What to Bring to Your USPS Passport Appointment

Bring these documents to your USPS passport appointment

You need a government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship, and proof of your current address. USPS will not process your appointment without all three. Bring originals, not copies — the clerk must see and verify the real documents. If you are renewing a passport that is not damaged and was issued when you were 16 or older, you may be able to skip the appointment entirely and mail your application instead, but if you are going in person, these three categories are non-negotiable.

The specific documents that work in each category vary slightly depending on whether you are applying for your first passport, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or stolen passport. The list below covers the most common situations, but USPS has a full checklist on their website that you can review before you go — this prevents a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

• Bring an original government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID are the most common), an original proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport), and an original proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
• USPS will not accept copies of any of these documents — the clerk must verify the originals in person.
• You will also need a completed passport application form (DS-11 for a new passport or DS-82 for renewal), two passport photos, and payment in the form they accept at your location.
• If you are applying for a child's passport, bring the child's birth certificate, both parents' IDs, and proof that one parent has custody or that both parents consent to the application.
• Check the USPS appointment confirmation email for any location-specific requirements, as some post offices may ask for additional documents.

Government-issued photo ID

Your ID must be current and show your photograph clearly. A driver's license or state ID card is the standard choice. Military ID, passport card, or federal employee ID also work. The name on your ID should match the name on your birth certificate — if it does not, bring a document showing the legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, you can use a passport card (if you already have one), a military ID, or a federal employee ID. Tribal IDs are also accepted. The ID must not be expired — an expired driver's license will not work, even if you have a valid passport card.

Proof of citizenship

An original birth certificate is the most common proof. It must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp — a photocopy or a hospital birth certificate will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your naturalization certificate or Certificate of Citizenship. If you already have a valid passport, you can bring that instead of a birth certificate.

If your birth certificate shows a different name than you use now, bring the legal document that explains the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. USPS will not accept a birth certificate with a name that does not match your ID without this supporting document.

Proof of your current address

Bring an original document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A government-issued ID with your current address (such as a driver's license) can also serve as proof of address.

If you recently moved and your ID does not show your new address yet, bring a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, that document will not work — you need something in your own name. A piece of mail from a government agency, such as a tax return or voter registration card, also counts.

Passport application form and photos

Bring a completed DS-11 form if you are applying for a new passport, or a DS-82 form if you are renewing. You can fill these out before you arrive or ask the clerk to help you at the appointment. Two passport photos are required — they 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. Photos from a passport photo booth, pharmacy, or professional photographer all work.

Do not sign the application form before you arrive — the clerk must watch you sign it. If you are applying for a child's passport, a parent or guardian must sign the form in front of the clerk as well.

Payment

Bring payment for the passport fee and the execution fee (the fee USPS charges to process your application). The total cost varies depending on whether you are applying for a passport book, passport card, or both, and whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing. Most USPS locations accept cash, check, or money order — some accept credit or debit cards, but not all. Call your local post office before your appointment to confirm what payment methods they take.

If you need expedited processing (faster than the standard timeline), there is an additional fee. Ask at your appointment whether expedited service is available at your location.

Documents for minors and special situations

If you are applying for a passport for a child under 16, both parents must be present with photo IDs, or one parent must bring a notarized consent form from the other parent. Bring the child's birth certificate, the child's Social Security number, and proof of the parent-child relationship (the birth certificate serves this purpose). If one parent has sole custody, bring the custody order.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen passport, bring a police report or other official documentation of the loss. If your passport was damaged, bring the damaged passport itself. If you are applying for a passport after a name change, bring the legal document proving the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring photocopies instead of originals?

No. USPS requires originals of your ID, birth certificate, and proof of address. The clerk must see and verify the real documents. Photocopies will not be accepted, and your appointment will not be processed.

What if my birth certificate does not have a raised seal?

You need a certified copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp. Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. A photocopy or an uncertified copy will not work, even if it is an official document from the hospital.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You do not need to bring it, but you will need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not know it, bring your Social Security card so the clerk can write it down. You can also provide it verbally if you know it.

What if I do not have a current government ID?

You will need one to get a passport. If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, apply for one at your state's DMV before your passport appointment. You can use a military ID, passport card, or federal employee ID if you have one of those instead.

Can someone else bring my documents if I cannot go to the appointment?

No. You must be present in person at your USPS passport appointment. The clerk will ask you questions about your application and watch you sign the form. A family member or representative cannot complete this for you.