If you’re planning to travel internationally anytime in the near future, you’ll need a U.S. Passport Book or U.S. Passport Card (please read "U.S. Passport Book vs. U.S. Passport Card" for further details.) If you have never applied for a U.S. Passport, you’ll need to gather a few documents and arrange to go the nearest U.S. Passport application acceptance facility for applying in the United States (or Consulate or Embassy if applying outside the United States). If you follow the steps, the application process should be fairly straightforward. Then, you’ll be on your way to international travel.

Next, we’ll discuss what happens when you have to apply for your U.S. Passport for the first time in-person.