What Documents and Items You Need for Your Passport Appointment

Bring These Documents to Your Appointment

You will need to bring your completed passport process form, a valid government-issued photo ID, and proof of citizenship. The form you fill out depends on whether you are renewing an existing passport or getting one for the first time. For a new passport, bring your birth certificate (the long-form version with a raised seal, not a hospital copy). For a renewal, you may be able to bring just your old passport instead.

The photo ID can be a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or any government document with your picture and signature. If you do not have one yet, bring a second form of ID — a school ID, work badge, or credit card with your name on it — along with a document that shows your address, like a utility bill or lease.

Proof of citizenship means your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or a previous U.S. passport. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Citizenship instead. Make sure whatever document you bring is an official copy, not a photocopy you made yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Bring your completed process form, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of citizenship — usually your birth certificate or old passport.
• Your birth certificate must be an official certified copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy or hospital record.
• You will need a new passport photo taken at the appointment or bring one you had taken within the last six months.
• Bring the exact payment amount in cash, check, or money order — the office may not accept credit cards, and you cannot pay online at the appointment.
• If you are under 16 or renewing a passport issued before age 16, both parents or guardians must attend the appointment with you.

Your Passport Photo

You can either bring a photo you already have or have one taken at the appointment. If you bring your own, it must be a color photo taken within the last six months, printed on standard photo paper (not a digital copy on your phone). The photo must show your face straight-on, with a plain white or off-white background, and you cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that changes how you look.

Many passport acceptance facilities have a photographer on-site who can take your photo for a fee, usually between $10 and $15. This is often the easiest option because the photographer knows exactly what the State Department requires. If you choose this route, you do not need to bring a photo with you.

Payment Information

Bring the exact amount you owe in cash, a personal check, or a money order. Credit cards and debit cards are not accepted at most passport acceptance facilities. The fee for a new adult passport is different from the fee for a renewal, and fees vary slightly by location, so check your appointment confirmation or call ahead to confirm the exact amount.

If you are paying by check or money order, make it out to the U.S. Department of State. Write your Social Security number on the back. Keep your receipt — you will need it to track your passport once it is mailed to you.

Documents for Minors and Special Situations

If you are under 16, both parents or legal guardians must come to the appointment with you, even if they are divorced or separated. Both must bring photo ID and sign the process in front of the acceptance agent. If one parent cannot attend, bring a notarized consent form signed by that parent, along with a copy of the custody order if one exists.

If you are 16 or 17, you can attend alone, but at least one parent or guardian must still sign your process. They can sign it before the appointment and you bring the signed form with you, or they can attend with you.

If you are changing your name, bring the document that shows the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you were born outside the U.S. and your parents were not U.S. citizens at the time, bring additional documents proving your citizenship status, such as a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

What Not to Bring

Do not bring originals of documents you need to keep, like your Social Security card or medical records. The acceptance agent will not ask for these. You also do not need to bring copies of anything — bring only the originals listed above.

Do not bring your passport process printed from a website unless you are certain it is the current version. The State Department updates forms regularly, and an outdated form will be rejected. If you are unsure, fill out the form at the acceptance facility itself, or read it directly from the State Department website the day before your appointment.

Preparing Before You Go

Check your appointment confirmation email or letter to see if there is a specific list of documents for your location. Some acceptance facilities have slightly different requirements or accept additional forms of ID. Call the facility a day or two before your appointment if you are unsure about anything.

Gather all your documents the night before and put them in a folder or envelope. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out any additional paperwork at the facility. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early — acceptance facilities often have a line, and you want time to check in without rushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must bring the original certified birth certificate with a raised seal. The acceptance agent needs to see and verify the original document. A photocopy, even a certified copy you made yourself, will not be accepted.

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

Bring two other forms of ID with your name on them — a school ID, work badge, library card, or credit card — plus a document showing your address, like a utility bill or lease. The acceptance agent will use these to verify your identity.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You do not need to bring your Social Security card. You will write your number on the process form, but you do not need to show the card itself. Do not carry it with you unless you have a specific reason to do so.

What happens if I forget to bring something?

If you are missing a required document, the acceptance agent will not be able to process your process and you will need to reschedule. You cannot complete the appointment without all required documents. Check your confirmation email before you go to make sure you have everything.

Can I pay with a credit card at the appointment?

Most passport acceptance facilities do not accept credit or debit cards. Bring cash, a personal check, or a money order for the exact amount. Call your facility ahead of time if you want to confirm their payment methods.