1. Applying for a Passport 101
UWSP Office of International Education
Updated 12/14/2017

2. Visit http://www.travel.state.gov
Step 1
Visit

3. First passport vs. Renewing your passport
If this is the first passport you have applied for, you must apply in person
If you are renewing or making a change to an old or current passport you have the option of applying in person or by mail

4. Click “Get a U.S. Passport”
Step 2
Click “Get a U.S. Passport”

5. Step 3
Click the top left box labeled “How to Apply for your Passport” (You will be redirected to a page that looks like this)

6. Step 4
If you are applying for a passport for the first time, follow the prompts on the screen.
If you are trying to renew a passport as it will expire within 6 months of your program return date, then click on the left hand column labeled “Renew my Passport by Mail”

7. Step 5
Fill out form type DS-11

8. Step 5 Continued ...
Once you have selected the DS-11 form, you should be redirected to a page that looks like this:
NOTE: Do NOT sign your passport application yet - you must sign the application while in the presence of a passport agency representative

9. Step 6
When you have completed and printed the previous form, return to the previous page and proceed to “Step 2. Collect your supporting documents”
PRINT ALL FORMS ON SINGLE PAGES. PASSPORT AGENCIES CANNOT ACCEPT BACK-TO-BACK FORMS

10. Step 6 Continued ... Supporting Documents Include:
A certified birth certificate with the raised seal and both parents’ first and last names listed. An official birth certificate (NOT a copy) can be obtained at the Registrar of Deeds office in the County where you were born.
OR your previous passport (for passport renewals)
OR a Naturalization/ Citizenship Certificate (Original, no copies accepted)
OR a Report of Birth Abroad (Original, no copies accepted)
NOTE: You will receive these items back in the mail within 10 days after receiving your passport.

11. Step 7
After gathering your supporting documents, continue to “Step 3. Get your photo”
We highly recommend following their Passport Photos requirement link as there are very specific requirements to achieving a valid photo (listed within their link)
There is also a Video Guide that explains what to do and what not to do while getting your passport photo taken
Possible places to go to get these photos taken are, Walgreens, UPS/ FedEx, Costco, and more

12. Acceptable / Non-Acceptable Passport Photos

13. Step 8 Next, continue to “Step 4. Calculate your fees”
Again, we highly recommend following their Passport Fees link so that you are aware of what your fees will be prior to sending your application out
Also, pay close attention as you will pay both the passport agency and U.S. Department of State with two separate payments
NOTE: This page will also give you options of where and how you can submit your application

14. Step 9 Submit all materials and payments to the acceptance facility!
IMPORTANT: Along with the above listed materials be sure to include a self-addressed return envelope with current postage so that the passport agency is able to send your documents back to you. Put this return envelope in the same envelope that you send your application in.
Make sure to use a priority trackable shipping method that provides you with a tracking number/ receipt for your package

15. Documents Needed to Submit Application
NOTE: You must present ALL of the following when applying for a U.S. passport:
your driver's license;
two passport photos;
printed and completed application;
a certified birth certificate or other acceptable document (Slide 9);
a check (with your pre-printed address on it) or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State for $110. This is the application fee;
cash or a separate check (with your pre-printed address on it) for $25 which will cover the processing fee.

16. LOCAL ACCEPTANCE FACILITY
This facility provides a complete passport application service including a passport photo session
The Portage County Clerk of Courts Office
1516 Church Street
City-County Building (2nd Floor)
(715) option 0
By Appointment Only on Mondays or 7:30am-4:00pm Tues. thru Friday

17. EXPEDITED PASSPORT SERVICE To Receive Your Passport Within 3 WEEKS:
Be prepared to pay the extra fee to expedite your passport and the current overnight postage fee to mail your application. In addition to the steps above, include one express mail envelope along with the appropriate self-addressed return label and current postage from the post office. Put this return envelope in with your passport application materials. Contact the post office for current rates. Visit for complete instructions.
Make sure to use a priority trackable shipping method that provides you with a tracking number/ receipt for your package