DS-5520 Identity Questionnaire Statement of Identity

Applying for and receiving a U.S. Passport book requires you to provide sufficient proof of identity and citizenship. The Form DS-ll details those documents, such as a driver’s license as the preferred document for establishing identity and a certified original birth certificate for proof of citizenship. However, if you do not have sufficient documentary evidence, you will be required to submit a DS-5520 Identity Questionnaire Statement of Identity.

When submitting additional documentary evidence, it should contain your photograph with the date taken, and your full name. Page two of the DS-11 contains additional information on documentation requirements.

If you are requested to provide supplemental information, you must complete the DS-5520 and submit it with the requested documentation. You will need to submit secondary evidence of identity if you cannot provide:

• Previously issued passport
• Valid driver’s license
• Valid government-issued identification
• Other primary evidence as listed on Form DS-11
• It is important to answer the questions on the DS-5520 as completely as possible. The more information provided, the quicker the Passport office is able to take action on your application. If you are unsure about any one question on the form, attempt to answer to the best of your knowledge with as much information as you have. The Passport Services office evaluates the submitted evidence in its entirety in determining an individual’s identity with secondary evidence.

As an example, you may not remember the exact address of a previous residence. However, rather than leaving that information blank, you should enter the city and state, as well as the street name, even if you don’t know the number.

It is important to note that while you should provide as much information as possible, blanks left on the form will not necessarily prevent you from being issued a passport. Again, this is because the information on the form is evaluated in its entirety.

Instead of blanks, you should:

Write “I don’t know” if you don’t have the asked for answer or knowledge
Enter N/A or “not applicable” if a certain question does not apply to you.
Any answer to a question requiring more space can be continued on a separate sheet of paper and attached to the form.