How to Get Your First U.S. Passport As Soon As Possible After Becoming a Citizen
Congratulations on passing your N-400 interview! While that’s a huge milestone, remember you’re not officially a U.S. citizen until you attend your Oath Ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance. Only then will you receive your Naturalization Certificate and be able to apply for your first U.S. passport.
Whether your Oath Ceremony is scheduled on the same day as your interview or later, here’s everything you need to know to get your passport as soon as possible.
Important Travel Note About Your Green Card
At the Oath Ceremony, you will surrender your Green Card. Once you become a U.S. citizen, your Green Card is no longer valid for travel or identification. You must use a U.S. passport to travel internationally. What this means for you if your Oath Ceremony and your interview are on the same day? You will not have any valid travel document until your new U.S. passport is issued. If you have planned international travel soon, consider rescheduling your ceremony so you don’t lose your ability to travel while waiting for your passport. Of course, we never recommend that you reschedule your ceremony. Best to reschedule your travel plans!
Step-by-Step Guide to Book Your Appointment for U.S. Passport Submission Even Before You Receive Your Naturalization Certificate
Step 1: Book Your Passport Appointment
All first-time U.S. passport applications must be submitted in person at an authorized acceptance facility such as a U.S. Post Office. Only renewal applications can be filed online. For your first ever U.S. passport, you will need to make an appointment to submit your passport at the USPS Passport Acceptance Facility. There is usually a two-week waiting period to obtain an appointment. If you follow the steps below, you can reserve an appointment as soon as you find out your Oath Ceremony date, so you can apply for your passport the next day, and thereby not have to wait more than two weeks.
Try finding other locations with passport acceptance services nearby if you can’t get the date that you prefer.
Step 2: Complete Form DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport
Fill out Form DS-11 online, then print it single-sided. Don’t sign it until instructed to do so at your appointment. If you prefer, you can download the PDF instead and just fill it out this way (this is the way I prefer it).
Step 3: Prepare Your Passport Photo.
You need one 2×2-inch color photo taken within the last six months with a plain white or off-white background. Glasses are not allowed.
Bring your own photo or use photo services at some USPS locations. Also, read more about the passport photo requirements.
Step 4: Gather Documents
Bring originals and one photocopy (black and white, single-sided) of:
Your Certificate of Naturalization
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license); if none, bring two secondary IDs (see below)
Completed DS-11 application for a U.S. passport (unsigned)
Your passport photo
Please Note: if you do not have a Government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, you can submit secondary IDs - at least two from the list below. You must present one physical, primary ID that includes your photo. If you cannot present one of the primary photo IDs listed above, you should present at least two secondary IDs listed below.
• Out-of-state driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license with photo
• Learner’s or temporary driver’s permit (without a photo)
• In-state, fully valid non-driver ID (without a photo)
• Out-of-state, non-driver ID
• Temporary driver’s license (without a photo)
• Social Security card
• Voter registration card
• Employee work ID
• Student ID
• Selective Service (draft) card
• Medicare or other health card
• Expired driver’s license
• Form DS-71 for an Identifying Witness (note: this form is only available if you are applying in person at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency).
Step 5: Payment
You need two separate payments:
Application fees paid by check or money order to the U.S. Department of State
Acceptance facility fee (usually $35) paid directly at the USPS facility (check with your specific location for accepted payment methods)
Here are some common fee examples:
Routine processing: $165 total ($130 application + $35 acceptance)
Expedited processing: $225 total (adds $60 expedite fee)
Expedited + 1-2 day delivery: $247.05 total
Write your full name and date of birth on your payment’s memo line.
Step 6: Processing Times
Routine service: 4 to 6 weeks plus mailing
Expedited service: 2 to 3 weeks plus mailing
Step 7: For Urgent Travel
Same-day or next-day passports are available if you have international travel within 14 days (or travel requiring a visa within 28 days). Book an appointment at a Passport Agency and bring proof, like your flight confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I have to apply in person?
A: Yes. All first-time U.S. passport applicants must appear in person at an authorized acceptance facility.
Q: Can I travel with my Naturalization Certificate?
A: No. Your Naturalization Certificate only proves citizenship — it is not valid for travel.
Q: What counts as urgent travel?
A: Urgent travel means your trip is within 14 days (or within 28 days if you also need a visa) and you can provide proof of travel, such as a flight confirmation.
Q: How many copies do I need?
A: Bring one black-and-white, single-sided copy of each required document on standard 8.5 × 11-inch paper.
Q: Can I use a credit card?
For the government application fee, payment must be by check or money order only (made payable to U.S. Department of State).
For the acceptance facility fee, many locations accept credit or debit cards.
Passport Agencies (for urgent travel) do accept credit/debit/contactless payments.
Q: When will I know my Oath Ceremony date?
A: If your ceremony is not scheduled on the same day as your N-400 interview, which it likely will not be unless your field office has a special accommodation in place that day, you’ll receive a notice by mail. Most ceremonies occur about 3–4 weeks after your approval. If you have asked for a name change during the N-400 process, you may have to wait a little longer for your ceremony.
Q: What if I can’t get a USPS appointment?
A: Book your appointment as soon as you receive your Oath Ceremony notice. If your local post office is full, search for other passport acceptance facilities nearby — some offer walk-in hours or on-site photo services.
Your journey matters to us because we've been there, and we are here to help you every step of the way. Let's make your dream a reality together. With the right approach, the immigration process can help you build a future in the U.S. while allowing you to achieve your immigration goals. If you want to make sure you don’t miss a beat, make sure to hire the best immigration attorney in NYC or where you live, that you can find. We meet our clients where they are! Should you or your loved one have any questions or need representation, please do not hesitate to contact us. Although we are located in New York City, we represent clients all over the 50 states of the US. Call us, email us, or review other options to get in touch with us for an immigration consultation. We have represented many clients with successful results, even with the most difficult set of facts.