How to Fill Out a Passport Application? Choose the Right Form

The passport application process is not something we go through every day or even every year. So many questions come up naturally and you need answers.

Let’s put it all in digestible bites and find out which form number you need and how to fill out a passport application form.

How to fill out a passport application?

In our day and age, we have a few options to fill out a passport application form. You can get a particular form at the post office, passport office, or any other passport-application-related facility. Then, you can fill it out in black ink and block letters and apply in person or by mail with a buddle of supporting documents.

The other way to do it is to go online and use the Form Filler on the official website of the U.S. Department of State.

Fill out and print a passport application

Before you start filling out, first and foremost, you need to choose the form that suits your situation. You may also need to fill in an additional form if you need to make a statement. Once you’re through with that, print your passport application properly: print it out one-sided – not two-sided, and be careful not to change the standard size of the application which is 8 1/2” x 11”.

How to fill out a particular passport application in your situation?

There are three most frequent passport application forms: DS-11, DS-5504, and DS-82. With any form you choose, you need to attach a 2×2 passport photo with an off-white background. It’s much easier to take a picture now than ever before. For example, you can get a Rite Aid passport photo online without leaving your place. It’ll be a fully valid picture accepted by the passport office.

Moreover, any passport application form may be filled out only in black ink, not in any other color. It must be completed in clear, legible handwriting.

We would also recommend making the most of the online option to fill the form out. Then, save and print it where it’s comfortable for you, and submit it. That will enable you to reduce typos and mistakes and avoid cross-outs and white-outs. They are forbidden and can lead to delays or rejection of your passport application.

Now, let’s pick the form that your case necessitates:

How to complete an application for a U.S. Passport (DS-11)

Form DS-11 is designed for first-time applicants: adults and minors under 16 years old, for those who are not eligible to apply with Form DS-82 (read on to get the details on DS-82 below).

The significant part of Forms DS-11 is that you can only submit your passport paperwork in person at one of the designated passport application facilities to an appointed clerk or assistant. It may be a clerk of a federal or state court of record, a county official, an employee at an authorized post office, or an agent at a passport agency. If you apply for your passport overseas, you’ll submit it to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate officer.

Please remember you need to sign Form DS-11 in person during submission or appointment, not in advance. Do not glue or tape the passport photo to the application. Follow the recommendations on the form on how to fill out a passport application and attach the picture in the correct way.

Complete a U.S. Passport Corrections Application (DS-5504)

That’s a very handy type of form as it allows you to skip the whole process of filling out the passport application for passport renewal. For example,  you obtained your passport, found a mistake, or made a mistake while signing it, then you use DS-5504.

This form is also helpful when you require to change a maiden name for your spouse’s name. However, be mindful, you can only use Form DS-5504 within less than one year after receiving your new passport. Otherwise, use DS-11 or DS-82.

How to complete a U.S. Passport Application (DS-82)

Form DS-82 is designed for passport renewal which can be conveniently submitted by mail. Now read carefully all the requirements you need to meet in order to renew your passport with DS-82 by mail.

• You’ve got and can submit your recent U.S. passport book/card.
• You were not younger than age 16 when your recent U.S. passport was issued.
• It’s been less than 15 years ago when your previous passport was issued.
• Your passport hasn’t been mutilated, damaged, lost, stolen, or subsequently found.
• You have two valid 2×2 pictures, like MPRE passport photos.
• Your name matches your recent passport.
• If your name was changed, you can support that with a marriage certificate or court order document.

How to fill out an application for your passport with Form Filler?

You can always go the easy way and use the hints on filling out the passport application online. Use a Form Filler to choose the US passport application out of a few options there are on the US Department of State’s website. You can find out how to fill out your application for a passport here https://pptform.state.gov/. It is as convenient as having a family passport holder for your documents and flight passes during your journey.

How to fill out additional passport applications

Here’s just a little more paperwork to consider. Make sure you are not required to fill in any of the additional information forms due to evolving circumstances. They can cover different life matters, such as your passport was lost or stolen, you haven’t received your U.S. passport, you’ve got an urgent family business, or you need to provide consent.

These forms are Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport (DS-64), Declaring Non-Receipt of a U.S. Passport (DS-86), Describing Exigent/Special Family Circumstances (DS-5525), and Providing Consent (DS-3053) respectively. Follow the same rules on how to fill out a passport application so that it won’t be delayed or rejected by the US Department of State.