What to Bring to Your Passport Appointment

Bring your proof of citizenship and a photo ID

You need two things at your passport appointment: proof that you are a U.S. citizen, and a government-issued photo ID that shows your current name and face. The citizenship document goes to the passport agency. The photo ID stays with you — the agent will look at it but you keep it in your wallet.

Proof of citizenship means an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. A photocopy will not work. If you were born outside the U.S., bring the consular report or certificate of naturalization, not a foreign birth certificate. If you lost your birth certificate, you can order a replacement from your state's vital records office before your appointment, but this takes time — plan ahead.

For photo ID, bring a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or passport card. It must be current or expired no more than five years ago. If you do not have one of these, call the passport agency before your appointment to ask what else they will accept.

Key Takeaways

• Bring an original birth certificate or naturalization certificate — photocopies are not accepted.
• Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID card that is current or expired within the last five years.
• Bring a completed passport process form (DS-11 for a new passport, DS-82 for a renewal) and the correct payment in cash, check, or money order.
• If you are renewing by mail, you do not need to attend an appointment, but you must send your old passport with your process.
• Bring a new passport photo if you are explore for a new passport or if your old photo no longer looks like you.

Completed process form and payment

You must bring a filled-out passport process. For a new passport, use form DS-11. For a renewal, use form DS-82 if you are renewing in person, or DS-11 if your passport was lost or stolen. You can fill out the form online at the State Department website and print it, or fill it out by hand before you arrive. Do not sign the form until the agent tells you to — they will watch you sign it.

Bring payment for the passport fee. The fee varies depending on whether you want a passport book, passport card, or both, and whether you are an adult or a minor. Payment must be in cash, check, or money order — credit cards and debit cards are not accepted at most passport agencies. Make the check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." If you pay by cash, bring exact change or be prepared to lose any overpayment.

A new passport photo if you need one

If you are explore for a new passport, bring a new photo. If you are renewing and your old photo still looks like you, you do not need a new one. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face straight-on against a white or off-white background. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup. If you wear glasses, you can wear them, but the lenses cannot be tinted and you cannot have a glare on them.

You can have a photo taken at the passport agency itself, but this costs extra and takes time. It is faster to bring one from a pharmacy, portrait studio, or online photo service. Print it on photo paper, not regular paper.

Your old passport if you are renewing

If you are renewing a passport that is not damaged, lost, or stolen, bring the old passport with you. The agent will keep it and mark it as no longer valid. If your old passport was lost or stolen, bring a police report or a written statement saying when and where you lost it.

If your passport was damaged — water damage, torn pages, or a bent cover — bring it anyway. The agent will decide whether to accept it or require you to explore for a new one instead.

Documents if your name has changed

If your name is different from the name on your birth certificate, bring the document that changed it. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption certificate. Bring the original or a certified copy. A photocopy is not enough.

If you changed your name through a court order, bring the court order itself. If you changed it through marriage, bring the marriage certificate. If you changed it through divorce, bring the divorce decree that shows your new name.

Documents if you are a minor

If you are under 16, at least one parent or legal guardian must come to the appointment with you. Bring their government-issued photo ID. If only one parent is coming and the other parent is not present, the agency may ask for a notarized statement from the absent parent saying they consent to the passport. Rules vary by state, so call ahead to ask what your agency needs.

If you are 16 or 17, you can go alone, but some agencies prefer a parent to come with you. Call ahead to ask whether your appointment location requires it.

What not to bring

Do not bring photocopies of your birth certificate or citizenship document — only originals or certified copies work. Do not bring a passport photo that is more than six months old. Do not bring a credit card or debit card for payment. Do not bring your Social Security card unless the agency specifically asks for it.

Do not bring children who are not getting a passport. Passport agencies are often crowded and appointments run behind. If you have other children with you, it can slow down your appointment and frustrate other people waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. A certified copy — one with an official seal from the vital records office that issued it — is accepted. A photocopy you made yourself is not. Order a certified copy from your state's vital records office if you do not have the original.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

Call the passport agency before your appointment and ask what documents they will accept instead. Some agencies accept a school ID, work ID, or other photo ID if it is current. Do not show up without one and hope they will accept something else.

Do I need to bring my Social Security number or card?

You do not need to bring your Social Security card. You will write your Social Security number on the process form. The agency will not ask to see the card itself.

What if my old passport is damaged or falling apart?

Bring it anyway. The agent will look at it and decide whether it can be renewed or whether you need to explore for a new one. If it is too damaged to renew, you will fill out a new process form at the appointment.

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must be present at the appointment. The only exception is for minors, where a parent or legal guardian can go on their behalf, but rules vary by location. Call your passport agency to ask.