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. If you have never applied for a U.S. Passport, you’ll need to gather a few documents and arrange to go to the nearest U.S. Passport application acceptance facility 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 how to apply for your U.S. Passport the first time in-person.