What Documents and Items You Need for Your Passport Appointment

Bring your birth certificate and a government ID

The State Department requires two forms of identification at your appointment. One must be your birth certificate — an official certified copy, not a photocopy or hospital record. The other must be a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or passport card all work. If you don't have a photo ID yet, bring a second document that proves your identity, such as a Social Security card, employee badge, or school ID.

Your birth certificate must show your full name and date of birth. If it's a long-form certificate (the detailed version), bring that rather than an abstract. Some states issue certified copies with a raised seal or watermark — that's what you need. A photocopy, even a certified photocopy, will not be accepted.

Key Takeaways

• Bring an official certified birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID; without these, your appointment will be cancelled.
• If you're applying for your first passport, bring a completed Form DS-11 or DS-82 (depending on whether you're renewing), signed but not notarized.
• Bring one passport photo that meets State Department specifications: 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background.
• Bring the payment method the acceptance facility accepts — usually a check, money order, or card, since cash is often not accepted.
• If you're applying on behalf of a minor, bring the child's birth certificate, your ID, and proof of custody or guardianship.

Your completed application form and passport photo

You'll need a completed application form before you arrive. For a first-time passport, that's Form DS-11. For a renewal, it's Form DS-82 or DS-11 depending on your situation. You can fill these out online at travel.state.gov and print them, or print a blank form and fill it by hand. The form must be signed — but not notarized — and you should sign it in front of the acceptance agent, not before you arrive.

Bring one passport photo that is exactly 2 inches by 2 inches. It must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face straight-on against a plain white or off-white background. Passport photo booths at pharmacies, post offices, and UPS stores produce photos that meet these rules. Do not bring a photo from social media, a selfie, or a photo with a colored background — the acceptance agent will reject it and you'll have to pay for another one.

Payment for the passport fee

Bring payment for the passport book fee and the execution fee. The book fee varies depending on whether you're getting a passport book, passport card, or both, and whether you're an adult or minor. The execution fee is set by the federal government and does not change. As of 2024, the execution fee is $35 for adults and $20 for minors, but the book fee ranges from $130 to $165 for adults depending on the type.

Check the acceptance facility's website or call ahead to confirm what payment methods they take. Most accept checks, money orders, and debit or credit cards. Many do not accept cash. If you're unsure, bring a check or money order as a backup. Some facilities charge an additional acceptance fee — usually $0 to $35 — so ask when you schedule your appointment.

Proof of citizenship if you're renewing

If you're renewing a passport that is not damaged and was issued when you were 16 or older, you may be able to renew by mail and skip the appointment entirely. If you must appear in person, bring your expired passport instead of a birth certificate. The expired passport serves as proof of citizenship.

If your passport was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged, you cannot renew by mail — you must apply for a new one in person. In that case, bring your birth certificate and photo ID as if you were applying for the first time.

Marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that proves the change. That's usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. Bring the original or a certified copy — a photocopy will not be accepted.

The acceptance agent will compare your name on your birth certificate, your ID, and your application form. If they don't match, they'll ask to see the document that explains why. Having it with you prevents delays.

Documents for minors and special situations

If you're applying for a passport for a child under 16, bring both parents' or guardians' IDs and birth certificates, plus the child's birth certificate. If only one parent is present, bring a notarized consent form signed by the other parent, or a court order granting sole custody. Some acceptance facilities require the absent parent to appear in person or provide a notarized statement.

If you're applying as a guardian but not a parent, bring court documents proving guardianship. If you're an adult applying for your first passport and you don't have a birth certificate, bring a Certificate of Naturalization or Consular Report of Birth Abroad instead. Call the acceptance facility ahead of time if your situation is unusual — they can tell you what documents to bring.

What you don't need to bring

Do not bring original documents you cannot afford to lose, such as your Social Security card or original naturalization papers, unless the acceptance agent specifically asks for them. Do not bring notarized copies of your birth certificate — the agent will not accept them. Do not bring a photocopy of your ID; bring the ID itself.

You do not need to bring a letter from your employer, school, or anyone else confirming your identity. You do not need to bring proof of residence. You do not need to bring your Social Security number written down — you'll provide it on the form. If you're unsure whether to bring something, call the acceptance facility before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The State Department requires an official certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy, even one certified by a notary, will not be accepted. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born.

What if I don't have a government photo ID?

Bring a second form of identification such as a Social Security card, employee badge, school ID, or library card. The acceptance agent will use these to verify your identity. If you have no ID at all, call ahead — some facilities may ask you to bring additional documents or may refer you to get a state ID first.

Do I need to get my passport photo taken at a specific place?

No. Any photo that meets the State Department's rules will work: 2x2 inches, color, taken within six months, plain white or off-white background, and your face straight-on. Pharmacy photo booths, post offices, and UPS stores all produce compliant photos, but you can also have a photographer take one if they know the rules.

Can I bring someone else's documents if I'm applying for them?

Only if you're a parent or guardian applying for a minor. If you're an adult applying for another adult, that person must appear at the appointment with their own documents. The acceptance agent will not process an application without the applicant present.

What if my name on my birth certificate doesn't match my ID?

Bring the document that explains the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The acceptance agent will review it and note the name change in your passport file. Without this document, your application may be delayed or rejected.