DS-11 Fillable PDF & Form Guide

Quick answer

What is DS-11 used for?

Apply in person for a first U.S. passport book or card, for a child under 16, or when an applicant cannot use the mail renewal or correction forms.

Use this form when

Use DS-11 when applying for a first passport, applying for a child under 16, replacing a passport that was lost, stolen, or damaged, or applying after a prior passport was issued under age 16 or more than 15 years ago.

Do not use it for

Do not use DS-11 merely because a passport is expiring if every DS-82 renewal condition is met. A recent qualifying name change, data error, or eligible limited-passport replacement may instead use DS-5504.

What to prepare for DS-11

Collect the relevant records before typing. The exact set depends on the applicant and the government instructions or case-specific request.

Original or certified evidence of U.S. citizenship plus the required photocopy
Valid government-issued photo identification plus a front-and-back photocopy
One compliant 2-by-2-inch color passport photo taken within the last six months
Parental relationship and consent or sole-authority evidence when the applicant is under 16
The applicable passport application and facility acceptance fees

A reliable fillable-PDF workflow

1. Map answers to source records

Build a source sheet before opening the PDF. Put the exact applicant name, birth facts, Social Security number, current contact details, passport numbers, issue dates, and document names in one controlled record. Mark which values come from the passport, civil evidence, identification, court order, or agency notice so later corrections remain traceable.

2. Fill a downloaded working copy

Download a fresh DS-11 directly from the State Department. Save it locally before typing, use a PDF application that preserves AcroForm values, and do not overwrite the untouched source. Complete only facts supported by records; flag missing information instead of inserting a plausible answer.

3. Reopen, inspect, and print

Treat every checkbox as a factual conclusion supported by a record or instruction. Follow each conditional answer to its related explanation or attachment. If the form requests a separate sheet, identify the applicant, form number, and question so the additional material cannot be separated from its context.

Critical DS-11 review points

01
Do not sign DS-11 until the authorized acceptance agent tells you to sign under oath.
02
Reconcile the requested passport name with citizenship, identity, and legal name-change records.
03
Choose passport book, card, or both deliberately; the card is not valid for international air travel.
04
For a minor, verify who must appear and whether DS-3053, DS-5525, or sole-authority evidence is required.

How to submit DS-11

Submit DS-11 in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility, passport agency by appointment, or the applicable U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Bring the unsigned form and all originals, photocopies, photo, and payments.

Print passport forms single-sided on 8.5-by-11-inch letter paper in portrait orientation. Use the current PDF and case-specific directions because destinations, fees, evidence, and processing options can change after this guide is reviewed.

Official DS-11 download and guidance

DS-11 fillable PDF State Department guidance Official Passport Form Filler

Clerks AI PDF skill

Prepare DS-11 from your evidence

Add the official blank PDF and your source records. Clerks AI can map supported facts to interactive fields and flag missing evidence for review. It does not decide citizenship, identity, consent, eligibility, fees, or whether a passport will be issued.

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DS-11 fillable PDF FAQ

Is this DS-11 PDF actually fillable?

Yes. We inspected the official file's AcroForm tree on 2026-08-09; it contained 86 interactive field definitions. Always download a fresh copy because the Department may replace the file.

Can I submit the filled PDF electronically?

Fillability does not imply electronic submission. Follow the submission section above and the official instructions. Many passport PDFs must be printed, signed as directed, and presented or mailed with evidence.

Can I sign DS-11 before printing?

Follow the signature rule printed on this specific form. Passport forms commonly require an original handwritten signature, and DS-11 or notarized consent documents have special timing and witness requirements.

Related passport form guides

DS-82

DS-11 fillable PDF: Application for a U.S. Passport