Depending on the type of passport-related transaction you need to do, there will be a corresponding form you have to fill in. So whether it’s applying for a new passport, or reporting your lost or stolen passport, you can expect to fill in a passport for those. But you don’t really have to memorize them all, since they’re number-coded, and you’ll probably have to deal with only some of these forms. So if you want to learn more about U.S. passport application forms, you’ve come to the right place. Read on.

The DS-11 is probably the most popular among these forms. The reason for this is that the Form DS-11 is the one that all first-time passport applicants use when obtaining a passport. But it’s not just the first-timers who’ll need to use the DS-11. Those who were under 16 when they were issued their first passport, or those with passports issued over 15 years ago will need to fill in the DS-11 for their passport application.

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.

Not all pass port application need to be submitted by hand. There are also passport applications you can send through the mail. If you’re going to apply for a passport using this option, then you’ll need to fill in the Form DS-82. This is the passport form used when sending your application by mail. So, if you’re after the convenience of submitting your passport by mail, then use the DS-82. Remember, though that using this may only apply to certain types of passport applications, so better check out with your local passport office first if this is the right option for you.

Should you lose your passport, or if it is stolen from you, you need to report it to the US Department of State immediately. While calling their office is an option, you should know that you can do this through the mail as well. To report your lost or stolen passport through the mail, fill in Form DS-64, which is the Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport.

However, if sending the DS-64 by mail is not an option, you can always submit it in person. You can do this if you are already planning of applying for a new passport in place of the one you lost. What you need to do is simply to pay the passport office a visit, and then submit Forms DS-64 and DS-11.

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.