For this type of application, you must submit it and the supporting documents in person. If you have had a passport issued to you on or before your 16th birthday or within the past 12 years, you may complete form DSP-82 and apply via mail or in person. If you are unable to obtain a copy of your birth certificate, see the back of the application for alternative documentation to prove U.S. citizenship. The proof of identity can be any ID card with a photo or physical description. Apply for the passport as soon as you know you will be going abroad.
Processing takes from four to eight weeks, depending on the time of year.
You will also need your passport to apply for a visa if you need one. Visa requirements and fees vary from country to country, and the qualifications differ depending on what you plan to do and how long you plan to stay. Your program will provide you with information on obtaining the specific visa you will need for study abroad. Be sure to have all necessary travel documents well before the date of departure. Make copies of your passport and visa and keep them separate from the originals.