If you are not going to a Passport Agency, what you need to know is: The Acceptance Agency mails your payment and all your paperwork. So either write a check or get a money order for $75, and pay the processing fee of $25 in cash. Where ever you go it might be a bit different, and this is only for the United States. Knowing that would have saved me from having to leave to get a Money Order, and then come back to get in line again. Also have a Drivers License and your Birth Certificate. They take the Birth Certificate, and will mail it back to you in a different envelope from your passport. If you can, type out the document so there will be no problems in deciphering your messy handwriting. Good Luck!