How to Fill Out the DS-11; Application for a U.S. Passport

If you're applying to get your U.S. passport book or card for the first (or a subsequent) time, then you'll need to fill out the form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport. Here, I'll walk you through how to fill out the application packet that includes the new gender designations. Let me know in the comments if you need any help!
**Videos mentioned**
Get your passport as FAST as possible: • FASTEST Way to Get a U...
Passport Book vs. Passport Card video: • Passport Book vs. Pass...
Make a mistake a need a new DS-11? Download it here: eforms.state.g...
10 tips to get your passport FASTER: • 10 Tips to Get Your US...
****Connect with us on Social Media and Patreon!****
Facebook: / thesingledadnomad
Instagram: / nicholas.demski
Find me on TikTok @nicholasdemski
Visit the blog: www.thesingled...
#usapassportapplicationds11 #howtofillouttheds11foruspassport #howtofillouttheds11 #ds11 #ds-11 #howtoapplyforauspassportwiththeds11 #howtoapplyforausapassport #applyforapassportform #ds11form #howdoifillouttheds-11formwhenapplyingforausapassport #howtocompletetheds11applicationformforausapassport #usapassport #uspassport

[@terrylee5659]

Great instructions! Very specific. I actually looked at a few other videos before I found yours and YOURS was the best because you went through EVERY line and explained how to fill it out. Thanks so much! 😃

[@NickDemski]

My pleasure to help!

[@enigmatiika]

I was so stressed out before I found your video… thank you so much

[@NickDemski]

My pleasure! 🙏

[@justicelies]

I was very stressed out about the application. You explained in detail and I appreciate that very much. Thank you!

[@NickDemski]

Cool, my pleasure to help!

[@jennadavis9288]

Great job finally someone understands what it means when you NEED HELP FILLING OUT your application.

[@NickDemski]

Happy to help

[@prismatic800]

Seriously thank you for this. As someone who struggles with social anxiety this was very helpful. Although this may be considered “common sense” Not all of us have parents who taught us how to do these things. And school does not teach you useful things that you will later need in life. Seriously, thank you.

[@NickDemski]

@@prismatic800 hey no worries I understand! It’s my pleasure to help

[@flforever4513]

This has helped me a lot while filling out my US passport form for traveling to Australia to see my siblings. You’re awesome!

[@flforever4513]

Thanks for all the help. I got my passport in the mail on 02/24/23. This is such a great video!

[@lynnlovie6870]

Shout out to you!! This was very helpful. I printed 3 just in case I messed up and I had to go to my 2nd copy. Thanks again!!!

[@NickDemski]

Need a new DS-11? Download it here: eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds11.pdf

[@babacarcoulibaly3443]

hello how to fill one for minor under 16

[@celestinecalderon514]

Can I fill in the blanks on computer or do I absolutely have to use black ink ( handwritten) instead of typed??

[@GurdeepSabarwal]

@@celestinecalderon514 you can fill online using form filler

[@billytaglis3586]

At the very last section we're asking if you ever applied for or been issued a passport. I haven't since I was 7 years old should I include that Info ?

[@simonpegg1196]

If one of the parents of the applicant is no longer alive, do we still need to include their name in the Parental information section?

[@TheMenzy321]

Thanks for the help, now i need to find out my married/ divorce date though, wish i could leave it blank

[@U2BER2012]

Ty very much; for being thorough. Now I have no doubts about what is required on the app.

[@AlejandraPacheco-d4b]

Do you have to use capital letters for the whole application?

[@brettpeckinpaugh]

Very good but like everyone else the field 9 for other names was glossed over. Do they want just your last name so if you were borth john doe, and changed to john smith do you put just smith or do you put john smith. It is as clear as mud.

[@Modestlychubbypenguin]

Thank you for noting the section "thats not for us." Other videos would gloss over that top right corner and not really explain what it is or whether we have to fill out.

[@NickDemski]

My pleasure and happy to help!

[@rosdos100]

Where it says a parents place of birth, is it written out like: Milwaukee, WI or Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

[@VH0_0]

If one’s not currently working or in school would they leave that section blank??

[@GannonGaines]

It says I’m supposed to sign the document somewhere? Do you know where I’m supposed to sign?

