prior passport was lost, stolen, or issued when they were under a certain age. The U.S. Department of State's official materials explain the exact criteria for when DS-11 is required instead of DS-82.
Can I submit Form DS-11 online?
At present, the standard process for Form DS-11 requires you to appear in person at a passport acceptance facility or a U.S. embassy or consulate. This page helps you fill the DS-11 PDF on your device so that it is easier to print, review, and sign. The actual submission, document check, and oath still occur in person according to official U.S. Department of State procedures.
What documents do I need with Form DS-11?
Most applicants need to provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, and passport photos that meet official standards. Additional items may be required for specific situations, such as applying for a minor or replacing a lost passport. The U.S. Department of State lists acceptable documents and examples in its published guidance, and acceptance facilities can clarify what you should bring for your appointment.
Does this site store my passport information?
No. This DS-11 helper runs entirely in your browser, and your entries stay on your device while you fill the form. The filled PDF is generated locally so that you can save or print it, and it is not stored on our servers or placed in a database. This design is intended to keep your personal and passport-related information more private during the form-filling step.
Do I still have to sign Form DS-11 in front of an acceptance agent?
Yes. Even if you fill DS-11 on this site, the signature portion of the application is typically completed in person at an acceptance facility or consular post. Staff there will tell you when to sign and may administer an oath as part of the process. This page only prepares the typed PDF and does not change the official signing requirements of the U.S. Department of State.
Can I use this DS-11 for both a passport book and card?
Yes, Form DS-11 includes options that let you select a passport book, a passport card, or both. When using this page, you can fill the corresponding fields that indicate which documents you are applying for. The official instructions from the U.S. Department of State explain the differences in use, validity, and fees between books and cards so you can make an informed choice.
How long does it take to process a DS-11 application?
Processing times for DS-11 can change based on demand, staffing, and whether you select routine or expedited service. The U.S. Department of State posts current processing time estimates on its website and updates them periodically. This page does not track your application status or timing, so the official passport information pages remain the best source for up-to-date processing details.
Is this DS-11 form the same as the official one?
The underlying blank PDF used here is the official Form DS-11 from the U.S. Department of State. This site overlays your typed entries onto that official form but does not alter its structure or wording. It is an independent tool that helps with the filling process, not an official government platform for submitting applications or making decisions.
Can I use this page if I am applying from outside the United States?
Many applicants abroad still use Form DS-11 at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and this page can help you type the form before printing it. However, local procedures, checklists, and appointment systems are managed by each embassy or consulate. For details on how to apply outside the United States, the official consular website and U.S. Department of State guidance are the primary sources of information.
Does filling DS-11 on this site affect my approval?
No. Completing DS-11 here only helps you generate a typed version of the official PDF so it is easier to read. All decisions about issuing a U.S. passport are made by the U.S. Department of State after you submit your application and documents through official channels. This tool does not send your information to the government and has no role in approving or denying applications.
Important disclaimer
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State, any passport agency, or any government office. It provides a private tool that helps you fill the official DS-11 PDF in your browser. The information on this page is general and does not replace the official instructions, consular guidance, or professional advice. Always review your completed form and follow the instructions from the U.S. Department of State and any passport acceptance facility or consulate handling your application.