How to Get a U.S. Passport

The U.S. Government issued over 13 millions passports in 2009.  Getting a passport for your next journey involves just three steps. 1.  Complete the Passport Application FormThe State Department has different application forms for different situations.  They are sometimes known helpfully as Form DS-11, DS-82, and DS-5504. DS-11 is the standard application for a passport, and should be used only where you will submitting the application in person, not by mail. It is available here.  Form DS-82 is similar, but is intended to be mailed in for processing. It is available here.  Form DS-5504 is used to make name changes, correct printing errors, or extend the expiration date of a limited passport.  It is available here.  These forms should also be available at your local post office or public library. 2.  Get a Passport Photo Drug stores such as Walgreen's offer inexpensive passport photos. Some post offices will also take them for a $15 fee.3. …