Passport Application Forms

First, there's the DS-11. It's the most basic type of passport application form, which is why it is understandably the most common. The reason for this is that this is the form filled in by those applying for a passport for the first time. But not only that, the DS-11 is also used by those whose latest passports were issued when they were under 16, or those whose passports were issued more than 15 years ago.

One tip in knowing whether you're going to need the DS-11 or another passport is that you need to submit the DS-11 in person. In case you are told to personally submit your application documents, then you're likely to fill in the DS-11. In most instances, you will be told not to sign the form until you submit it personally. So to be sure, don't sign the form yet until you are told to do so at the passport office.

In case you are not required to submit your form in person, you have the option of sending your application by mail. This option is of course more convenient than having to go to your nearest passport office to apply. In instances where you need to send your application by mail, you'll have to accomplish the DS-82 form. So if you're after the convenience of submitting your form through the mail, you'll need the DS-82. However, some circumstances may restrict you from sending your application by mail, so contact your local passport office first, just to be sure.

In case you lose your passport, the US Department of State requires you to report its loss immediately. To do this, you'll need to fill in the Form DS-64, otherwise known as the Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. This form will then contain your statement regarding the loss or theft of your passport and will help in shedding light about the issue.

You can mail the DS-64 to the passport office in order to report your lost passport. Alternatively, you could also submit this form in person along with your application for a new passport. That said, you'll need to submit in person a DS-11 form along with the DS-64 to the passport office.

The great thing about submitting both forms at the same time is that you save yourself a lot of time when you do this. That way, you no longer have to submit one first, only to send in person the other one the next day. So if you can, submit both forms at the same time.

There are other passport application forms that you might encounter, depending on what you need to accomplish. However, the ones that we mentioned above are those that you will be dealing with more often than not. These are the forms you'll need to apply, mail, or report the loss of your passport.