Passport
Present Proof of U.S. Citizenship
(Many travel agents stock application forms for their clients.)
You may prove U.S. Citizenship with any one of the following:
Previous U.S. Passport Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state
Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth Naturalization Certificate Certificate of Citizenship A Delayed Birth Certificate filed more than one year after your birth may be acceptable if it:
Listed the documentation used to create it and Signed by the attending physician or midwife, or, lists an affidavit signed by the parents, or shows early public records. If you do NOT have a previous U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate, you will need:
Letter of No Record Issued by the State with your name, date of birth, which years were searched for a birth record and that there is no birth certificate on file for you.
AND as many of the following as possible: baptismal certificate hospital birth certificate census record early school record family bible record doctor's record of post-natal care NOTES:
These documents must be early public records showing the date and place of birth, preferably created within the first five years of your life.
You may also submit an Affidavit of Birth, form DSP-10A, from an older blood relative, i.e., a parent, aunt, uncle, sibling, who has personal knowledge of your birth. It must be notarized or have the seal and signature of the acceptance agent. NOTE: The following are NOT proof of citizenship
Voter registration cards Army discharge papers We have new information on foreign-born children adopted by U.S. citizens.
NOTE: If you travel extensively, you may request a larger, 48-page passport at no additional cost. To do so, please attach a signed request for a 48-page passport to your application.
FOR MINORS UNDER THE AGE OF 14:
The citizenship evidence submitted for minors under the age of 14 must list both parents' names.
Present Proof of Identity
You may prove your identity with any one of these, if you are recognizable:
Previous U.S. passport Naturalization Certificate Certificate of Citizenship Current, valid Driver's license Government ID: city, state or federal Military ID: military and dependents NOTE: Your Social Security Card does NOT prove your identity.
If none of these are available, you will need:
Some signature documents, not acceptable alone as ID
(ex: a combination of documents, such as your Social Security card, credit card, bank card, library card, etc.)
AND
A person who can vouch for you. He/she must Have known you for at least 2 years, Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, Have valid ID, and Fill out a Form DSP-71 in the presence of a passport agent.
FOR MINORS UNDER THE AGE OF 14:
Normally, a child under the age of 14 does not need to appear in person. However, passport agents reserve the right to require the appearance of your child. Both parents or legal guardians must present evidence of identity when they apply for a minor under the age of 14..
FOR MINORS 14 to 17:
Your child MUST appear in person. For security reasons, parental consent may be requested. If your child does not have identification of his/her own, you need to accompany your child, present identification and co-sign the application.
Provide Two Passport Photos
Your photographs must be:
2x2 inches in size Identical Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance Color or black and white Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head Taken in normal street attire Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily. Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline. If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture. Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required. Click here for information on acceptable digitized photos.
