All individuals traveling as part of this trip must have a valid passport. If you do not already have a passport, you will be responsible for purchasing one if you wish to participate in this trip. You (and your guest) will be required to upload copies of your passports to the our registration site before your travel details may be confirmed.
If you do not yet hold a valid passport, you must apply for one immediately using expedited processing to participate in this trip.
Instructions
DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport
Complete form DS-11 – Application for a U.S. Passport
Be sure to print a copy of the completed application.
Canadian Citizens
Please review information passport application information and requirements here.
You must submit one of the following. Your evidence must be an original or certified copy. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.
- Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
- U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
- Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
- Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
- Lists your parent(s)’ full names
- Has the date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth)
- Has the registrar’s signature
- Has the seal of the issuing authority
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of the U.S. citizenship evidence you’re providing.
Photocopies must be:
- Legible
- On white 8.5”x11” standard paper
- Black and white
- Single sided
If you don’t want to submit a photocopy of your citizenship evidence, you may submit a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, which will not be returned to you. If you don’t submit a photocopy or a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, your passport processing could be delayed.
You must present one of the following identification documents (IDs) to the acceptance agent. The ID must readily identify you.
- Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card
- In-state, fully valid driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license with photo
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
- U.S. military or military dependent ID
- Current (valid) foreign passport
- Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) – commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
- U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) – commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
- Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
- Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
- Other documents: In-state, fully valid learner’s permit with photo, In-state, fully valid non-driver ID with photo, and temporary driver’s license with photo. Note: you may be asked to present an additional ID when presenting one of these 3 documents.
You need one 2″ by 2″ color passport photo.
You must provide one photo with your passport application.
- Submit a color photo, taken in last 6 months
- Use a clear image of your face that reflects your true skin tone. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
- Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
- Take off your eyeglasses for your photo.
- Use a plain white or off-white background
Resolution, Print Size, and Quality
- Submit a high resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated.
- The correct size of a passport photo is:
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
- Do not digitally change the photo (except to remove red-eye)
- You cannot submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.
Pose and Expression
- Have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open.
- Face the camera directly with full face in view.
Attire
- You cannot wear glasses.
- If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.
- Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis
- You cannot wear a hat or head covering.
- If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of traditional religious attire worn continuously in public.
- If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor’s statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes.
- Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face.
- You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
- You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. Permanent tattoos are acceptable for passport purposes as well.
Passport photos can be obtained from many local drugstores (ie: CVS, Walgreens). The process usually only takes 10 minutes or less.
You will be required to obtain a passport book (not passport card) for international travel.
The fee breakdown for new US passports is listed below:
| Passport Book | $130.00 |
| Expedited Processing | $60.00 |
| Standard Delivery | $0.00 |
| Total Due to US Department of State | $190.00 |
| Execution Fee (Payable to Facility Where You Apply) | $35.00 |
| Grand Total | $225.00 |
If you are applying for a passport after December 31st, please submit your application using EXPEDITED PROCESSING.
Due to the limited amount of time that exists before our trip, you must file your application using expedited processing.
- Find the acceptance facility nearest you to turn in your application and fees. Contact the facility before arriving to determine if an appointment is required.
- Additional information and instructions are located on the US Department of State’s website by clicking here.
- Canadian citizens may obtain information regarding Canadian passports by clicking here.
