July 15, 2025
How To Get a U.S. Passport in Michigan
Getting your passport is a lengthy and complex process. It’s crucial to start your application as soon as possible if you have upcoming travel plans, and a Michigan immigration attorney can guide you through the process.
Steps To Get a First Adult U.S. Passport
Follow these steps if you’re applying for your first U.S. passport as an adult:
Make Sure You’re Eligible for a Passport
Before starting the application process, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for a passport. Only U.S. citizens (by birth or naturalization) or non-citizen residents who meet specific criteria can apply for passports. If you don’t know if you meet the requirements for a passport, ask an experienced immigration lawyer.
Complete the Application Form
The first step in the formal passport application process is to fill out Form DS-11. The easiest way to do this is to use the State Department’s Form Filler tool to complete the application, then print it out. You can also download the form, print it, and complete it by hand. If you print the form to fill it out by hand, print it on only one side of the page.
Whichever option you choose, do not sign the form until you’re told to do so when you visit a passport acceptance facility to complete your application. You might have to start over if you sign the form too early, which could disrupt your travel plans.
Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you must bring proof of your citizenship to your application appointment. Acceptable documents you can use include:
- A certified U.S. birth certificate
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (if you’re a citizen by birth and were born outside of the U.S.)
- A naturalization certificate
- A certificate of citizenship
You must bring the original document and a photocopy to your application appointment. You keep the original document and submit the photocopy, so make sure the copy is easy to read.
Present Valid Identification
You must also bring a valid photo ID to your application appointment. Acceptable photo IDs include:
- A U.S. driver’s license
- A military ID card
- An ID showing you’re a government employee
As with your proof of citizenship, you must bring a photocopy of your photo ID to submit with your application.
Obtain a Passport Photo
Your passport application must also include a recent photo in color that meets the following requirements:
- Size: Exactly 2 x 2 inches
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Clothing: Everyday clothes. No uniforms or headwear are allowed unless you wear headwear for religious reasons
- Facial expression: Neutral or a natural smile
Many passport acceptance facilities offer photo services if you need your photo taken. You can also get passport photos at many photo studios or pharmacies.
Calculate and Prepare Fees
There are two fees you must pay for a first-time passport. The first is a $130 fee for the passport book. The second is a $35 execution fee, also called an acceptance fee. You pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State, while the execution fee goes to the facility where you submit your application. Make sure you check the State Department’s fee schedule page for the most up-to-date information, as fee amounts sometimes change.
Locate a Passport Acceptance Facility
You must apply for a first-time passport in person at an authorized facility. You can use the State Department’s acceptance facility locator to find the closest facility. Common places where you can submit your passport application include:
- Post offices
- Clerk of court offices
- Public libraries
Some passport acceptance facilities require appointments, so it’s best to call ahead or check online before you visit to submit your application.
Submit Your Application
When you visit the passport acceptance facility, you must present your completed (but unsigned) Form DS-11, proof of citizenship, photo ID, copies of your proof of citizenship and ID, and passport photos. You’ll pay the applicable fees there as well. Finally, you must sign the application in the presence of an authorized passport acceptance agent.
Tracking Your Application Status
Once you submit your application, you can track its progress online. It typically takes about 4-6 weeks for the State Department to process your application. You can pay an additional fee for expedited service, which usually reduces the processing time to two to three weeks.
Note that processing time only includes the time the State Department spends reviewing your application. It can take a week or two for the State Department to receive your application and another couple of weeks before you receive your passport in the mail. Start your application as soon as possible to avoid any disruptions in your travel plans.
Contact a Plymouth Immigration Lawyer Now
Working with a Michigan immigration lawyer can help you avoid any issues with your passport application. Attorney Andrew D. Stacer has nearly 20 years of legal experience and can guide you through the process. Call Stacer, PLC, now, or complete our contact form for a consultation.