What Is a DS-11 Form and How to Fill It Out (with Examples)

Every US passport application requires you to fill out a specific form, depending on whether you’re getting your passport for the first time or getting it renewed. Out of all official forms, DS-11 is the most common one. However—

When should you use it, and how do you fill it out correctly? Read on to learn everything about the DS-11 passport form and the necessary supporting documents.

Looking for related information on passport applications? These articles might help:

• DS-82 Passport Form [Filling Instructions with Examples]
• How to Get a Child Passport [Process Explained for All Ages]
• Tracking Your US Passport Status [Complete How-To Guide]
• What do You Need for a Passport?

What is the DS-11 passport form for?

DS-11 is one of the most common forms you submit with any passport application (besides Form DS-82, which you’ll need to renew your US passport). But in which specific cases is it used? 

You should submit form DS-11 when you:

• Apply for a passport for the first time
• Apply for a first-time passport on behalf of a minor (under 16) 
• Want to replace a lost or stolen passport (in addition to Form DS-64)
• Want to replace a damaged passport

How to fill out passport form DS-11: step-by-step

Let’s discuss the process of getting, completing, and submitting the DS-11 form. 

Step 1: Find the form

As a US citizen, you have two options for getting Form DS-11. You can:

• Download the form in PDF format, print it out, and fill it out by hand
• Use the online form filler provided by the Department of State

Step 2: Fill it out 

Regardless of how you choose to get your DS-11 form, you need to print it out and attach it to your passport application. Although the form is in color, you don’t need to print it as such—you can print it out in black.

Applicants who opt to fill the form out by hand must do so in black ink, following the guidelines provided by the Department of State. With the document in front of you and a pen in hand, move on to pages 5 and 6—that’s where you need to start completing the form. 

Important! Only fill out the sections indicated in orange! 

Here’s an example of a filled-out form DS-11:

Step 4: Submit the form 

Now that you’ve got your form ready, you’ve completed the first step in applying for a US passport. But the form isn’t the only thing you’ll need! You must also supply the following documents:

1. Evidence of citizenship (e.g., birth certificate or marriage certificate) and its certified photocopy.
2. Current and valid ID (e.g., valid driver’s license) and its certified photocopy.
3. Proof of payment. 👉 Check our guide on US passport photo fees to see how much you need to pay.
4. Two US passport photos that comply with official requirements.

After you’ve collected all the necessary documents, you must submit them with your application. Note that you must apply in person at an acceptance facility or passport agency—mailing your passport application isn’t possible.

Pro tip: The current passport processing times are 7–10 weeks—you can see how to track the US passport status with this guide. And if you need your passport quickly (e.g., for urgent travel), consider opting for expedited passport service (additional fees will apply).

Have all the necessary documents at home, but you’re missing the photo? No worries! Take your own passport photo at home with our service (in 3 minutes or less) and have it delivered right to your mailbox within 3 business days—anywhere in the US.

Form DS-11 for a child’s passport

Applicants applying for their child’s passport must follow the same instructions when filling out the DS-11 form. There are, however, additional documents that need to be provided, so we encourage you to read our detailed guide on how to get a child’s passport.

Helpful tips when completing the DS-11 passport form

Even when an official form seems straightforward, it can be a stressful process, and from then on, it’s not difficult to make a mistake. To ensure your passport application goes smoothly, we have compiled several tips to help you avoid the most common mistakes.

• You don’t need to print the first four pages. Pages 5 and 6 must be printed single-sided
• Fill out the form in black ink
• Fill out only the sections indicated in orange—leave the blue ones blank
• Don’t make any corrections to the form. If you make an error, you must prepare a new form
• Don’t sign the form before your appointment 

That’s it! You’re now ready to complete the DS-11 form and carry on with your passport application.

FAQ

Form DS-11 for a US passport: recap

DS-11 is a form you submit as part of your passport application package, when applying for a new US adult passport, child passport, or when your current passport got lost, stolen, or damaged.

Remember that, besides this form, you must also submit the following documents:

1. Evidence of citizenship and its certified photocopy.
2. Current and valid ID and its certified photocopy.
3. Proof of payment.
4. Two new passport photos.

If you still don’t have your passport pictures ready, get them done right away from home! Download our Passport Photo Booth App for iOS or Passport Photo Maker App for Android and take compliant biometric photos like a professional—in no time at all.

Sylwia Green

Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.