What to Bring to Your Passport Appointment

Bring your proof of citizenship first

You need one document that proves you were born in the United States or are a U.S. citizen. The State Department accepts a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous U.S. passport. A birth certificate must be an official copy — not a photocopy, not a hospital record — issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born.

If you were born outside the U.S., bring your naturalization certificate or Certificate of Citizenship. If you already have a passport and it is not expired or lost, you can bring that instead of a birth certificate. If your birth certificate has your married name but you were born under a different name, bring both the original certificate and a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Key Takeaways

• Bring an official birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport to prove citizenship — photocopies and hospital records do not count.
• Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or military ID; a school ID or work badge alone will not work.
• Bring the completed application form DS-11 (for first-time passports or renewals in person) or DS-82 (for mail renewals), printed and signed but not notarized.
• Bring a new photo that meets State Department rules: 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background.
• Bring payment in the form the acceptance agent accepts — usually a check, money order, or card, since cash policies vary by location.

Bring a government-issued photo ID

You must bring a photo ID issued by a U.S. government agency. A driver's license, state ID card, or military ID all work. A passport card counts. A school ID, work badge, or library card does not, even if it has your photo.

The ID does not have to be current, but it must be recognizable as you. If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, tell the acceptance agent when you arrive. Some locations can accept other documents in combination — such as a Social Security card plus a birth certificate — but this varies. Call ahead to ask what your specific location accepts.

Bring the correct application form, completed and signed

For a first-time passport or if you are renewing in person at an acceptance facility, bring form DS-11. For a mail renewal (only if your passport is not damaged, lost, or stolen, and you still have it), bring form DS-82. Print the form, fill it out by hand or on a computer, and sign it. Do not have it notarized — the State Department does not require or want a notary seal.

You can download both forms from the State Department website or pick up a printed copy at most post offices, libraries, and passport acceptance facilities. If you are applying for a child's passport, you will need form DS-11 and both parents or guardians must be present with photo ID, or one parent must bring a notarized consent form from the other.

Bring a new passport photo

Your photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face straight-on against a plain white or off-white background. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that changes your appearance. If you wear glasses normally, you can wear them in the photo, but the lenses cannot have a glare that hides your eyes.

You can have a photo taken at a post office, pharmacy, or professional photographer. Many places charge $10 to $20. You can also take one at home if you have a plain background and good lighting, then print it at the correct size. Do not use a photo from social media, a selfie, or a photo with other people in it. Bring the printed photo — do not email it or show it on your phone.

Bring payment in the form your location accepts

Passport fees vary depending on whether you are getting a book passport, a passport card, or both, and whether you are an adult or child. Most acceptance facilities take checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards. Some take cash, but policies differ by location. Call ahead to confirm what your specific post office or acceptance facility takes.

Bring the exact amount or slightly more if paying by check or money order. If paying by card, ask whether there is a processing fee. The State Department does not charge a fee to apply, but some acceptance facilities charge a small acceptance fee on top of the passport fee itself.

Bring documents if your name has changed

If your name is different now than it was on your birth certificate, bring the document that changed it. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. Bring the official copy, not a photocopy. If you changed your name more than once, bring documents for each change in order.

If you are applying for a child's passport and the child's name is different from the birth certificate, bring the same documents. The acceptance agent will want to see the chain of name changes to make sure the person in the photo is the same person named on the birth certificate.

Bring any previous passport or travel documents

If you have an old passport, bring it even if it is expired. If you have a passport card, bring that too. If you are renewing by mail, you must send your old passport with your application. If you are renewing in person at an acceptance facility, bring it so the agent can see your passport history and photograph.

If you have a travel document, re-entry permit, or refugee travel document from another country, bring that as well. These documents help the acceptance agent process your application faster and confirm your travel history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No. The State Department requires an official copy issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born. A photocopy, hospital birth record, or certified copy from a hospital does not work. You can order an official copy online or by mail from your state's vital records office, usually for $10 to $30.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

Tell the acceptance agent when you arrive. Some locations accept other documents in combination, such as a Social Security card plus a birth certificate or voter registration card. Policies vary, so call your local acceptance facility ahead of time to ask what they will take.

Do I need to have my application form notarized?

No. The State Department does not require a notary seal on form DS-11 or DS-82. Signing the form yourself is enough. A notary seal will not hurt, but it is not necessary and will not speed up your application.

Can I use a digital photo on my phone instead of a printed photo?

No. You must bring a printed photo that is exactly 2 inches by 2 inches. The acceptance agent will attach it to your application. You cannot show a photo on your phone or email it.

What if my child's other parent is not available to come to the appointment?

If both parents or guardians cannot attend, the parent who is present must bring a notarized consent form signed by the other parent. You can download this form from the State Department website. The notarization must be done by a notary public before your appointment.