U.S Passport 2024: How to Apply After U.S. Citizenship Interview

by

If you recently became a naturalized U.S. Citizen, congratulations on accomplishing this huge milestone! Now that you have passed your citizenship interview, you will want to apply for a U.S. passport. In this short video, attorney Jacob Sapochnick, explains everything you need to know about how to apply for your new passport in 2024.

Did you know? As a U.S. passport holder, you can travel to more than 180 countries all over the world without having to obtain a visa. Additionally, one of the biggest perks of becoming a U.S. Citizen is that you can live abroad for as long as you want without worrying about your immigration status.

If this topic interests you, please keep on watching our video.

Overview

When should I apply for a U.S. Passport?

Our office typically recommends that new U.S. Citizens apply for their passport as soon as they attend the oath of allegiance ceremony and receive their naturalization certificate.

How long does it take to receive a U.S. passport after applying?

The current regular processing time for a U.S. passport to be issued is 8 to 12 weeks. Those who need a passport sooner can apply for expedited processing of their passport for an additional fee. Expedited processing times are 4 to 6 weeks. Those who need to travel within 14 calendar days, can apply for an emergency passport and receive it within several days, however appointments for emergency passports are very difficult to obtain.

What is the application process?

Step 1: You will need to complete Form DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport online and then print it. Do not sign your form until you have been instructed to do so by the passport acceptance agent. You may also complete this form at any U.S. Post Office that processes passport applications free of charge.

Step 2: After you have completed Form DS-11, you must gather evidence of U.S. Citizenship by providing original or certified physical copies. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

As evidence of U.S. Citizenship, you must provide a photocopy of your Certificate of Naturalization and bring the original document to the acceptance agent or passport employee. The acceptance facility will return your document in a separate mailing up to 8 weeks after you receive the new passport.

Step 3: You must present a valid government issued photo identification and a photocopy of the identity document to the acceptance agent. Acceptable photo identification can be any of the following:

  • In-state, fully valid driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license with photo
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
  • U.S. military or military dependent ID
  • Current (valid) foreign passport
  • Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) – commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
  • Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
  • Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
  • Note: you may be asked to present an additional ID when presenting one of these three documents: 1) In-state, fully-valid learner’s permit with photo, 2) In-state, fully-valid non-driver ID with photo, or 3) temporary driver’s license with photo.

Step 4: Provide a color passport photograph measuring 2” by 2” taken in the last 6 months against a plain white background. Note: some passport acceptance facilities provide photo services for an additional fee.

Step 5: Find a location and submit your completed application

Inside the United States:

  • You must submit your completed application, supporting documents, photo, and fees, in person at a passport acceptance facility. Check with the facility to see if you need to make an appointment in advance of your visit.
  • You may be eligible to make an appointment to apply in person at a passport agency if you are traveling soon. Please see Get My Passport Fast for more information.

Outside the United States:

Step 6: Pay the required passport service fee. When applying using Form DS-11 you will pay two separate fees, an application fee, and an execution (acceptance) fee.

Adult Applicants (Age 16 and older):

Product Form Application Fee Execution (Acceptance) Fee
Passport Book DS-11 $130 $35
Passport Card DS-11 $30 $35
Passport Book & Card DS-11 $160 $35

Child Applicants (Age 15 and younger):

Product Form  Application Fee Execution (Acceptance) Fee
Passport Book DS-11 $100 $35
Passport Card DS-11 $15 $35
Passport Book & Card DS-11 $115 $35

Expedited service costs an additional $60. For information on forms of payment and a full list of fees and services, please see Passport Fees.

Step 7: Track the status of your application

You can enroll in email updates when your application is in process. Status updates may not be available in the first 2 weeks after you submit your application. During these 2 weeks before your application arrives at a passport agency or center, your application is securely sent to a mailing facility and an intake facility where your payment is processed.

You will need the following information to check your status.

  • Last Name
    • Include suffixes (ex. Jones III, Patton Jr, etc.)
    • If you have a hyphen in your name, enter it with and without the hyphen if you cannot find a status update on the first try. (ex. Jackson-Smith, Jackson Smith, or JacksonSmith)
  • Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
  • Last Four Digits of Social Security Number

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-569-1768 or call 619-819-9204.

Helpful Links

JOIN OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP

Need more immigration updates? We have created a new facebook group to address the impact of the new executive order and other changing developments related to COVID-19. Follow us there.

For other COVID 19 related immigration updates please visit our Immigration and COVID-19 Resource Center here.