To apply for a U.S. passport, you must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or a naturalization certificate, along with a valid government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. A completed passport application form, recent passport-sized color photographs, and the appropriate application fees are also required. Supporting documents may include proof of parental consent for minors and evidence of any legal name changes.
What Documents Are Required for a U.S. Passport Application?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proof of U.S. Citizenship (e.g., previous U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship) | Proof of U.S. citizenship is essential for a U.S. passport application and can be established with documents such as a previous U.S. passport, a certified U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. These documents verify the applicant's nationality status and are required to process the passport efficiently. |
| 2 | Proof of Identity (e.g., current valid driver’s license, government ID, military ID) | Proof of identity for a U.S. passport application requires presenting a current valid driver's license, government-issued photo ID, or military ID, each serving to verify the applicant's legal identity and citizenship status. These documents must be original or certified copies, bearing a photograph and personal details matching the application information to ensure compliance with U.S. Department of State requirements. |
| 3 | Photocopy of Identity Document (front and back) | A photocopy of the identity document, both front and back, is required for a U.S. passport application to verify the applicant's identity and support the original document submission. This photocopy must be clear, legible, and printed on plain white 8.5x11-inch standard paper to meet U.S. Department of State guidelines. |
| 4 | Passport Photo (compliant with U.S. passport photo requirements) | A U.S. passport application requires one recent passport photo that meets specific criteria, including a 2x2 inch size, white or off-white background, and a clear, front-facing view of the applicant's face without shadows or obstructions. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and printed on photo-quality paper to comply with U.S. passport photo requirements. |
| 5 | Completed Form DS-11 (if applying for the first time or under age 16) | Applicants must submit a completed Form DS-11 for a U.S. passport if applying for the first time or if the applicant is under age 16, providing proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. The form requires valid identification, parental consent for minors, and a recent passport photo that meets government specifications. |
| 6 | Completed Form DS-82 (for passport renewal by mail, if eligible) | The Completed Form DS-82, used for passport renewal by mail, must include the applicant's most recent U.S. passport, a recent passport photo, and proof of name change if applicable. Eligible applicants submitting Form DS-82 avoid in-person visits, expediting the renewal process for U.S. passports. |
| 7 | Proof of Parental Relationship (for minors under age 16) | Proof of parental relationship for minors under age 16 applying for a U.S. passport requires a certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or adoption decree that clearly lists the parent(s) and child's full names. Supporting documents such as a court order establishing guardianship or a notarized statement of consent from both parents can also be necessary to verify parental authority. |
| 8 | Parental Consent (for minors under age 16, both parents/legal guardians) | For a U.S. passport application for minors under age 16, both parents or legal guardians must provide consent, typically through a completed Form DS-3053 if one parent cannot appear in person. Proof of parental relationship, such as a birth certificate, and valid identification from both parents or guardians are also required to establish consent. |
| 9 | Proof of Legal Name Change (if applicable, e.g., marriage certificate, court order) | Proof of legal name change is required for a U.S. passport application if your current name differs from the name on your proof of citizenship or identity documents. Acceptable evidence includes a certified marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree issued by a government authority. |
| 10 | Passport Fee Payment (check, money order, credit/debit card as accepted) | For a U.S. passport application, the passport fee payment can be made via check, money order, or credit/debit card, ensuring flexibility in accepted payment methods. These payment options must be submitted according to the guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of State to avoid processing delays. |
| 11 | Social Security Number (to be provided on the form) | Applicants for a U.S. passport must provide their Social Security Number (SSN) on the application form as required by the U.S. Department of State to verify identity and eligibility. Failure to provide a valid SSN may result in application delays or denial, making it essential to include accurate SSN information when applying. |
| 12 | Evidence of International Travel Plans (if requesting expedited service) | Applicants requesting expedited U.S. passport service must provide evidence of international travel plans, such as flight itineraries, hotel reservations, or travel tickets, to verify the urgency of their application. These documents help demonstrate the necessity for faster processing and ensure timely passport issuance before the scheduled departure date. |
Understanding U.S. Passport Application Requirements
To apply for a U.S. passport, applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or a naturalization certificate. A valid form of photo identification, like a driver's license or government-issued ID, is required to verify identity. Passport application forms, passport photos that meet specific guidelines, and applicable fees must also be submitted during the application process.
