Passport help??

OK, on my list for next week is to start the process to get Anna's US Passport. I really haven't looked into it at all and would welcome any help from those of you who have already done it. Where do I go to even start the process? I'm assuming I don't just go down to our local city hall or post office like for us. Do I need to contact the Russian consulate here in California? Thanks in advance. I know my fellow bloggers will be a wealth of information!!