Warning: The US government is notoriously slow and bureaucratic, so be sure start this process as soon as possible before your vacation. If you aren't leaving for at least 3 months, you should be safe applying directly at a passport office. If you require a passport quicker than this, then you should definitely work with a commercial passport agency - they can often get you a passport within 48 hours.

Process for Getting a US Passport:

You will need to get a new passport if one of the following is true:

• You have never had a passport.
• Your passport has been expired for more than 5 years.
• Your passport is damaged or mutilated.
• You were a minor (under age 16) when your U.S. passport was issued and are now over 16 years of age

There are two ways to get a new passport:

If you do not need a passport for at least 90 days:

To obtain a passport, you need to go in person to a passport acceptance facilities with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license. The entire process should take less than 4-6 hours.

You will need to download and complete this form. Do not sign this form until you are in the presence of a passport official.

You will need an official birth certificate (with raised seal), Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.

If you do not have the above, there are a number of alternative forms of documentation that may be acceptable, but as the requirements are currently in flux, you should consult with the passport office to determine this.

You will also need proof of identity, such as a state issued driver's license or a previous passport (damaged is acceptable).

Finally, you will need two identical, recent 2"x2" photos of yourself.

Total fees are $97 for adults, and $82 for minors under the age of 14. If you require expedited service (ie: you require a passport within 3 months), you will need to pay an additional fee of $60, and you may also need to pay an additional fee for overnight service (strongly recommended)

If you need a passport quickly:

You should work with a commercial passport agency to expedite your order. You will pay about $100 over and above the necessary government fees if you can wait between 4 days and 2 weeks. If you need emergency turnaround (48 hours), expect to pay about $150 over the standard government fees. You can get same-day service in a few major US cities, but it will be very expensive if you can get it at all.

The price you pay for a commercial service is well worth it. Not only do you get your passport quickly, the firm will review your application to ensure everything is in order. They also hand-deliver it to the US passport agency so you don't have to stand in line. It's one less thing you need to worry about.

Quick recommendation: we use a company called Official Travel Documents for our families and employees. They provide online passport services and have provided headache-free service to us in the past.