[@tara3344]

Thank you for information. I need your help. I made some mistakes on parent date I want to correct what shall I do now? Where Shall I contact? I sent form and made the payment as well . Can you guide me

[@franciscoarroyo1498]

If you do still answer questions, I have one that is, if my passport expired when I was young do I still have to answer question 21

[@vroom9393]

Did you

[@franciscoarroyo1498]

@@vroom9393yea

[@eleanova6225]

so i completly colored in the square is that fine or should i start over

[@zenosama1827]

Lol I’m outside the country and had to make a new appointment for next month but now I understand I won’t make the mistake thank you

[@NickDemski]

My pleasure to help

[@JoseNavarro-n1y]

Quick question for number #11 what if I never been married or nothing like that do I still fill out anything in that section or check a box? Thank you very much

[@HeavenlyAngels85]

❤❤❤❤❤ Thanks you soooooo much, So glad I found you to help me fill out form correctly. Q's Do you have a video on filling out E1 form a k.a Financal Statement . To discharge your debts. PLEASE LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@Helpmediscern]

Loved your video thank you so much. Didn’t include “.com” after my email (had no more space) will this be an issue? To clarify it has the Gmail signifier.

[@bugtracker152]

Thanks for a great video. I have one question though: if I was born outside US and the country I was born in does not exist anymore, what do I put in the place of birth field? The former name which existed during my birth or the current name of the country?

[@krista95856]

For box 21, do you write the name as "John Smith" or as "Smith, John"? Thank you!

[@johnaquino7619]

thank you for showing how to fill this out. It’s helping a lot. 03:13 I noticed that the instructions for dress line 2 those instructions are in parentheses Specified to include the word “apartment” or “suite” or something else similar in addition to the letter or number of the apartment address. I noticed that in this video, the word was not included on that line. Just passing it along. Give up the good work!

[@OKBAOK]

Thanks for this video Bro :) I'm in a process of doing this form DS -11 in two days. Helps me 100 %. Take care, have a good one:)

[@morningstarcb]

What if you were born outside of the US and became a citizen? What do you write in City and state? What do they mean by "as presently known"?

[@h0pewrld]

Hi! For page 2, can i write everything in uppercase letters?

[@NickDemski]

Yes that is the best practice

[@NightCreep69]

Hello. How would I fill out my full name if I am a Jr.? Would I add the Jr next to my last name? Or next to my middle name?

[@troyturner9897]

How do I fill out a mailing address with a PO Box? Do I just put the box number? Do I put the pro box on the line one mailing address and the address of the usps my P.O. Box is at on the second line?

[@brycedoesstuff6540]

Great video but I have one question. My father is born in a country with too many letters (Philippines) to fit in the space alongside the city for his place of birth. Should I abbreviate it to something like "PH" or "PHIL?" Thanks.

[@yanairahernandezsolis598]

hello i wanted to ask in second page of the application, where it asks us " have you ever applied for or been issued a U.S. Passport book or passport card ?' i'm actually confused about what that part means can you explain it better or rephrase that question to be better understand it please and thank you, ill appreciate it !!

[@emmanuel11ful]

@NickDemski Hi Mr. Nicholas my name is Emmanuel and my children have a CRBA appointment in my country Ghana and I was wondering if you could answer some questions for me, I was wondering the DS 5507 the section were it says part 2 and 3 and that it should be left blank and will need to be filled out in front of a consular, since I’m not in Ghana during the interview, so I leave it and they will have my wife sign it or do I have to get signed by a consular at an embassy and what if I don’t have an embassy near me to do that part of the process.

[@YunTo-HeckYeah]

Question - and I'm sure somebody has already asked it in here - after I list my spouse's name and information, it asked if I was ever divorced / widowed. Is that basically asking me if I am still currently married to her? Or do I just simply put in the most recent divorce date of my previous marriage? I appreciate this video. Thank you.

[@AnitaArmstrong-b3f]

When I was 15 yrs old (50 yrs ago) , my mother applied for a passport for me. I am in need of a passport now, however, I don't know what she did with my passport and she has passed away. Do I need to apply for a new passport? If so, how do I fill out line 21 regarding a past passport?

[@dashiadenise3429]

Thank you so much I messed up on the first form and wouldn't have known if it wasnt for this video!

[@crayth1k818]

Do you know if your name should be capitalized in the first page ?

[@JuliaMontoya-r9j]

Thank you for explaining the application so clearly.

[@NickDemski]

@@JuliaMontoya-r9j my pleasure

[@ant-yd7sl]

For Field #10, if I don’t have an additional phone number do I use the same number used in Field #7 or do I leave it blank?

