What to Bring to Your Passport Appointment

Documents you need to bring

Bring your completed passport application form — either Form DS-11 (for a new passport or replacement) or Form DS-82 (for renewal by mail, though you won't use this at an in-person appointment). You can fill it out before you arrive or at the acceptance facility, but having it done saves time. Do not sign it until you're told to; the acceptance agent will direct you when.

You need proof of citizenship. This means an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. A certified copy counts; a photocopy does not. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, bring the original and one certified copy.

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport card all work. If you don't have one, bring a second form of ID like a school ID, employee badge, or Social Security card, plus something with your address like a utility bill or lease.

You'll need a passport photo unless you're renewing by mail (which happens at home, not at an appointment). The photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background. You can have it taken at the acceptance facility for a fee, or bring one you've had taken elsewhere. Passport photo booths at pharmacies and shipping stores are common and inexpensive.

Key Takeaways

• Bring your completed application form (DS-11 or DS-82), your original birth certificate or previous passport, and a government-issued photo ID.
• Your passport photo must be 2x2 inches with a plain background, taken within six months, or you can have one taken at the acceptance facility for a fee.
• If you're applying for a minor's passport, bring the child's birth certificate and both parents' IDs, plus a notarized consent form if one parent is absent.
• Bring payment in the form the facility accepts — usually cash, check, or card, but confirm when you schedule your appointment.
• Arrive 15 minutes early with all documents in a folder or envelope so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

Payment and fees

Passport fees vary by the type of passport and how quickly you need it. A standard adult passport book costs one amount; an expedited passport costs more. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) costs less than a book. The acceptance facility collects the application fee; the State Department collects the execution fee. Both are due at your appointment.

Bring payment in the form your facility accepts. Most take cash, checks, and debit or credit cards, but some accept only certain methods. Call ahead or check the facility's website to confirm. If you're paying by check, make it out to the U.S. Department of State.

What to bring for a minor's passport

If you're getting a passport for a child under 16, bring the child's original birth certificate, your government ID, and the other parent's government ID. Both parents or guardians must be present, or the absent parent must provide a notarized consent form (Form DS-11 includes instructions for this).

If one parent has sole custody, bring the custody order or court decree. If the child has a different last name than you, bring the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers that explain the name change. The acceptance agent will ask to see these documents; having them ready prevents delays.

What to bring if you're replacing a lost or stolen passport

You'll still need proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate), a photo ID, and a new passport photo. You do not need to bring the lost passport itself — you can't, obviously. Instead, file a Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport (Form DS-64) at the same time, or file it separately online before your appointment.

If your passport was stolen, you may also want to file a police report and bring a copy of the report number. This is not required by the State Department, but it protects you against identity theft and some acceptance agents ask for it.

What to bring if you're renewing an expired passport

If your passport expired fewer than five years ago (or fewer than three years if you were under 16 when it expired), you may be able to renew by mail instead of going to an appointment. Check the State Department website to see if you're may be able to access.

If you must renew in person, bring your expired passport, a new photo, proof of citizenship (if your passport is very old), your photo ID, and payment. The acceptance agent will tell you whether your expired passport counts as proof of citizenship or whether you need to bring a birth certificate too.

Documents you do not need to bring

Do not bring Social Security cards, tax returns, or medical records — the State Department does not ask for these. Do not bring copies of documents unless they are certified copies; the acceptance agent needs originals or certified versions. Do not bring your children's documents unless they're getting passports too.

Do not bring a letter from your employer or school saying you need a passport. The State Department does not require this, and it slows down the line. If you need your passport urgently, expedited processing is the way to speed things up, not documentation of why you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring copies of my documents instead of originals?

No, except for certified copies. The acceptance agent must see your original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Photocopies and photos of documents are not accepted. A certified copy — stamped and signed by the issuing office — is acceptable.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request an original or certified copy. This can take weeks. If you have a previous passport, you can bring that instead as proof of citizenship. If you have neither, you'll need a naturalization certificate or a court order recognizing your citizenship.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. The State Department does not require it. Bring your government-issued photo ID instead. If you don't have one, bring a second form of ID plus proof of your address.

What if one parent can't come to the appointment for my child's passport?

The absent parent must sign a notarized consent form (included in the DS-11 instructions). Have it notarized before your appointment. Bring the original notarized form, the absent parent's photo ID (a photocopy is fine), and both children's birth certificates.

Can I bring someone else to my appointment if I can't go myself?

No. You must appear in person for a passport appointment. A representative cannot apply on your behalf. If you're unable to travel, you can renew by mail if you're may be able to access, or you can apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate if you're abroad.