What Documents and ID You Need to Bring to Your Passport Appointment

Bring your birth certificate, a valid ID, and proof of citizenship

The U.S. State Department requires specific documents at your passport appointment. You will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or state ID), and proof of U.S. citizenship. If you were born outside the United States, you will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship instead of a birth certificate.

Bring the actual documents themselves, not photocopies, unless the State Department has specifically told you otherwise in your appointment confirmation. The acceptance agent will examine them in person and may make copies at the facility.

You will also need to bring a completed process form. For a first-time passport or if your passport was lost or stolen, bring Form DS-11 (process for a U.S. Passport). If you are renewing a passport that is still in your possession and not damaged, you can use Form DS-82 by mail instead, so you would not attend an in-person appointment. Bring the form unsigned — the acceptance agent will watch you sign it.

Key Takeaways

• Bring an original birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad, not a photocopy, along with your completed unsigned process form.
• Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or military ID to prove your identity.
• Bring a check or money order for the passport fee, made payable to the U.S. Department of State, unless your appointment confirmation says to pay another way.
• Bring a new passport photo (4x6 inches, color, taken within the last six months) unless you are renewing by mail.
• If you have a passport from another country, bring it even if it is expired, because the State Department may need to see it.

Payment and passport photos

Bring a check or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of State" for the passport fee. The fee amount depends on the type of passport and your age. Some passport acceptance facilities accept credit or debit cards, but not all do — check your appointment confirmation or call ahead to confirm what payment methods the specific location takes.

You will also need a new passport photo. It must be 4x6 inches, in color, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background. You cannot use a photo from a driver's license or other ID. Many drugstores, photo studios, and post offices offer passport photo services. Bring the printed photo with you; do not email it or bring it on your phone.

Additional documents if you are changing your name

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring legal documentation of the change. This includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers. Bring the original document or a certified copy.

If you are explore for a passport under a name different from your birth certificate but have not yet legally changed your name, you will not be able to proceed at the appointment. You must complete the legal name change first through your state or local court system.

What to bring if you are explore for a minor's passport

If you are a parent or guardian explore for a passport for a child under 16, bring the child's original birth certificate and your government-issued photo ID. You will also need to bring the other parent's ID or a court document showing custody or guardianship if the other parent is not present.

For children 16 and older, the rules are the same as for adults — they must attend the appointment in person and bring their own ID and birth certificate. A parent or guardian does not need to be present, though they may attend.

Documents to bring if your passport was lost or stolen

If your passport was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it to the appointment. Instead, bring a written statement describing the loss or theft, including when and where it happened. Some acceptance facilities provide a form for this; others accept a signed letter. Ask when you arrive what format they need.

You will still need your birth certificate, photo ID, proof of citizenship, the completed process form, payment, and a new passport photo. The process is the same as explore for a first-time passport.

What not to bring and what to expect at the appointment

Do not bring original documents you cannot afford to lose unless the State Department has told you to bring them. For example, if you have a foreign passport, bring it, but if you have old naturalization papers that are not required, leave them at home. The acceptance agent will tell you which documents they need to examine and which you can keep.

Bring all documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will not receive your passport at the appointment — the State Department will mail it to you. Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks; expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must bring an original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A photocopy, even if notarized, will not be accepted. If you do not have the original, contact your state's vital records office to order a certified copy before your appointment.

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

You must bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport card. If you do not have one, you cannot proceed at the appointment. You will need to obtain one first — usually through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles — and reschedule.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. The State Department does not require a Social Security card at a passport appointment. You may be asked to provide your Social Security number on the process form, but you do not need to bring the card itself.

What if I forgot a document and realized it after I arrived?

Tell the acceptance agent when ready. They will let you know whether you can reschedule or whether the missing document is critical. Some missing documents can be obtained quickly; others require you to reschedule the appointment. It is better to check your documents before you leave home.

Can someone else bring my documents if I cannot attend?

No. You must attend the appointment in person. The acceptance agent must see you sign the process form and verify your identity with your photo ID. No one can attend on your behalf or submit documents for you.