The information provided on the US State Department's website is very difficult to read and understand online. We provide an easy way to choose the right application for your Passport.

Fortunately, the forms have all of the information on them. So just download them and print them out. We've provide a simple table to help you make the right selection. By the way, your passport is good for 10 years if you are 16 years or older and for 5 years if you are 15 or younger.

Scenario 1

• You have never had a Unite States passport,
• You are under age 16 (this includes infants and new borns too),
• Your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago,
• Your most recent passport was lost or stolen,

Fill out the DS-11 form online, or just print out a blank DS-11 form [PDF] and fill it out.

If you are applying because your most recent, valid passport was lost or stolen, also submit Form DS-64- Statement regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport.

Scenario 2

• You want to Renew your passport by mail only (takes about 6 weeks)
• You were at least 16 years old when your most recent passport was issued AND
• You were issued your most recent passport in the last 15 years AND
• You used the same name as on your most recent passport or since your passport was issued, you have had your named changed by marriage or court order and can submit proper documentation to reflect the name-change,

If you answered YES to all of the four statements above, you can usee DS-82 form online.

If you answered NO to any one of the above statements, fill out the DS-11 form online, or just print it out and complete it.

Scenario 3

• Find a printing error in your passport?
• Did you change your name?
• Need to add more visa pages?
• Want to extend the validity of a limited passport?

See the Instructions for Correcting or Changing Information in Your Passport.

You will need your birth certificate and other records to get your passport. If you don't have them, request birth, marriage, divorce and other records here.

Passport fees have gone up recently. A regular passport will now cost between $75 and $100. You'll pay more for expedited service, but it is generally worth it. The application forms above will have information on that.

The US Passport Agency will also be issuing Passport Cards in the latter part of 2008. You can apply for these now. These are less expensive and limited to land and sea only. They are really designed for people living along the border.