🛂 How to Apply for a Passport (2026)

Passport Application at a Glance

🇺🇸 United States Passport Application

New Passport (First-Time Applicants)

If you've never had a US passport, or your last passport was issued when you were under 16, you must apply in person.

Required Documents

• Form DS-11 — Application for a US Passport (do NOT sign until instructed by the agent)
• Proof of US citizenship — Original or certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship
• Photo ID — Valid driver's license, military ID, or government-issued ID
• Passport photo — One 2×2 inch photo, white background, taken within the last 6 months
• Fee — $165 for a passport book (ages 16+), $65 for a passport card, $195 for both

Where to Apply

Apply at any of the 7,300+ passport acceptance facilities across the US — post offices, county clerk offices, libraries, and some city halls. Find your nearest location at iafdb.travel.state.gov.

Passport Renewal (Form DS-82)

You can renew by mail if your most recent passport:

• Is undamaged (no water damage, torn pages, etc.)
• Was issued within the last 15 years
• Was issued when you were 16 or older
• Is in your current name (or you can document the name change)

Fee: $130 for a passport book renewal by mail.

Processing Times

🇬🇧 United Kingdom Passport Application

New Passport or Renewal

UK passport applications and renewals are handled online through GOV.UK. There is no separate renewal form — the process is the same whether it's your first passport or a renewal.

Required Documents

• Online application — Apply at gov.uk/apply-renew-passport
• Digital photo — Upload during the online application (or use a photo code from a booth)
• Old passport — If renewing, you'll need to send your current passport
• Countersignatory — Someone who can confirm your identity (first passport or changed appearance)
• Supporting documents — Birth certificate (first passport), deed poll (name change)

Fees

Processing Times

• Standard: Up to 10 weeks
• 1-week Fast Track: £142 — collect from a passport office
• Online Premium (same day): £177 — appointment at a passport office

🇪🇺 EU Passport Applications (Germany, France, Netherlands)

EU passport applications are handled at the national level. Here are the key details for the three largest EU countries.

🇩🇪 Germany (Reisepass)

• Where: Bürgeramt (citizens' office) in your municipality
• Documents: Current ID or old passport, biometric photo (35×45mm), birth certificate (first application)
• Fee: €70 (adults), €37.50 (under 24)
• Processing: 3–6 weeks standard, express available in some cities (€32 extra, 48 hours)
• Validity: 10 years (adults), 6 years (under 24)
• Photo: German passport photo guide →

🇫🇷 France (Passeport)

• Where: Mairie (town hall) with a biometric passport station
• Documents: CNI or old passport, birth certificate (less than 3 months old for first application), biometric photo, proof of address
• Fee: €86 (adults), €42 (15–17), €17 (under 15)
• Processing: 2–4 weeks (longer in summer)
• Validity: 10 years (adults), 5 years (minors)
• Photo: French passport photo guide →

🇳🇱 Netherlands (Paspoort)

• Where: Gemeente (municipality) office — appointment required
• Documents: Current passport or ID, one passport photo (35×45mm)
• Fee: €83.85 (adults), €58.57 (under 18)
• Processing: 5 working days (standard), 1 working day (spoedaanvraag, extra fee)
• Validity: 10 years (adults), 5 years (under 18)
• Photo: Netherlands passport photo guide →

🇮🇳 India Passport Application

New Passport

Indian passport applications are handled through the Passport Seva portal and processed at Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) or Regional Passport Offices (RPOs).

Required Documents

• Online application — Apply at passportindia.gov.in
• Proof of identity — Aadhaar card, PAN card, or voter ID
• Proof of address — Aadhaar, utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement
• Proof of date of birth — Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or Aadhaar
• Passport photos — 2×2 inches (51×51mm), white background

Fees & Processing

Steps

1. Register on the Passport Seva portal
2. Fill out the application form online
3. Pay the fee online
4. Schedule an appointment at your nearest PSK
5. Visit the PSK with original documents
6. Police verification (may happen before or after PSK visit)
7. Passport dispatched by Speed Post

🇨🇦 Canada Passport Application

New Passport

• Form: PPTC 153 (adults) or PPTC 155 (children)
• Documents: Proof of Canadian citizenship (birth certificate or citizenship certificate), two identical photos, guarantor declaration
• Fee: CAD $160 (10-year adult), CAD $120 (5-year child)
• Where: Service Canada office (in person) or by mail

Renewal

• Form: PPTC 054 (simplified renewal)
• Eligible if: Your passport was issued within the last 15 years, is not damaged, and was issued when you were 16+
• Fee: CAD $160 (10-year)

Processing Times

🇦🇺 Australia Passport Application

New Passport

• Form: Apply online at passports.gov.au, then attend an interview at an Australia Post office
• Documents: Birth certificate or citizenship certificate, photo ID (driver's licence), passport photos
• Fee: AUD $398 (10-year adult), AUD $199 (5-year child)
• Processing: 6–8 weeks (standard), priority processing available

Renewal

• Apply online if your passport was issued within the last 3 years and is not damaged
• Otherwise, apply as a new passport
• Same fee: AUD $398

General Tips for Passport Applications

1. Apply Early

Processing times are estimates, not guarantees. During peak travel season (April–August), times can double. Apply at least 3 months before your trip.

2. Get Your Photo Right

Rejected photos are the #1 cause of passport delays. Use our passport photo maker to create a compliant photo in 2 minutes — AI background removal, auto-crop to official dimensions, 300 DPI print-ready. From €3.

3. Check Your Documents

Make sure all documents are originals (not photocopies), undamaged, and in the correct name. If your name has changed, bring legal proof (marriage certificate, court order).

4. Keep Copies

Before submitting your application, make copies of everything — your old passport, birth certificate, application form, and receipt. Store digital copies in your email or cloud storage.

5. Track Your Application

Most countries offer online tracking:

• US: passportstatus.state.gov
• UK: Track via GOV.UK after applying online
• India: passportindia.gov.in status tracker
• Canada: Check status at canada.ca

Passport Photo Requirements Summary