[@young3362-m3v]

Do I have to submit DS-11 and DS-64 forms together to apply for a replacement passport?

[@moonlightbaee]

for my parents place of birth, can i just put the country. i’m not sure what city they were born in

[@moonlightbaee]

also for my emergency contact should i put their full name like first, middle and last?

[@NickDemski]

You should include as much information as you know, and for any uncertainties you can leave them blank and/or include an explanation on an additional sheet of paper 🙏

[@moonlightbaee]

@@NickDemski thank you!!! this video really helped me 💕

[@NickDemski]

My pleasure! Best of luck 🙏

[@SL-kh5zl]

Great information! I have a question regarding question 13, Occupation, on Page 2. The answer may be obvious, but I just want to make sure I am not omiting any information that needs to be included on the form. Regarding Question 13 ..if I am retired, do I leave that space blank or should I write the word Retired in the space? Thank you.

[@NickDemski]

@@SL-kh5zl “retired” will work no problem 🙏

[@SL-kh5zl]

Thank you so very much for the quick reply. I really appreciate it. One more question ..I have been seeing conflicting info on what type of pen ink is required or recommended for completing and signing the form ..from no ballpoint pen to rollerball, gel ink, felt tip marker or some type of signature ink. I noticed you were using I think was a gel pen in your video. Gel pens are what I use all the time, but I just want your thoughts and recommendations on what is the best type of pen ink to use for such an important document. Thanks.

[@NickDemski]

Hey my pleasure to help! They require black ink and for it to be in big block letters, I don’t know why the type of pen would matter much as long as it writes well and legibly

[@SL-kh5zl]

@NickDemski Got it. Thanks again. I will be on my way to my post office tomorrow to submit my form. Take care!

[@hannaemily2433]

Hello!, I am divorced since 2007, do I have to put my ex-spouse´s name in number 11?. Thanks in advance!

[@the_fisherman_of_fish8121]

Question on the #21 line. Is the format, last, first middle?

[@hezi5081]

did you find out yet?

[@adriancampano7154]

great video thank you just one question about the pictures I need to provide on the first page

[@NickDemski]

I have a video about passport pictures that might help

[@Minalover100]

Hello, and thank you for this. Question: Suppose I was issued a passport once before (military) but it was so long ago (50 years at least) that I can't remember the exact dates, and so on. What do I do? Thanks, in advance...

[@NickDemski]

@@Minalover100 hello, you can add an additional sheet of paper to your application and include and missing or extra information like you mentioned I.e. noting that you can’t remember the info

[@Minalover100]

@@NickDemski Thank you for responding, and thanks for the channel.

[@NickDemski]

Happy to help 👍🙏

[@Jacob-we4wp]

Your video is one of the bests, very simple and line by line filling. Thank you. My question is based on No 10: Parental Information. My parents are no more, and don't know their "Date of Births", so what do I fill, especially the date of birth. Thanks.

[@NickDemski]

You can attach an additional sheet of paper that indicates you’re unaware of the specifics

[@cherylwoodard4837]

You can apply for their death or birth certificates and there you will find the information.

[@JoseNavarro-n1y]

Sorry for so many questions but for #21 in what order do i put my name as?

[@hanliu2140]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful. Quick question, in page 2 I don't have to put in capitalized letters as in page 1 right?

[@Gabrielle-j9z]

That's what I wanna know too

[@Cutekumber89]

Thank you for this video! It is super helpful. I have a question for anyone who may know... I applied to be a flight attendant but I need to get my passport "renewed" or a new one because it's passed 15 years since the date of issuance. Can I get my passport expedited under my circumstance? Once again, great video and greatly appreciated if anyone knows the answer to my question.

[@The.Righteous.Artist]

So I only need to feel out box 19 on the second page if its a different address, I just put the same address as the first page there

[@ilwh]

Thank you for the help! Also, I have a question. What should I do if my middle name is too long? There are not enough spaces and names do not fit in. Thank you!

[@NickDemski]

Just include a new sheet of paper with any extra info

[@SuzyZuniga-tn6fd]

Thank you so much for this informative video. Where do I send this form after I’m done filling it out

[@NickDemski]

department of state handles all this

[@eileenmunson7198]

I am the parent filling out for my son. Question 10 is for parental info is question #11 for the parent or the parents child who is the applicant ?

