What Proof of Identification is Required for U.S. Passport?
Any U.S. citizen who wants to leave the country for any reason and return must have a U.S. passport. This includes children and even newborn infants. One of several steps in the application process is to provide valid documents verifying your identification.
The U.S. Passport Office has designated certain documents that qualify for verification as primary and secondary documentation. If you do not have primary documentation, then move on to see what type of secondary documentation is required.
Primary Documentation
Anyone of the following is considered proof of identification:
- An expired U.S. passport if it is not damaged.
- Certificate of naturalization.
- A current military ID.
- An ID verifying you are the dependent of a current member of the military.
- A valid driver’s license.
If you apply in person with an out-of-state driver’s license, you need to provide one other identification document.
Secondary Documentation
If you do not have any form of primary identification, you need to provide as much secondary documentation as you can. Secondary documentation includes documents that require a signature for you to obtain them. Examples are:
- Social Security Card
- Credit card
- Library card
- Employee ID
- Affidavit of an identifying witness
Definition of an identifying witness
- A person who will go in person with you to the passport office.
- The identifying witness must have a valid primary ID document.
- The person must swear under oath that they have known you for at least 2 years.
- The witness must fill out an affidavit form and sign it with a passport agent present and observing.
