Form DS-11 is the U.S. Application for a Passport, used by people who must apply in person. That includes first-time adult applicants, all children under 16, people whose previous passport was lost, stolen or damaged, and some people whose previous passport was issued long ago or when they were under 16. You can fill it out online and print it, or download the PDF and complete it by hand.
Important rule: don’t sign the DS-11 until you’re in front of an acceptance agent, who will watch you sign it. Signing early can mean you’ll need to fill out a new form.
What to bring: the completed, unsigned DS-11; proof of U.S. citizenship, like an original birth certificate or a previous passport, plus a photocopy; a valid photo ID, like a driver’s license, plus a photocopy; a passport photo that meets the current requirements; and payment for the application fee and the separate execution (acceptance) fee. For children under 16, both parents or guardians usually need to appear or provide a notarized consent form.
Tips: check the latest fees, processing times and photo rules on the official State Department website before you go, since they change. Many post offices, libraries and county clerk offices serve as acceptance facilities, and some require appointments. Apply well before travel, and choose expedited service if you’re short on time.
Quick tip for DS-11 Form PDF: always keep a copy of your original file before converting, compressing or editing, and open the final PDF on a second device to confirm fonts, images and page order came through correctly.
Privacy note for DS-11 Form PDF: avoid uploading sensitive documents, like tax forms or IDs, to tools you don’t trust. Built-in apps on your phone or computer handle most PDF tasks without sending your file anywhere.
Get the official form and instructions from the U.S. Department of State’s passport page. Find other official form guides, like the W-9 PDF, on Minedit.