[@SintapujosLosCano]

I’m confused in that part

[@SintapujosLosCano]

question 11 is for the child, I am confused in the question NAME OF THE APPLICANT, I don't know if it is my name or my son's

[@l0vealwaysnia]

If I’m planning on having my passport sent to a address different from the one I reside at, would I write that address on the first page where it says mailing address? And if so, on address line 2, as a 17 year old should I write “in care of (adult at the address I’m sending it to)”

[@CApt-NinJA]

I've had a passport before.. but it was YEARSSS ago.. and it was thrown out... therfore I don't know the old passport numbers.. help

[@moriahmartinez5754]

Hello!! I’m sorry if this is a dumb question… for hair color, should I put the hair color I was born with (brown) or the color my hair is usually dyed (blonde/brown)?

[@NickDemski]

Hey just put your natural hair color 🙏

[@sufferyetgain]

2 questions does every letter have to be capitalized everything and in each little box?

[@NickDemski]

Yes and yes, if anything doesn’t fit you can attach an additional sheet of paper though

[@sufferyetgain]

@@NickDemski alright capitalized for page 1 or both pages?

[@nataliaperales4311]

This might be a dumb question but do I need to fill it out with a pen or is pencil okay

[@NickDemski]

@@nataliaperales4311 black ink only

[@Johnydogood]

Ok so the info under wife/Xwife concerning Job etc i thought was asking for her occupation, kinda confusing so no those lines underneath is for mine or "applicants " .. And i used blue ink ..dang it

[@run2fire]

The occupation is about the child not parent. The form is a little confusing.

[@jaydee0140]

Thank you for this helpful video. Can I print the application form in color or does it need to be black and white print out?

[@NickDemski]

Yw! And color is fine 🙌

[@adrianaramos9785]

I accidentally wrote my name w only the firts letter capital and the rest in lower case would i have to get new applications?

[@ciaraknight5228]

Hello, how would you correctly document having multiple occupations? For me specifically, I am a student and have a part time job

[@NickDemski]

I’d just write ‘student’ and that should suffice

[@robertryan6635]

For travel plans you say we can skip it. Is it good to leave it blank? Wouldn’t it be best to write N/A

[@NickDemski]

Blank is okay, it signifies the same thing as N/A

[@diljotsinghdiljot4417]

hey do you know what is duly filled form i need this for my passport application but i am unable to find it online.

[@ceoa]

Do you leave the lines that you don't put information in blank....or should you write in N/A?

[@NickDemski]

Blank is fine

[@bryanbea]

First time renewing, do I need to go somewhere in person to send this like an official office? Or can I just put everything in the envelope and send it off at USPS? -also, do you have a checklist of all the things that needs to be in the envelope? Thanks!

[@NickDemski]

Hey this video will help with your specific questions about documents, etc: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3i6m3SBm9OIrNU But also, since it's your first time applying, you will need to apply in person. More about that in the linked video😊

[@CarolinMiller-ru2fo]

Great video. Your explanation was very clear and helpful. How do I find out cost involved in this process?

[@NickDemski]

There is a fee calculator on the govts passport website travel.state.gov

[@anthonyub1111]

What about it is a child where you need to put your name in what part of the page .. thanks.

[@kwg7t3igh]

Thanks for the video, quick question. What if I don't have an additional number? What should I put

[@NickDemski]

Just leave it blank, if you've already listed your primary number 🙌

[@ChristianPerez-xd8zq]

For place of birth I spelled out the whole city and spelled out the whole state, should that be an issue? And for the mailing address line 1. I simply put down “W” and “Dr” instead of doing west and drive, should that be an issue also?😭

[@mawdohalisissoho2002]

What if you put you apt on the same line as ur street address?

[@kennymerino87]

And also os 2ene page all about parents even 1st box says name of applicant? Or that be mine

[@YeneneshEshetu-m3y]

How to fill mailing address baby live outside of usa and permanent residents address

[@NickDemski]

you can attach an additional sheet of paper and write it properly there

[@Doyoubanghomie]

Thanks buddy I finally got my green card thanks to this video

[@Klareyn427]

If I plan to go to Colombia let’s say example 05/24/2025 and come back 05/28/2025 and say I come home 2 days early from the departure date can you get in trouble? Or is that fine

[@SLau-k9k]

What to answer, ever been widowed or divorce, If my marriage is anulled?

