To apply for a first-time US passport, you need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate. A valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license, must be submitted along with a photocopy of the ID. You also need to complete Form DS-11, provide a recent passport photo, and pay the required application fee.
What Documents are Necessary for a First-Time US Passport?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Form DS-11 Submission | To apply for a first-time US passport, submit Form DS-11 along with proof of US citizenship such as a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate, a valid government-issued photo ID, a photocopy of the ID, and one passport photo meeting State Department specifications. The application must be submitted in person at an authorized acceptance facility where proof of identity is verified and the oath is administered. |
| 2 | Documentary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship | Documentary evidence of U.S. citizenship for a first-time passport application includes a certified U.S. birth certificate, a previous U.S. passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. These government-issued documents must display the applicant's full name, date of birth, and U.S. citizenship status to meet the Department of State's passport eligibility requirements. |
| 3 | Primary Identification Documentation | Primary identification documentation necessary for a first-time US passport includes a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a state-issued driver's license or a military ID, which must be presented in original form along with photocopies. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of US citizenship through documents like an original or certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a naturalization certificate. |
| 4 | Certified Birth Certificate Vault Copy | A certified birth certificate vault copy is essential for a first-time US passport application, serving as primary proof of citizenship and identity. Issued by the vital records office, this document must be an official, government-sealed copy to meet passport eligibility requirements. |
| 5 | Parental Consent Statement (Form DS-3053) | The Parental Consent Statement (Form DS-3053) is required when one parent or guardian cannot appear in person during the application process for a first-time US passport for a minor under 16 years old. This notarized form must be submitted alongside evidence of parental relationship and consent to ensure compliance with the US Department of State's passport issuance policies. |
| 6 | Passport Photo Biometric Compliance | A first-time US passport application requires a passport photo that meets strict biometric compliance standards, including a recent 2x2 inch color image with a plain white background, full face visibility, and no head coverings unless for religious purposes. Ensuring the photo adheres to these specifications is essential to avoid application delays or rejection by the US Department of State. |
| 7 | Secondary Identification Supplement | Secondary identification supplements for a first-time US passport application typically include a government-issued ID such as a state driver's license, a certificate of naturalization, or a military ID card to corroborate the primary identification documents. These secondary IDs help verify the applicant's identity when primary documents like a birth certificate or Social Security card are insufficient or unavailable. |
| 8 | Photocopy of Identification Requirement | A photocopy of identification is required for a first-time US passport application, including a clear, legible copy of the applicant's primary identification such as a valid driver's license or state-issued ID card. This photocopy must show both the front and back sides of the identification to verify authenticity and meet the U.S. Department of State's documentation standards. |
| 9 | Social Security Number Disclosure | First-time US passport applicants must provide proof of citizenship, a valid photo ID, and a Social Security Number (SSN) or a formal statement explaining its absence. The SSN disclosure ensures compliance with federal regulations and assists in identity verification during the passport issuance process. |
| 10 | Proof of Name Change Court Order | A court order is a legally recognized document required to prove a name change when applying for a first-time US passport, ensuring the applicant's identity matches their updated legal name. This document must be an official certified copy issued by a court, clearly showing the previous name, new name, and the court's authorization. |
Introduction to US Passport Policies
The United States passport is an essential travel document issued to citizens for international identification and border crossing. Understanding the requirements helps ensure a smooth application process for first-time applicants.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship - You must provide an original or certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or a previous U.S. passport as evidence of citizenship.
- Proof of Identity - A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or military ID is required to confirm your identity.
- Passport Application Form - The completed and signed Form DS-11 is necessary for your first-time passport application submission.
Eligibility Criteria for First-Time Applicants
To apply for a first-time US passport, you must provide proof of US citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or a naturalization certificate. A valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license, is also required to verify your identity.
Eligibility criteria include being a US citizen or a non-citizen national with no previous passport issuance. You must submit a completed DS-11 application form in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility.
Primary Identification Documents Required
Primary identification documents required for a first-time US passport include a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a state driver's license or a military ID. Applicants must also provide an original or certified birth certificate, proving US citizenship. These documents establish identity and citizenship, essential for passport processing.
Proof of US Citizenship Guidelines
What documents prove US citizenship for a first-time passport application? You must submit your original or certified birth certificate, a previous US passport, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. These documents establish your US citizenship status as required by the Department of State guidelines.
Acceptable Secondary Identity Documents
Acceptable secondary identity documents for a first-time US passport include a school ID, employee ID, or a government-issued photo ID. These documents must complement the primary identification, such as a certified birth certificate or a previous passport. Your secondary ID helps verify your identity when primary documents alone do not provide conclusive proof.
Parental Consent Requirements for Minors
First-time US passport applicants must provide proof of citizenship, a completed application form, and valid identification. Minors under 16 require parental consent to obtain a passport.
Both parents or guardians must authorize the application for the minor, demonstrated by their physical presence or notarized consent forms. If one parent cannot be present, a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) is required. Parental identification and proof of relationship to the child must also accompany the application to meet State Department requirements.
Passport Application Form Specifications
The Passport Application Form is a critical document when applying for your first US passport. It must meet specific specifications to be accepted by the authorities.
- Form Type - Use the DS-11 form when applying for a first-time US passport, which is available online and in local passport offices.
- Completion Requirements - The form must be filled out completely and accurately, including personal details, travel plans, and parental information for minors.
- Submission Format - The form must be submitted in its original printed format and signed in the presence of an authorized official during the application process.
Recent Passport Photo Standards
When applying for a first-time US passport, you must provide proof of US citizenship, a valid form of identification, and a recent passport photo that meets current standards. The photo must be 2x2 inches in size, taken within the last six months, and clearly show your full face against a plain white or off-white background.
Your passport photo should have no shadows, glare, or wearing of hats or glasses, except for medical reasons. Complying with the latest photo requirements helps ensure your application is accepted without delays or rejections by the Department of State.
Additional Supporting Documentation
First-time US passport applicants must provide additional supporting documentation to verify their eligibility. These documents help establish identity, citizenship, and parental consent when applicable.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship - Documents like a certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad are required.
- Identification - You must present a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or military ID to confirm your identity.
- Parental Consent - For applicants under 16 years old, both parents or guardians must provide consent documentation, typically through Form DS-3053 or in-person presence.
Submitting complete additional supporting documentation ensures successful processing of your first-time US passport application.
What Documents are Necessary for a First-Time US Passport? Infographic
