First-Time U.S. Passport in Dallas: What Documents Do You Need? (2026)

Applying for your first U.S. passport can feel complicated when you are not sure which documents to bring or where the application must be submitted. First-time adult applicants generally use Form DS-11 and must apply in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility.

For travelers in Dallas, Richardson, and throughout the DFW area, preparing everything correctly before your appointment can help prevent delays caused by missing citizenship evidence, identification, photocopies, photographs, or incorrect fees.

AA Passport & Visa Expedite Services can help you review the application requirements before submission through our New U.S. Passport service.

Who Needs to Apply Using Form DS-11?

You generally need to apply in person using Form DS-11 if:

• You are applying for your first U.S. passport
• Your previous passport was issued when you were under age 16
• Your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago
• Your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged and you do not qualify for renewal

First-time adult applicants cannot use the standard DS-82 renewal process.

Step 1: Complete Form DS-11

Start by completing Form DS-11 — Application for a U.S. Passport.

You can complete the form electronically using the Department of State Form Filler and then print it.

Important: Do not sign Form DS-11 before your appointment. You must sign it when instructed by the passport acceptance agent.

Before printing, carefully check:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Social Security number
• Current address
• Parent information
• Previous passport information, if applicable

Incorrect or incomplete information can delay the application.

Step 2: Bring Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

First-time passport applicants must provide acceptable evidence of U.S. citizenship.

Common examples include:

• U.S. birth certificate
• Full-validity, undamaged U.S. passport
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

Digital copies displayed on a phone are not a substitute for the required physical or certified citizenship evidence.

Bring a Photocopy

You should also bring a photocopy of your citizenship document.

The copy should generally be:

• Clear and readable
• On standard white 8.5 × 11-inch paper
• Single-sided
• Copied on both sides when the original contains information on the back

Your original citizenship document is submitted with the application and is normally returned separately.

Step 3: Bring a Physical Photo ID

First-time applicants must present acceptable photo identification.

Common examples include:

• Valid driver’s license
• Valid or expired undamaged U.S. passport
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Government employee ID
• U.S. military ID
• Valid foreign passport
• Certain trusted traveler cards

You should also bring a photocopy of the front and back of the identification document.

A digital or mobile driver’s license should not be relied on as your only identification for the passport application.

Applicants presenting an out-of-state driver’s license may also be asked for additional identification.

Step 4: Get a Compliant Passport Photo

You need one current passport photograph that meets U.S. passport photo requirements.

An unacceptable photo can delay the application, so it is worth getting this part right before your appointment.

Dallas-area applicants who need a compliant passport photo can use our Passport Photos Dallas service.

Step 5: Make an Appointment at a Passport Acceptance Facility

First-time applicants must submit Form DS-11 in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility.

Acceptance facilities can include:

• Post offices
• Clerks of court
• Public libraries
• Local government offices

Many facilities require appointments, so check availability before visiting.

At the appointment, the acceptance agent reviews your documents, verifies your identity, administers the required oath, and instructs you when to sign Form DS-11.

First-Time U.S. Passport Fees in 2026

For applicants age 16 and older, the current government fees are:

For applicants under age 16:

Additional optional government charges include:

Expedited service: +$60

Optional 1–3 day return delivery for the passport book: +$26.87

These government and acceptance-facility fees are separate from any AA Passport & Visa professional service fee.

How Do You Pay the Passport Fees?

For a DS-11 application, the Department of State application fee and the acceptance-facility fee are paid separately.

The Department of State portion is generally paid by check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.”

The acceptance facility determines which payment methods it accepts for its separate $35 acceptance fee.

Check the payment instructions for your chosen facility before your appointment.

How Long Does a First-Time Passport Take in 2026?

Current U.S. passport processing estimates are:

Routine service: 4–6 weeks

Expedited service: 2–3 weeks

These estimates do not include mailing time.

Applicants should allow additional time for the application to reach the Department of State and for the completed passport to be returned.

If you have urgent international travel within approximately 14 calendar days, you may qualify for an appointment at a passport agency or center, subject to availability and proof of travel.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card

For most international travelers, the passport book is the most important option because it can be used for international air travel.

The passport card is more limited and is generally used for certain land and sea travel involving:

• Canada
• Mexico
• Bermuda
• The Caribbean

A passport card is not valid for international air travel.

If you expect to fly internationally, choose the passport book or the book-and-card combination.

First-Time Passport Checklist for Dallas Applicants

Before leaving for your appointment, confirm that you have:

• Completed but unsigned Form DS-11
• Original or certified evidence of U.S. citizenship
• Photocopy of citizenship evidence
• Physical government-issued photo ID
• Photocopy of the front and back of your ID
• One compliant passport photo
• Correct Department of State payment
• Payment for the acceptance-facility fee
• Any additional documents required for your circumstances

Taking a few minutes to check everything can prevent an unnecessary second appointment.

Common First-Time Passport Application Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Signing DS-11 before the acceptance agent instructs you
• Bringing only a digital birth certificate
• Forgetting photocopies
• Bringing only a mobile driver’s license
• Using an unacceptable passport photo
• Paying the wrong government fee
• Forgetting that the application and acceptance fees are separate
• Applying too close to international travel
• Entering information differently from your citizenship or identification documents

Careful preparation makes the process much easier.

Get Help With a First-Time Passport in Dallas

AA Passport & Visa Expedite Services helps travelers in Dallas, Richardson, Plano, Irving, Arlington, Frisco, Garland, McKinney, Fort Worth, and throughout the DFW area review first-time U.S. passport requirements before submission.

We can help you review DS-11 information, supporting documents, passport photos, and application preparation before you visit an authorized acceptance facility.

Visit our New U.S. Passport service page or call 972-231-1600 for assistance.

AA Passport & Visa Expedite Services is a private passport and visa assistance company and is not a U.S. government agency. Government fees are paid separately to the appropriate government or acceptance facility.