Be sure to review the materials thoroughly and follow the instructions step-by-step. There are two different types of no-fee passport applications: DS-11 (new applicants) & DS-82 (renewals). Ben already had his passport so he was able to submit the DS-82. My passport was issued when I was under 15 years old, so I had to complete form DS-11. The last part of form DS-11 requires a signature by the clerk of court and a $25 application fee. Don't waste time making appointments with the post office, go to your local probate court instead (no appointment necessary)! We got our photos taken at Walgreens. Make sure to dress appropriately; tank tops are not allowed (a mistake I almost made!).
Peace Corps includes a pre-paid UPS envelope in the blue packet for you to ship your paperwork directly to the processing center. Once completed, they will mail your passport to the Peace Corps Office. You can track the progress of you passport application at: https://passportstatus.state.gov/opss/OPSS_Status_ip.asp
We are happy to say that both of our passports have been mailed to the Peace Corps on time!