Essential Documentation for Your Passport Application
Essential documentation for a U.S. passport application includes proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or a previous U.S. passport. Government-issued photo identification, like a driver's license or military ID, is required to verify identity. A passport photo meeting specific requirements and a completed DS-11 or DS-82 application form must also be submitted.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Accepted Forms
Proof of U.S. citizenship is essential when applying for a U.S. passport. You must submit one of the accepted documents to verify your citizenship status.
- U.S. Birth Certificate - An original or certified copy showing your birth in the United States is required.
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) - Issued by the U.S. Department of State for children born abroad to U.S. parents.
- Naturalization Certificate - Proof of citizenship obtained through the naturalization process for immigrants.
Submitting one of these accepted forms confirms your U.S. citizenship for the passport application process.
Identity Verification: Required Identification Documents
Identity verification is a crucial step in the U.S. passport application process. Required identification documents confirm your citizenship and personal identity to ensure eligibility.
Acceptable documents include a valid driver's license, a government-issued ID, or a military ID. If your primary ID is unavailable, secondary evidence such as a certified birth certificate or a previously issued passport may be required. These documents must be original or certified copies and presented in person during the application submission.
Recent Passport Photo Specifications
Your U.S. passport application requires a recent passport photo that meets specific government standards. The photo must be taken within the last six months to accurately reflect your current appearance.
The image should be 2 x 2 inches in size, with a plain white or off-white background. Ensure your full face is visible, centered, and facing the camera directly without any shadows or glare.
Supporting Materials for Special Circumstances
| Special Circumstance | Supporting Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Minor Under 16 | Proof of parental relationship (birth certificate, adoption decree), evidence of parental consent (both parents may need to appear or provide notarized consent), identification for both parents or guardians. |
| Lost or Stolen Passport | DS-64 form (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport), proof of identity (government-issued ID), a passport photo, and regular passport application form. |
| Changed Name (Marriage, Divorce, Court Order) | Certified name change document such as marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. |
| U.S. Citizenship Not Established by Birth | Naturalization certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), or other evidence of citizenship. |
| Emergency Passport Application | Proof of immediate travel necessity (travel itinerary, emergency documentation), evidence of identity, and citizenship documents as applicable. |
Application Forms: DS-11, DS-82, and Others
U.S. passport applications require specific forms depending on the applicant's situation. Form DS-11 is used for first-time applicants, applicants under 16, or those who do not qualify to renew by mail.
Form DS-82 is designed for eligible applicants renewing their passports by mail. Other forms, such as DS-5504, handle name changes within one year of passport issuance.
Parental Consent for Minors’ Passports
Applying for a U.S. passport requires specific documentation, especially for minors under 16 years old. Parental consent is a crucial requirement to ensure the child's travel authorization and safety.
- Both Parents Must Provide Consent - For minors under 16, both parents or guardians generally need to authorize the passport application in person or through notarized consent.
- Form DS-3053 is Used for Single Parent Consent - If one parent cannot be present, Form DS-3053 must be completed and notarized to validate consent from the absent parent.
- Proof of Parental Relationship is Required - Applicants must submit evidence such as a birth certificate or adoption decree to confirm parental rights and identity.
Additional Documents for Name Changes
When applying for a U.S. passport with a name change, specific documents must be submitted to verify the new name. These additional documents ensure the passport reflects the legal name accurately.
- Marriage Certificate - Provides official proof of name change due to marriage.
- Divorce Decree - Used when reverting to a maiden name after a divorce.
- Court Order - Required if the name change was legally authorized by a court.
What Documents Are Required for a U.S. Passport Application? Infographic
