What to Bring to Your Passport Appointment

The documents you need depend on whether you're getting your first passport or renewing one

A first-time passport appointment requires more documents than a renewal. You'll need proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or naturalization papers), a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your address. A renewal by mail or in person needs only your current passport and a new photo, unless your passport was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged.

The State Department's website lists what counts as acceptable for each category, but the specific documents accepted can shift. Call the passport acceptance facility where you have your appointment to confirm what they will take before you go — a ten-minute call saves a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

• First-time applicants must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a government photo ID, and a document showing your current address.
• Passport renewals need only your current passport and a new photo, unless the passport was lost, stolen, or damaged beyond recognition.
• Your photo must meet State Department rules: taken within six months, in color, against a white or off-white background, and showing your full face straight-on.
• Bring the original documents, not copies — passport offices will not accept photocopies of birth certificates or IDs.
• Call ahead to confirm what your specific facility accepts, because some acceptance locations have different rules than others.

What first-time applicants must bring

You need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. If you were born in a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or Swains Island), bring your original birth certificate from that territory.

Bring a government-issued photo ID that is still valid — a driver's license, state ID card, or military ID all work. If you don't have one, bring two documents that together prove your identity and address: a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government document with your name and current address on it.

You also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last year will do. If your ID already shows your current address, you may not need a separate address document — but call the facility to be sure.

What renewal applicants must bring

If you're renewing by mail, you need only your current passport and a new photo. You do not need to appear in person unless your passport was lost, stolen, or too damaged to use.

If you're renewing in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency, bring your current passport and a new photo. If your passport was lost or stolen, you'll need to report it in person and bring the same documents as a first-time applicant — birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of address.

Photo requirements that often cause rejections

Your photo must be taken within the last six months. It must be in color, printed on photo paper (not a printout from your home printer), and measure 2 by 2 inches. The background must be plain white or off-white — no patterns, shadows, or other people in the frame.

Your face must fill between 50 and 69 percent of the photo. You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral expression — no smiling, no sunglasses, no hats (unless worn for religious reasons). If you wear glasses, the lenses cannot reflect light or obscure your eyes. If you wear a head covering for religious reasons, bring a letter from your religious organization confirming the practice.

Many people bring photos that fail these rules and have to pay for a new one taken at the facility itself, which costs extra. If you're unsure whether your photo meets the rules, ask the person taking it before you pay.

Documents to bring if your situation is not straightforward

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you were adopted, bring your adoption decree. If you're a U.S. citizen by descent (one or both parents were U.S. citizens), bring documents proving that relationship and your parents' citizenship status — this is complex, and the State Department has a checklist on its website for this specific situation.

If you're applying for a passport for a minor, bring the child's birth certificate, your government ID, and a document showing you have custody or guardianship. If both parents are not present, bring a notarized consent form from the absent parent. Some facilities require the original notarized form; others accept a photocopy. Call ahead.

What not to bring and what to expect at the appointment

Do not bring photocopies of your birth certificate or ID — the facility needs originals or certified copies. Do not bring documents in languages other than English unless they're accompanied by a certified English translation. Do not bring your Social Security card, even though you'll need your number.

Bring the originals of everything, plus one photocopy of each document for the file. Bring a pen. Bring your payment method — cash, check, or credit card, depending on what the facility accepts. Call ahead to confirm.

Arrive early. Passport facilities often have long waits, and some stop accepting new applicants at a set time even if the office is still open. Bring something to read or work on. The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're called, but the wait before that can be much longer.

What happens if you forget something

If you arrive without a required document, the facility will not process your application. You'll have to reschedule and come back. Some facilities allow you to go home and return the same day if you're quick; others will not. Do not assume — call the facility before your appointment and ask what their policy is if you realize you're missing something.

If your photo doesn't meet the rules, you can usually have a new one taken at the facility for an additional fee, typically $15 to $20. This adds time to your appointment and costs extra money, so checking the photo rules before you go is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The passport facility needs the original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. A photocopy of your own copy will not work. You can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office online or by mail if you don't have the original.

What if I don't have a government-issued photo ID?

Bring two documents that together prove your identity and address — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or similar document with your name and current address. Call the facility first to confirm which combinations they accept, because rules vary by location.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You'll need to know your Social Security number and provide it on the application form, but you do not need to bring the card itself. Bringing it is actually not recommended, since you're carrying an unnecessary document with sensitive information.

Can someone else pick up my passport if I can't go to the appointment?

No. You must appear in person for a first-time passport or a replacement for a lost or stolen passport. For a routine renewal by mail, you do not need to appear at all. For an in-person renewal, you must be present. No one can attend the appointment on your behalf.

What if my address on my ID doesn't match my current address?

Bring a separate document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last year. The passport office will use that document as proof of your current address. You do not need to update your ID first.