A newly naturalized adult applies for a first U.S. passport in person with Form DS-11. Bring your original Certificate of Naturalization, a photocopy, physical photo identification and a photocopy, one passport photo, and payment for the two required fees. Wait to sign Form DS-11 until the acceptance agent tells you to sign.
Last verified September 2, 2026. This guide was checked against current U.S. Department of State passport instructions. Fees, processing times, mailing times, and facility procedures can change. Check the linked State Department pages before you apply.
First Passport Checklist After Naturalization
| Step | What to do | Official resource |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete Form DS-11 without signing it | Adult passport instructions |
| 2 | Gather citizenship evidence, photo ID, photocopies, and one photo | Citizenship evidence |
| 3 | Choose a passport book, card, or both | Application choices |
| 4 | Find an acceptance facility and check its appointment rules | Where to apply |
| 5 | Confirm current fees, processing time, and mailing time | Passport application help |
1. Complete Form DS-11
Use Form DS-11 for your first passport application. You may complete the form with the State Department's form filler or print it and write by hand. Give complete, accurate information, including your USCIS A-Number when the form requests it.
Do not sign Form DS-11 at home. The acceptance agent must witness your signature.
2. Gather Your Passport Documents
Prepare each item before your appointment:
- Citizenship evidence: Submit your original Certificate of Naturalization or another document the State Department accepts.
- Citizenship-evidence photocopy: Copy the front and any back side that contains printed information. Follow the State Department's paper, size, and legibility rules.
- Photo identification: Bring an accepted physical ID and a photocopy that meets the current instructions.
- Passport photo: Bring one printed photo that meets the current size, quality, and appearance requirements.
- Form DS-11: Bring the completed, unsigned form.
- Fees: Prepare payment for the State Department application fee and the separate acceptance-facility fee.
Review the adult passport application page before your visit. It links to the current photo, identification, photocopy, and payment requirements.
3. Choose a Passport Book, Card, or Both
| Document | Where you can use it | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Passport book | International travel by air, land, or sea | Most international travelers |
| Passport card | Land and sea entry from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean; no international air travel | Eligible land or sea trips and wallet-size citizenship proof |
| Book and card | The uses of both documents | Applicants who want both formats |
Your choice changes the application fee. Use the State Department fee page and calculator for the current amount.
4. Apply in Person at an Acceptance Facility
First-time adult applicants submit Form DS-11 in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. Locations include many post offices, court clerks, public libraries, and local government offices.
Use the State Department's location guidance to find a facility. Some locations require appointments. Ask the facility which payment methods it accepts for its fee before you arrive.
5. Check Current Fees and Processing Time
Form DS-11 requires two separate fees: an application fee paid to the U.S. Department of State and an acceptance fee paid to the facility. The total depends on the document and service you choose. Confirm the amount and payment method on the current passport fee page.
The State Department posts current routine and expedited ranges on its processing-time page. The posted range covers processing at an agency or center. Add mailing time in both directions when planning travel.
If you have urgent international travel, follow the State Department's passport-agency appointment instructions. Eligibility, appointment availability, proof, and fees depend on your travel situation.
When Will You Get Your Certificate of Naturalization Back?
The acceptance facility sends your application and supporting documents to the State Department. The agent does not return your Certificate of Naturalization at the appointment.
The State Department mails supporting documents back separately from the passport. Your certificate may arrive after the passport. Follow the document-return instructions on the adult passport page, keep copies of your application materials, and track both deliveries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What form does a newly naturalized citizen use for a first U.S. passport?
A newly naturalized adult uses Form DS-11 and applies in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. Complete the form before the appointment, but wait to sign it until the acceptance agent tells you to sign.
What should I bring to apply for a passport after naturalization?
Bring Form DS-11, your original Certificate of Naturalization, a clear photocopy of the certificate, physical photo identification with a photocopy, one passport photo, and payment for both required fees. Check the State Department instructions and your facility's payment methods before you go.
How much does a first U.S. passport cost after naturalization?
The amount depends on whether you request a passport book, passport card, or both, plus any optional service. Form DS-11 requires an application fee and a separate facility acceptance fee. Check the State Department fee page before your appointment.
How long does a first passport take after the oath ceremony?
Check the State Department's current processing-time page before you apply. Its posted processing range begins when a passport agency or center receives the application and does not include mailing time. Your passport and naturalization certificate may arrive in separate mailings.
Will the State Department return my Certificate of Naturalization?
Yes. The State Department returns supporting documents by mail, in a separate package from the new passport. Your Certificate of Naturalization may arrive after the passport, so track the passport and the supporting-document return separately.
Official State Department Sources
- Apply for Your Adult Passport
- Citizenship Evidence
- Passport Fees
- Get Your Processing Time
- Where to Apply
Related Guides
- What Should I Do After the Oath Ceremony?
- Oath Ceremony: What to Expect and What to Bring
- What If I Cannot Attend My Oath Ceremony?
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