I just found out about a ridiculously common mistake people make with the U.S. passport that can delay everything by months. It turns out many people sign the DS-11 Form at home before their appointment, and that invalidates the entire process. Basically, you have to start from scratch. I don’t understand how it’s so common when it’s so simple: the form isn’t signed until the agent tells you in person. End of story.

What you need to do is complete the DS-11 online, print it out without signing anything, and wait for the official to instruct you during the appointment. That’s it. The agent needs to witness your signature and verify your identity, so you can’t do it at home. If you do, your application will be rejected or everything will be delayed.

By the way, you need this form if it’s your first passport, if you’re under 16, or if your passport was stolen, lost, or damaged. Bring your certified birth certificate or citizenship certificate, a photo ID, copies of both sides, a recent photo with a white background and no glasses, and be prepared to pay. For adults, it’s about US$130 for the book plus US$35 for the service fee, or US$30 if you prefer the card. Minors pay US$100 or US$15 depending on the type.

If you want to speed up the passport process, there’s expedited service for an additional US$60 . But the most important thing is not to mess up with the signature. That’s literally what stops everything.