You sign your new passport directly on the holder’s signature line on the signature page (usually one of the first pages), using a black ballpoint pen and staying exactly on the line.

Where to sign

  • Open the passport to the page that shows your personal details and photo; near it you will see a space labeled “holder’s signature” or similar.
  • Sign on the line itself, not above or below it, and keep your signature inside the box or guidance marks if shown.

How to sign it

  • Use a black ballpoint pen, as many passport authorities explicitly require black ink for the signature.
  • Use your regular legal signature that matches the name printed on the information page (avoid nicknames or shortened names).

When you must sign

  • Adult holders generally must sign the passport as soon as they receive it; it is not considered valid for use until it is signed.
  • If you are 11 or under, or officially recorded as unable to sign because of a disability, the passport may state “the holder is not required to sign,” and then no signature is needed.

Common tips

  • Practice your signature on scrap paper first with the same pen to avoid blotting or smudging on the actual passport.
  • If unsure, check the small info leaflet or instructions that came with the passport, or your country’s official passport guidance page, as exact wording and layout can vary slightly by country.

TL;DR: Find the “holder’s signature” line on the main details page and sign neatly on that line with a black ballpoint pen, using your usual legal signature; don’t use the passport before you sign it.