Documents Needed for a Passport

What You Need — At a Glance

1. Proof of US Citizenship

You must prove you are a US citizen. Accepted documents include:

• Certified birth certificate — issued by the city, county, or state (not a hospital certificate). Must include your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and the registrar's signature/seal.
• Previous US passport — undamaged and issued within the last 15 years (for renewals).
• Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
• Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240)

Note: Original documents are required — photocopies are not accepted. Your documents will be returned to you by mail after processing.

2. Photo Identification

You need a valid, government-issued photo ID. Accepted forms:

• Driver's license (any US state)
• State-issued ID card
• Military ID (active duty or retired)
• Government employee ID
• Previous US passport (even if expired)

If you don't have primary ID, you can present secondary identification with a witness who has valid ID and can vouch for your identity using Form DS-71.

3. Passport Photo

You need one recent color photograph meeting strict requirements:

• Size: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
• Taken within the last 6 months
• White or off-white background
• Full face, front view with a neutral expression
• No glasses (removed since 2016 requirements)
• No hats or head coverings unless worn for religious purposes

Photos can be taken at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), post offices, or using the State Department's free online photo tool. Cost is typically $10–$15 at retail locations.

4. Application Forms

Which form you need depends on your situation:

Important: Do NOT sign Form DS-11 before arriving at the acceptance facility — you must sign it in front of the agent.

5. Fees (2026)

Add $60 for expedited processing. Fees are non-refundable and can be paid by check, money order, or (at some locations) credit/debit card.

6. Processing Times

Pro tip: Apply at least 3 months before your trip. Processing times fluctuate with seasonal demand — summer and early spring are the busiest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Submitting a hospital birth certificate instead of a certified state/county copy.
2. Signing Form DS-11 at home — you must sign in front of the acceptance agent.
3. Using an outdated or non-compliant photo — glasses, wrong background, or older than 6 months.
4. Waiting until the last minute — routine processing takes 6–8 weeks minimum.
5. Forgetting to check the 6-month validity rule — your new passport must be valid for 6+ months beyond travel dates for many countries.

Frequently Asked Questions