Discover why millions have used ItsEasy to expedite their Passports & Visas for over 40 years

Need a Passport, Travel Visa, or Immigration Consultation?

Use our TripBuilder to find the right documents for your trip!

Need it now?

Call our 24/7 customer support line (866) ITS-EASY and speak to a passport/visa/immigration specialist to get started right away.

Call 1•866•487•3279

Journalist Discusses
ItsEasy & Passport Renewals

How To Get a Passport

Get a Passport Getting a passport isn't as hard as you think. Since 1976 we have helped people get passports for upcoming travel - and we can get a passport in as little as one day! We understand that the processes may be a bit daunting as there are several different types of passport services you can get and each has their own specific documentation, so we're going to try to explain the common differences so that you can get your passport quickly. Although there are some additional options and services you can choose from on our US Passports Services page, here we are going to cover the two most common passports people need to get.

Prerequisites for Getting a New US Passport

In order to get a new passport, applicant must meet the following requirements:
  • Applicant is a US citizen over 18 years old, AND;
  • Applicant has never had a U.S. Passport issued before, OR;
    • Applicant was under 16 years old when most recent passport was issued
      OR;
    • Applicant has not had a U.S. Passport issued for over 15 years.
If you meet the requirements to get a new passport, great! Here are the requirements:
  1. Process Overview to Get a New Passport
    A Passport Acceptance Agent is a government employee who will verify the identity of the applicant. Passport Acceptance Agents are available at most Post Offices and Court Houses. Passport Acceptance Agent will have the applicant sign the new passport application and seal documents in an envelope for processing.
  2. Proof of Citizenship to Get a New Passport
    To get a new passport, applicant must bring an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, naturalization papers or old passport. Birth certificates must be "long form" as opposed to "short form". While there are several data points that must be listed including being issued by the city, county, or state (as opposed to hospital) and include parents full names, registrar's signature, seal and more, generally speaking a certificate smaller than 8.5" x 11" will not be accepted.
  3. Proof of Identification to Get a New Passport
    Applicant must have a driver's license or state-issued identification issued more than six months ago to get a passport. Official government or military picture identification is also acceptable.
  4. Passport Photos to Get a New Passport
    Applicant must submit one (1) color, passport style photograph. Photo may be obtained at many post offices, Kinko's, Mailboxes Etc or similar locations. Please Note: Effective November 1, 2016 the State Department will NOT accept photos of applicants wearing glasses (except under undefined "special conditions").
  5. Proof of Travel
    Applicant must submit a computer-generated itinerary from a travel agency or online booking tool (such as an e-confirmation) showing departure from the U.S. to get a passport fast.
  6. Government Fees to Get a New Passport
    The US State Dept charges $110 to get a passport and $25 for verification of new passport applications by the Acceptance Agent. Both fees must be paid to the Acceptance Agent onsite. The new passport fee of $170 may be paid by check, cash or money order. If paying by check, starter checks are not acceptable. Indicate the applicants name and DOB in the memo line. The Acceptance Agent fee of $25 may be paid by any payment method.
  7. New Passport Application (DS-11)
    Applicant must submit one completed passport application form DS-11. DO NOT SIGN the completed application until instructed to do so by Acceptance Agent.

Prerequisites for Getting a US Passport Renewal

In order to get a renewed passport, applicant must meet the following requirements:
  • Applicant has most recent passport is in his or her possession, AND;
  • Applicant was 16 years or older when passport was issued AND;
  • Applicant's passport was issued within the past 15 years AND;
  • Applicant's passport is not damaged (normal wear & tear is acceptable).
If you meet the requirements to get a renewed passport, great! Here are the requirements:

  1. Current Passport
    Applicant must submit their current valid, or recently expired, passport in order to renew. The old Passport will be returned marked "Cancelled" by the US State Department.
  2. Passport Photos to Get a Passport Renewed
    Applicant must submit one (1) color, passport style photograph. Photo may be obtained at many post offices, Kinko's, Mailboxes Etc or similar locations. Please Note: Effective November 1, 2016 the State Department will NOT accept photos of applicants wearing glasses (except under undefined "special conditions").
  3. Proof of Travel
    Applicant must submit a computer-generated itinerary from a travel agency or online booking tool (such as an e-confirmation) showing departure from the U.S. to get a passport fast.
  4. Passport Application (DS-82)
    Applicant must submit one completed passport application form DS-82. DO NOT forget to sign and date the completed application in blue or black ink after printing.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Passport

Here is a breakdown of different service options available to you to get your passport:
How Long to Get a Passport

Standard Government Processing
Approximately 6 weeks

Expedited Government Processing
Approximately 2-3 weeks

Standard ItsEasy App Processing
Approximately 6 weeks

Expedited ItsEasy App Processing
Approximately 2-3 weeks

ItsEasy Expedited Processing
Different service levels available:

  • 10+ Business Day Passport Processing - Includes complimentary Perfect Passport Photos.
  • 4-6 Business Day Passport Processing - Includes complimentary Perfect Passport Photos.
  • 3 Business Day Passport Processing - Includes complimentary Perfect Passport Photos.
  • 1 Business Day

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Passport

Here is a breakdown of different cost options available to you to get your passport:

Standard Government Processing
$130 For adult renewal, name change and second passports (for new passports and replacing lost or stolen passports additional $25 government Acceptance Agent fee applies).

$80 for children's passports (additional $25 government Acceptance Agent fee applies).

Expedited Government Processing

  • New Passport: $190 + $25 additional government Acceptance Agent fee
  • Renew Passport: $190
  • Passport Name Change: $190
  • Second Passports: $190
  • Replace Lost/Stolen Passport: $190 + $25 additional government Acceptance Agent fee
  • Children's Passport: $160 + $25 additional government Acceptance Agent fee

Standard ItsEasy Passport Renewal and Photo App Processing

  • Renew Passport: $130
  • Passport Name Change: $130
  • Second Passports: $130
+ additional service fee of $29.00 covers digital passport photo review/printing, 24/7 support and round trip shipping.

Expedited ItsEasy Passport Renewal and Photo App Processing

  • Renew Passport: $190
  • Passport Name Change: $190
  • Second Passports: $190
+ additional service fee of $29.00 covers digital passport photo review/printing, 24/7 support and round trip shipping.

ItsEasy Expedited Passport Processing
Government Fees:

+ ItsEasy Service Fees:
Different service levels available:
  • 10+ Business Day Passport Processing - Includes complimentary Perfect Passport Photos. - $99
  • - $
  • 4-6 Business Day Passport Processing - Includes complimentary Perfect Passport Photos. - $495
  • 3 Business Day Passport Processing - Includes complimentary Perfect Passport Photos.- $549
  • 1 Business Day – Please call for details

Related Passport Information Pages

get-passport, Renew Passport, Rush Passport Service, Passport Renewal Photos, Child Passport, Second Passport
Google Remarketing Tag