If you have never before traveled outside the United States, thinking about the passport paperwork can be a little intimidating. Even in the aftermath of 9/11 it’s not terribly difficult, though, if you pay close attention to the details.

If you’re traveling to a country that requires passports everyone needs one, including infants. There are special requirements for children under 14; they are listed here. If you are an adult who has never had a passport OR if your previous passport was lost or stolen, expired after being issued more than 15 years ago (or when you were under 16), or was issued under another name, you must apply in person at a passport agency or “acceptance facility.” These are local sites such as specially designated post offices or government buildings – find the one closest to you here. Most of them accept passport applications by appointment only.

You will need:

The Application for Passport form, available either in the passport facility or online. Do not sign the form until told to do so by the person processing your application.

Any one of the following Proofs of Citizenship:
A previous US passport (expired is fine, as long as it’s not altered or damaged)
A certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state
Consular Record of Birth Abroad
Naturalization Certificate
Certificate of Citizenship

Two identical passport photos (2×2 inches, current, color, in street clothes, no headgear or dark glasses. They must be full-face shots against a white background and the face must be 1” to 1 3/8” from the chin to the top of the head.)

Your Social Security Number

The proper fees. Find out in advance what forms of payment your facility will accept, because you will need to pay both an Application Fee and an Execution Fee and some places will not let you combine them. The current total cost for an adult passport is $97, plus mailing charges (they strongly suggest using overnight service for both sending and receiving your passport).

It will take approximately six weeks for your passport to reach you unless you pay $60 for Expedited Service; then it takes about two weeks.

Bon Voyage!