[@New-generation4]

So the place of birth, is it the place you get from the naturalization certificate or it’s where you were born before becoming a us citizen?

[@NickDemski]

Where you were born

[@Dre_Sant]

does every letter have to be capitalized? first time applying im just wondering if it affects anything :/

[@NickDemski]

Big block letters is the best practice

[@dogwink]

For field #10, if naturalized parent's birth names are non-Roman alphabet in their foreign birth certs, do you use foreign characters or do you anglicize them?

[@NickDemski]

@@dogwink personally, I would anglicize them and then attach an additional sheet of paper to the application that includes the names in their native language and mention that you’ve tried your best to anglicize them in the application

[@roughneckrhodes6741]

Hi.. I am going on a cruise from Florida to the Bahamas do I need a passport.

[@fritz51_50]

can a person who is a resident of Washington get a passport while they are out-of-state say if they are in Texas for an extended amount of time. Basicallysince my wife didn't license is good until 2030 and a Texas driver's license has to be renewed every couple years I ain't giving up my Washington lisence. What I have to go back to Washington to get a passport or is there a way around

[@ivpagan6007]

What if you don’t need to fill out a space, do you just leave it blank or do you put “ none” or anything?

[@farhadsenzai7890]

I'm applying for my chid. Do I flow your instructions or appy differently

[@NickDemski]

Put their name in the applicant details instead of yours 🙏

[@VickandK324]

Does it matter if I use check marks ✔️ or X in the specific box areas? Because I used check marks

[@NickDemski]

No it doesn’t matter as long as its legible

[@VickandK324]

@@NickDemski Thanks so much for the quick reply, I’m filling out mine now and watching. 😊

[@AEvans36963]

In 'Parental Information' do we just list our only living parent if one is deceased?

[@JoseNavarro-n1y]

What is the difference from the passport book and card

[@beckibeauty996]

Great, straightforward video! Thank you so much

[@NickDemski]

My pleasure and you're welcome!

[@erikawashington3838]

I got my last name changed in 2008 I still get all my documents,can I still use them?

[@DonnieReno]

What if I’m moving from Oregon to Alaska and need the passport for the drive through Canada? What should I put for “Permanent Address)? Where I’m living now and want the passport to be sent to, or an address in Alaska where I’ll be living up there?

[@NickDemski]

Just make sure the mailing address is in Oregon because that’s where the passport will go

[@jendel509]

Hey do u still have to but the name is a spouse if it been divorced more the 8 years?

[@yenifercruz130]

I have a question, I'm applying for my baby, who is 1. In item 21, "Have you ever been issued..." would it be my passport info or would it be "no" because my child has never had a passport before?

[@esmeo1547]

Is an additional contact phone number required? Or can I just put the same phone number I put as my primary contact phone number? Thank you so much!

[@mahmoodstev5093]

Hi, so after I fill out the application where do I have to send it?

[@Yadmunz]

Does the DS-11 form gets expired because my mom has a form since 2016? Is it’s work if I use it

[@NickDemski]

@@Yadmunz the forms update over the years. I’d print a new one

[@emmaherbert7071]

Section 12 applies to the applicant and not the parent?

[@sammiirrii]

Should I fill out #21 if I got my previous passport when I was underage?

[@sabrinaidek3883]

did u figure it out

[@sammiirrii]

@@sabrinaidek3883 I haven’t 😔 I plan on asking somebody at the post office when I go in for my appointment

[@sammiirrii]

@@sabrinaidek3883 I had my appointment and the answer is yes! Make sure to take your old passport book/card with you to your appointment.

[@um8440]

Do i file this ds-11 if my parents became citizen when i was 16, now im over 18, how can i get passport? thk

[@NickDemski]

If you've never gotten a passport, you should use DS-11 and provide the documentation showing you are am American citizen. I also have a video about how to prove citizenship, if you need help with that you should watch that video 🙏

[@eamsee657]

For 9. (List all other names you have used), in my case maiden name, do you write just the maiden last name if the first and middle name are the same or the first, middle, and maiden? If the latter, what do you do if your full previous name doesn't fit?

[@NickDemski]

Full name. Attach another sheet of paper if the info doesn’t fit and include it there

[@lizamarierodriguez1335]

question, it’s my first time applying for a passport but for the marriage part is that for my parents or me?

[@rashadsmith3827]

It's for you