Due to high volume, we require you to contact Swift Passport prior to getting your application authorized to make sure we can accomodate your request.

Please use the instructions below if the applicant is a U.S. citizens age 0-15 (if the child has had a passport in the past, the below directions still apply to them as child passports cannot be renewed).

If the criterion does not apply to the applicant please reference our expedited passport services page to determine which instructions to use.

Step 1: Gather the items listed below

Proof of U.S. Citizenship

You must provide an original or certified copy of the applicant's state issued U.S. Birth Certificate, their original Certificate of Naturalization, or an expired passport that is in good condition. This document will be returned with the new passport. For information on how to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate, or for information on how to obtain a passport for a newborn who does not have a birth certificate yet click here.

• Photocopies are not accepted
• Birth Records are not accepted (these often are small with hand and footprints and are issued by a hospital)
• U.S. citizens born abroad will need to include a birth abroad certificate

DS-11 Passport Application

• Option 1: Click here to print a PDF version of this form. Complete it using black or blue ink.
• Option 2: Complete this form online, via the Department of State website and print it.
  • Enter all information requested- missing information can cause delays
  • You will come to “Summary of Fees” page (only check $60 Expedite Fee & Passport Book Fee) & click SUBMIT
  • on the next page, scroll to bottom and click CREATE FORM
  • The completed DS-11 Passport Application form will open as a PDF document, PRINT THIS FORM

DO NOT SIGN THIS FORM YET, step 3 will explain in detail when you need to sign this form.

2 Original Letters of Authorization

Complete and sign 2 identical Letters of Authorization. Please contact SPS and we will email these to you. Only 1 parent/guardian signature is required, both are preferred if possible. One copy will go inside the sealed envelope and one should be attached to the outside of the envelope. Continue to step 3 to read more about getting the application executed and more about sealed envelopes.

2 Identical Passport Photos

Photo Requirements: Photos must have been taken in the last 6 months, be 2 inches by 2 inches in size, and have white background with no patterns or background objects visible. Photo must be in color and be free of glare. Ears should be visible, and the applicant must be facing forward. Dark glasses, headbands, and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Feel free to smile! You can obtain these photos at Walgreens, CVS, FedEx, etc.

Copy of Parents' Photo ID

BOTH PARENTS must provide a copy of both sides of their current passport, valid driver's license, government ID, state ID, or Military ID. If sole custody has been established, ID from the parent without custody is not needed

• Photocopies are accepted- must be able to see photo and ID number
• ID must be 6 months old or older.
• If you do not have government issued ID or your ID is not 6 months old, you will need to submit supplemental ID.
• If either parent is not a US citizen, please submit a copy of each parent's passport and proof of legal status for the non U.S parent(s).
• If either parent's name has changed and is different than the name on the birth certificate, original documentation proving name change must be provided (divorce decree or marriage certificate that shows name change)

Proof of Departure

Please provide ONE of the following

• A photo-copy of an airline ticket or a copy of the itinerary from your travel agent, airline, or online booking company
• A letter detailing a parent's business travel. Follow the sample "company letter of expedite" format.
• A letter explaining that you will be driving to Canada and/or Mexico with the minor.  Include intended departure date, intended return date, and destination
• If for some reason you cannot provide one of the above, please contact Swift Passport Services for further instruction.

Payment to the Government- Payable to: U.S. Department of State

• For a Passport Book only: $140
• For a Passport Book and Card: $155
• For a Passport Card only: $75

What's the difference between a passport book and passport card?

Temporary or starter checks are not accepted. Write the applicant's name and date of birth in the memo section of the check. Please note that if the agent prompts you to write a check for an amount other than $140, $170 or $75, the check will not be accepted, and your application will be delayed until a replacement check is provided. A $10 service fee will be charged in the event Swift Passport Services needs to submit a replacement check.

Step 2: Submit Your Order

When you submit your order you will make payment and give us the important details about your order such as shipping instructions, contact information, and service preferences. See our Expediting Rates.

• Option 1: Submit your order online
• Option 2: Call 877.917.9438 and place your order over the phone. Placing your order on the phone takes only a few minutes. Please be prepared to give us payment and shipping instructions.
• Option 3: Click here to print an order form. Complete the form and send it to Swift Passport with your passport application materials. If you are using a 1, 2 or 3 day service please call to place your order or fax us the order form (Fax 312-268-6237) prior to shipping. Failure to do so may delay your service.

Step 3: Get Your Application Executed

Once you have collected the above items, you will need to take them to a post office or county/city clerk to get the application executed by a "passport acceptance agent." To find an acceptance agent near you, you can search by zip code by visiting http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/.  The agent will administer an oath, execute the DS-11, instruct both parents to sign the DS-11, and put the application materials in an envelope. If the agent does not want to put ALL of the application materials into the envelope (such as the copies of ID), that is OK, but it is important that you send them to us anyway.   The agent will then put their official seal on the envelope.  Both parents should have a driver's license or State ID with them.   If you are getting more than 1 application sealed, it is important that each application is in its own sealed envelope.  Multiple applications in 1 sealed envelope may be denied. If you have problems or questions while getting your application executed please call Swift Passport Services at 877.917.9438

Parental Consent & Statement of Special Circumstances

• If one parent cannot be present at the Passport Acceptance Agent, the absent parent must have the DS-3053 Parental Consent Form completed and Notarized to bring to the Passport Acceptance Agent.
• DS-3053 Statement of Special Circumstances must be completed ONLY if the written consent of the absent parent cannot be obtained.  The statement must explain in detail the absent parents unavailability and recent efforts made to contact the absent parent

Step 4: Ship all Application Materials to Swift Passport Services

We highly recommend using FedEx to ship the application materials as they are the most reliable shipping service and will provide you with accurate tracking information. Please ship your application materials to our Chicago location unless you have discussed an alternate location with our passport and visa specialists. Swift Passport Services can email you a pre-paid FedEx airbill to use for inbound shipping upon request. Please call or email us if you would like us to email you a pre-paid airbill.