What Documents Do You Need for a Passport?

U.S. passport requirements are the same for all United States citizens and naturalized residents. Provide the correct proof of identification, passport form(s), and payment, and you won’t likely have an issue when applying for, renewing, or updating a passport. However, there may be various instances where you have a unique case. 

Passport Identification Requirements

If you were born in any of the United States or a U.S. territory, an original birth certificate or an old passport can be used as a form of identification.

If you are a naturalized citizen, then the original certificate of naturalization can be used as proof of citizenship. In addition to these primary documents, there are secondary documents that an applicant can use as proof of identity.

The required documents for a minor vary and that is dependent on who is applying for the passport. Nevertheless, here is a list of documents the State Department requires to process a passport application:

• Complete the DS-11 Application Form for New Passport
• 2 Passport Photos
• Childproof of citizenship (Birth certificate issued by city, county, or state of birth)
• Evidence of parental relationship
• Parental Consent (If one parent/guardian is applying)
• Passport fee

For an adult, here are the requirements:

• Fully valid, undamaged U.S. passport (the passport can be expired)
• Original U.S. birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certification of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

Note: Photocopies and notarized copies will not be accepted

In the event that you change your name due to marriage or divorce, you will need to bring in a certified copy of your marriage certificate or a court decree that shows your name change.

Suppose the applicant does not have a birth certificate or a previous U.S. passport. In that case, other forms of proof can be used, including a doctor’s record of postnatal care, baptismal certificate, census record, hospital birth certificate, early school record, or family bible record.

Passport Documents and Requirements

Passport requirements can vary from person to person (depending on their circumstances). If you do not fit into the typical application, renewal, or amending process, then you may want to refer to these items to help:

• The documents provided should show the date and location of birth and must have been created within the first five years of the applicant’s life.
• Applicants who were born outside of the United States do not have a birth certificate or consular report of birth abroad and have only one parent who is a U.S. citizen can use proof of citizenship of their parent, foreign birth certificate, a state-issued document indicating that there is no birth certificate on file for you or an affidavit stating all of the locations your U.S. parent lived in the U.S. and abroad before you were born.
• If both parents are U.S. citizens, then you can bring in their marriage certificate as an alternative to the aforementioned documentation. Minors and first-time adult applicants must apply for passports in person. Adults are considered to be 16 years old and older.
• Identification and proof of citizenship must be provided, which includes the following forms of documentation: driver’s license, birth certificate, marriage certificate, I.D. card, military I.D., or previous U.S. passport that isn’t altered or damaged.
• You will need to fill out the proper form, and a fee will be required. You can choose between getting a passport book or a passport card.
• Two passport photos will also be needed and must comply with regulations regarding proper passport photo specifications.

Additionally, here are more helpful resources found on our site that answer common questions and concerns when meeting the U.S. passport requirements:

• How to Renew a Lost Passport?
• Best Way to Renew a Passport?
• Missing  Birth Certificate
• No Glasses Allowed for a New Passport Photo
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Duplicate Birth Abroad
• Dual Citizenship and Traveling with Two Valid Passports
• How much does a passport cost?

For answers to other passport requirement questions, please refer to your local passport agency, office, or helpful resources such as our website and its guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic requirements to apply for a U.S. passport?

To apply for a U.S. passport, you must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid government-issued photo ID, a compliant passport photo, and the correct application form. First-time applicants must apply in person at an authorized acceptance facility.

What documents do I need to apply for a passport?

Commonly required documents include a certified U.S. birth certificate or naturalization certificate, a driver’s license or state ID, a passport photo that meets U.S. Department of State standards, and the completed passport application form.

Do passport requirements differ for first-time applicants and renewals?

Yes. First-time applicants must apply in person, while most renewals can be done by mail if the previous passport meets eligibility requirements. Documentation requirements also vary depending on age and passport status.

What are the passport requirements for minors under 16?

Minors under 16 must apply in person with both parents or legal guardians present. Additional documents such as parental consent forms and proof of parental relationship are required.

What are the passport requirements for applicants age 16 and 17?

Applicants aged 16 and 17 must apply in person and show proof of parental awareness. This can include a parent appearing with them or providing a signed consent statement.

What type of photo is required for a passport application?

Passport photos must be recent, in color, taken against a plain white or off-white background, and meet specific size and facial expression requirements. Glasses are generally not allowed unless medically necessary.

How long must my passport be valid for international travel?

Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Always check destination-specific entry requirements before traveling.

Can I apply for a passport if my name has changed?

Yes, but you must provide legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, along with your passport application.

What are the requirements for expedited passport service?

Expedited passport service requires an additional fee and allows faster processing. You must still submit all standard passport requirements, and in some cases, proof of urgent travel may be needed.

What happens if my passport application is missing documents?

If required documents are missing or incorrect, your application may be delayed or denied. The passport agency will usually contact you with instructions on how to submit the missing information.