Instructions for First-time US Passport Application

• Original or Certified birth certificate
• Original Certificate of naturalization
• Previous undamaged passport
• FS-240, DS-1350, or Certificate of Citizenship (if born abroad to US parent(s)
  All citizenship documents will be returned with your new passport

• Make a clear photocopy of driver's license with a photo on it. The license must have been issued or renewed for at least 12 months. If not, you will need to provide additional Proof of Identity

• Fill out DS-11 form online from US State Department website. This online application has replaced "hand written" forms. Hand written form is no longer acceptable. The last page of the application is a Print summary page, please scroll to the bottom left corner of this page and click Create Form, your application form will appear on your screen. Print out the form.
• Please print out and submit only one-sided pages of the application, not back to back.
• Please do not sign the application form until you are instructed to do so.
• For question "Where should the passport be mailed?" Please make sure to use VisaRite address: 460 Van Emburgh Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450, then check No to question "Is This Your Permanent Address".
• For question "In Care Of", please type in: VisaRite.
• If you also select Passport Card option, additional fee of US$30 will apply
• While completing the application, the wizard will prompt you to select fees, shipping and processing options. Proper selection should be as following: Processing Methods - Expedited at Agency Service. Delivery Methods - Standard Delivery (because we will pick up and FedEx back).

• This is your authorization to VisaRite to act as your agent in dealing with the US Passport Agency. Click the link for Passport Authorization Letter. The Authorization Letter must have your original signature. Faxes or photo copies are not accepted.
• Please complete and sign 2 copies. One copy should be inside the sealed envelope, the other needs to be attached to the outside of the sealed envelope. See Step 2 below for details about the sealed envelope.

• Click here to see photo requirements
• Click here to find where you can get passport photo

• Personal check, business check or money order is acceptable for US Department of State fee.
• Make one check or money order to "US Department of State" in amount of $190 or $220 if you also need passport card.
• There is no need to include US Department of State address on the check. However, if you prefer to include the address, it must be correct. Otherwise the check will be rejected. The correct address is: 376 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
• Be sure to include your date of birth on the check.
• If you have multiple applications, please make separate check for each applicant. Do not combine them into one check.
• Credit card payment is not acceptable for US Department of State fee.
• Starter check is not acceptable.

Choose a Service Level	Time needed			Service and Shipping Fee
	Review	Processing	Shipping	Service	Shipping	Total
Super Rush Service	1 day	2-3 days	1 day	$459	$36	$495
Rush Service	1 day	4-5 days	1 day	$399	$36	$435

Service and Payment Remark

• Processing time means the time the Passport Agency needs to process the application. It doesn't include the return shipping time. Day of receiving is not processing day.
• Time needed shown is based on business days.
• You may pay service fee by credit card online. Credit card payment is subject to 3.6% surcharge.
• US Department fee must be paid separately in check or money order.
• Return Shipping Fee listed is for return address within the continental U.S. If your return address is in Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, please include an additional $25.00 per order.

• Submit the Passport Service Request Form online, print out confirmation page.
• This is the best way to tell us your application is coming as well as your return address and contact information so that confirmation and status updated can be sent to you via email.
• Multiple applicants can be entered using one service request form.

You (the applicant) must appear in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility, which is usually a Post Office or County Court House and present paperwork your prepared. Click the link to locate a Passport Acceptance Facility near you. You will be required to sign the application form in front of the clerk. Once it is signed and sealed, it must be sent to us right away because it will expire after 3 business days.

Procedures at the Passport Acceptance Facility:

• Tell the clerk you are using an expediting service to "Hand Carry" your application
• The clerk will request your Identification (driver's license)
  
• The clerk will ask you to sign the application form DS-11
  
• The clerk will complete the ID information, sign, then stamp the application form
  
• The clerk must seal the envelope and MUST put official stamp/seal on or along side the seal mark
  
• The envelope should be marked as "Hand Carry" or "Open by authorized passport agent only"
  
• The clerk may write the applicant's name, departure date on the outside of the sealed envelope
  
• The clerk will return the envelope to you in order for you to FedEx it to VisaRite Services
• You will be asked to pay $35 at the Passport Acceptance Facility
• Once it is signed and sealed, it must be sent to us right away because it will expire after 3 business days

These items need to be in the sealed envelope:

• The signed original application form DS-11
• The original proof of citizenship, such as Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate.
• One passport photo.
• The check for the "Department of State".
  
• One Letter of Authorization with wet signature.
• One photocopy of the driver's license, or the supplemental ID.
• Travel reservation or a business letter showing departure within 14 days.
  

This item needs to be in the shipping envelope:

• One additional Letter of Authorization with wet signature.

Children ages 16-17 with their own identification can apply for a passport by themselves. However, it is recommended that at least one parent appear in person with the child to identify him/her and to show parental awareness.