To apply for a U.S. passport, applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate, a previous U.S. passport, or a naturalization certificate. A valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license, is also required for identity verification. Additionally, a completed passport application form and suitable passport photos must be submitted to complete the process.
What Documents Are Needed to Apply for a U.S. Passport?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Secondary Citizenship Evidence | Secondary citizenship evidence required for a U.S. passport application includes documents such as a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship, which validate your claim to U.S. citizenship when the primary evidence like a birth certificate is unavailable. These documents serve as verified proof of citizenship issued by authorized government agencies and are essential for processing the passport application efficiently. |
| 2 | Digital Passport Photo | A digital passport photo for a U.S. passport application must meet specific requirements including a 2x2 inch size, a plain white or off-white background, and a clear, full-face view with no shadows or glare. The image must be in color, recent within the last six months, and digitally submitted in JPEG format with a file size between 240 KB and 10 MB. |
| 3 | Real ID Compliance | To apply for a U.S. passport, applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate, alongside a valid government-issued photo ID that adheres to Real ID compliance standards. Real ID-compliant driver's licenses or state IDs enhance identity verification during the passport application process, ensuring alignment with federal security requirements. |
| 4 | DS-11 Form Submission | Submitting the DS-11 form to apply for a U.S. passport requires proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate, a valid photo identification like a driver's license, and a passport photo meeting State Department specifications. Applicants must also provide a photocopy of the identification document and pay the applicable passport fees during the in-person submission at an authorized acceptance facility. |
| 5 | Proof of Parental Relationship | Proof of parental relationship for a U.S. passport application requires documents such as a certified U.S. birth certificate listing both parents, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a court order establishing custody or guardianship. These documents must clearly link the child to the parent(s) applying on their behalf to verify legal parental rights and identity. |
| 6 | In‐Person Identity Verification | Applicants must present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, along with a certified birth certificate or an acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship during the in-person identity verification process. Supporting documents like a social security card or a secondary form of ID may be required to confirm identity and citizenship for U.S. passport applications. |
| 7 | Social Security Number Disclosure | Applicants must provide their Social Security number when applying for a U.S. passport, as required by the U.S. Department of State to confirm identity and citizenship. Failure to disclose a valid Social Security number may result in application rejection or delays in processing. |
| 8 | Electronic Residency Proof | Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid government-issued photo ID, and an electronic residency proof such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement containing their current address. These electronic documents ensure accurate verification of residency for the U.S. passport application process. |
| 9 | Expedited Service Request | To apply for a U.S. passport using Expedited Service, applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship such as a previous passport or a certified birth certificate, a valid photo ID like a driver's license, a completed DS-11 or DS-82 application form, and a recent color passport photo. Proof of travel plans or a written request outlining the need for expedited processing is required to qualify for faster service at an additional fee. |
| 10 | Minors’ Two-Parent Consent Form | Minors applying for a U.S. passport must submit Form DS-3053, the Statement of Consent, signed by the non-applying parent or guardian to verify two-parent consent. This document ensures both parents authorize the passport issuance and must be notarized when submitted separately from the minor. |
Understanding U.S. Passport Application Requirements
Applying for a U.S. passport requires specific documents to verify identity and citizenship. Primary documents include an original or certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a previous U.S. passport.
Applicants must also present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license. A passport photo meeting State Department specifications and a completed passport application form are essential for submission.
Essential Documents for First-Time Passport Applicants
Applying for a U.S. passport for the first time requires submitting specific documents to verify identity and citizenship. These essential documents ensure the application process is smooth and successful.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship - Submit an original or certified birth certificate, U.S. passport book/card, or a naturalization certificate to establish citizenship.
- Identification Document - Provide a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID card to confirm your identity.
- Passport Photo - Include one recent color passport photo that meets specific size and quality requirements for passport acceptance.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Accepted Certificates
To apply for a U.S. passport, proof of U.S. citizenship is required. Accepted certificates include a U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. These documents must be originals or certified copies issued by the appropriate government authority.
Identity Verification: Required Identification Documents
To apply for a U.S. passport, identity verification is essential and requires specific identification documents. These documents confirm your citizenship and personal identity to the issuing authorities.
Required identification documents include a valid driver's license, a government employee ID, or a military ID. If these are unavailable, a combination of other documents such as a social security card paired with a birth certificate can also be used for verification.
Parental Consent and Documentation for Minors
Applying for a U.S. passport for minors under 16 requires proof of parental consent from both parents or legal guardians. The application must include the child's birth certificate to establish parent-child relationship. Government-issued photo IDs from both parents, such as driver's licenses or passports, are also necessary to verify identity and consent.
Guidelines for Passport Photos and Specifications
When applying for a U.S. passport, submitting passport photos that meet specific guidelines is essential. The U.S. Department of State requires photos that are 2 x 2 inches in size, taken within the last six months.
Photos must have a plain white or off-white background with a full-face, front view of the applicant. The head should measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. Eyeglasses are no longer permitted in passport photos, and the applicant's expression should be neutral with both eyes open.
Certified Copies vs. Originals: What You Need
| Document Type | Required Form | Certified Copy vs. Original | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proof of U.S. Citizenship | Birth Certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization | Certified Copy required; Originals accepted if in good condition | Must be an official document with a raised, embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal |
| Proof of Identity | Government-issued photo ID (e.g., Driver's License, Military ID) | Original preferred; Copies must be certified by issuing authority | Expired IDs may not be accepted |
| Parental Consent (Minors under 16) | Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) | Original required; Certified copies not accepted | Must accompany the application if one parent cannot appear |
| Name Change Documentation | Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, or Court Order | Certified copy required; Originals accepted if certified | Documents must directly link to current legal name |
| Passport Photo | Passport Photo Specifications | Original photo required; No copies allowed | Must meet U.S. Department of State guidelines |
Additional Documents for Special Circumstances
Applying for a U.S. passport requires specific documents, especially if special circumstances apply. Additional documents ensure proper verification and processing in unique cases.
- Parental Consent for Minors - Consent forms like Form DS-3053 are needed if one parent cannot be present during the application for a child under 16.
- Name Change Documentation - Legal name change certificates, such as marriage licenses or court orders, must be submitted to confirm identity if your name differs from primary identification.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship for Parents - When applying for a child's passport, parents may need to provide evidence of their citizenship, like a previous U.S. passport or a naturalization certificate.
Translating Foreign Certificates for Passport Use
To apply for a U.S. passport, submitting the correct documents is essential, especially when foreign certificates are involved. Translating these documents accurately ensures they meet the U.S. Department of State's requirements for validation and acceptance.
- Certified Translation Required - Foreign certificates must be translated by a certified translator to be accepted for passport applications.
- Complete Documentation Submission - The original foreign certificate and its translation must both be submitted together.
- Translator's Certification Statement - The translator must provide a signed statement attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation.
Your passport application will be processed faster when all foreign certificates are properly translated and accompanied by the necessary certifications.
What Documents Are Needed to Apply for a U.S. Passport? Infographic
