What to Bring to Your Passport Appointment

Bring your proof of citizenship and a valid ID

You need two documents before you walk in: proof that you are a U.S. citizen, and a photo ID that is currently valid. These are non-negotiable. Without them, the appointment will end without a passport being issued, and you will have to reschedule.

For proof of citizenship, bring your original birth certificate (not a photocopy), a naturalization certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad. The document must be an official certified copy — the kind with a raised seal or embossed stamp. A hospital birth announcement or a photocopy will not work.

For your valid photo ID, bring a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or passport card. It must not be expired. If you do not have one of these, you can bring a federal employee ID, a tribal ID, or a U.S. passport (if you already have one). The ID does not have to match the name on your birth certificate if you have legal documentation of a name change.

Key Takeaways

• Bring your original certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate — photocopies and hospital records will be rejected.
• Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or current passport.
• Bring a completed passport application form (DS-11 for a new passport, DS-82 for renewal) signed but not notarized.
• Bring a passport photo that meets State Department specifications: 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background.
• Bring payment in the form of a check, money order, or card — cash is not accepted at most passport acceptance facilities.

Your completed application form, signed and ready

You must bring the application form that matches your situation. If you are getting your first passport or replacing one that was lost or stolen, bring form DS-11. If you are renewing a passport that is still in your possession and was issued when you were 16 or older, bring form DS-82. If you are renewing a passport issued before age 16, bring form DS-11.

Fill out the form before you arrive. Print it, complete it by hand in black or blue ink, and sign it in front of the passport agent — do not sign it beforehand. Do not have it notarized. The agent will watch you sign and will ask you questions to confirm your identity. If you are applying for a child under 16, both parents or guardians must be present and must sign the form in front of the agent.

A passport photo that meets the exact specifications

Your photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and printed on matte or glossy paper. The background must be plain white or off-white — no patterns, no shadows, no other people. Your face must take up 50 to 69 percent of the photo. You must be looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Glasses are allowed only if they do not have a glare and you wear them daily for vision correction.

Do not bring a selfie, a photo from social media, or a photo taken at home with a bedsheet behind you. Many passport acceptance facilities have a photo service on-site if you need one taken on the day of your appointment, though this costs extra. Some CVS and Walgreens locations also take passport photos. If you bring a photo that does not meet the specifications, the agent will reject it and you will have to get a new one before your appointment can move forward.

Payment for the passport fee

Bring a check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State, or bring a debit or credit card. Cash is not accepted at most passport acceptance facilities. The fee for a new passport book is $130 for adults and $100 for children under 16. Expedited processing costs an additional $60. Overnight delivery costs an additional $18.50.

Some passport agencies accept payment by card at the appointment itself, but policies vary by location. Call ahead or check the website of your specific passport acceptance facility to confirm what payment methods they take. If you are unsure of the total fee, ask when you schedule your appointment.

Documents if your name has changed

If your name is different from the one on your birth certificate, bring legal proof of the change. This means a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers — an original or certified copy. A photocopy will not be accepted. If you were married and took your spouse's name, bring the original marriage certificate or a certified copy.

If you have been married more than once, bring certified copies of all marriage certificates and divorce decrees in the order they occurred. The agent needs to see the chain of name changes to confirm that you are the same person named on your birth certificate.

A Social Security number and any prior passport information

Have your Social Security number ready. You will need to provide it on your application form. If you have a prior U.S. passport, bring it with you even if it is expired. The agent will need the passport number and the date it was issued. If your passport was lost or stolen, bring a copy of the police report if you have one, though it is not required.

If you have never had a U.S. passport and do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you applied for one or that you are not may be able to access. This is rare but necessary in some cases.

What not to bring

Do not bring original documents beyond what is listed here. Do not bring your Social Security card itself — just know the number. Do not bring notarized forms or certified copies of documents unless specifically noted above. Do not bring cash. Do not bring anyone to the appointment unless you are a minor or you need an interpreter, in which case that person must be prepared to answer questions about your identity.

Do not assume that documents from another country will work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your consular report of birth abroad or your naturalization certificate. A foreign birth certificate will not be accepted, even if it is certified.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must bring the original certified birth certificate. A photocopy, even if it is notarized, will be rejected. The agent needs to see the raised seal or embossed stamp on the document itself.

What if I do not have a valid photo ID?

You cannot get a passport without one. If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, you will need to get one first. This is a separate process through your state's DMV and can take several weeks. Schedule your passport appointment only after you have the ID in hand.

Can someone else bring my documents if I cannot go to the appointment?

No. You must be present in person. The agent will ask you questions to confirm your identity and will watch you sign your application. If you are unable to travel, you can request an appointment at a passport agency closer to you, or you can mail your application if you are renewing a passport that is still in your possession.

Do I need to bring my marriage certificate if I kept my maiden name?

No. If your name on your birth certificate matches the name you are using now, you do not need to bring any name-change documents. Bring a marriage certificate only if you changed your name as a result of marriage.

What if my passport photo has a small shadow or my expression looks slightly off?

The agent will look at your photo against the specifications. Minor shadows or expressions that are not quite neutral may be rejected. If this happens, you can get a new photo taken at the facility or at a nearby location and come back the same day, or you can reschedule. It is better to bring a photo that clearly meets the rules than to risk rejection.