What to Bring to Your Passport Appointment

Bring these documents to avoid delays or rejection

You need a government-issued photo ID, your birth certificate, and proof of citizenship. You also need a completed passport application form — either DS-11 (for a new passport or replacement) or DS-82 (for renewal by mail, though you won't bring this in person). Bring the original documents, not copies, because the acceptance agent must see and verify them.

The exact documents shift slightly depending on whether you are getting your first passport, replacing a lost one, renewing an expiring one, or changing your name. The State Department's website lists what applies to your situation, but the core set — ID, birth certificate, citizenship proof, and the right form — covers nearly all cases.

Bring more than you think you need. If a document is unclear, faded, or the agent has a question, having a backup saves you a trip back home or a delayed appointment.

Key Takeaways

• Bring your original birth certificate, a government photo ID, and proof of U.S. citizenship — copies are not accepted.
• Complete and sign the DS-11 form (new passport) or DS-82 form (renewal) before you arrive; the agent will not fill it out for you.
• If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the legal document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• Bring a recent photo that meets State Department rules: 2 by 2 inches, color, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background.
• Bring payment in the form the acceptance facility accepts — usually a check, money order, or card, but call ahead to confirm.

Birth certificate and proof of citizenship

Your birth certificate must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp. A photocopy, even a notarized one, will not work. If you do not have your original, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born — this usually takes one to three weeks.

For proof of citizenship, bring one of these: a naturalization certificate, a certificate of citizenship, a consular report of birth abroad, or a valid passport you already hold. If you were born in the United States, your birth certificate itself counts as proof of citizenship, so you do not need a separate document.

If you were born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent, bring the consular report of birth abroad or the certificate of citizenship. If you naturalized, bring your naturalization certificate — the original, not a copy.

Photo ID and name-change documents

Bring a government-issued photo ID that is still valid. A driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or passport all work. The ID must have your photo, your signature, and an expiration date that has not passed. If you do not have a valid government ID, call the acceptance facility ahead of time — some will accept other forms of ID with additional documentation.

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the legal document that caused the change. A marriage certificate works if you took your spouse's name. A divorce decree or court order works if you changed your name through a court. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

If you have changed your name more than once, bring all the documents in order — for example, a marriage certificate and then a divorce decree if you married, divorced, and changed your name again.

The passport photo and application form

Bring a color photograph that is exactly 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. Your face must be centered, looking straight at the camera, with a neutral expression and your mouth closed. The background must be plain white or off-white — no patterns, shadows, or other people. Glasses are allowed only if you wear them every day, and they cannot have a glare that hides your eyes.

Do not bring a digital file or a photo on your phone. The acceptance agent needs a printed photo. Many CVS, Walgreens, and local photo studios offer passport photos for $10 to $20 and will print them to the exact size.

Bring the completed application form — DS-11 for a new passport or replacement, or DS-82 for renewal. You can fill it out online and print it, or print a blank form and fill it by hand. Sign and date the form in front of the acceptance agent; do not sign it beforehand. If you are under 16, a parent or guardian must sign as well.

Payment and any supporting documents

Bring payment for the passport fee. The cost varies depending on the type of passport and how fast you need it, but as of 2024 a standard adult passport book costs $130, plus a $35 execution fee at the acceptance facility. Bring a check, money order, or credit or debit card — but call the facility ahead of time to confirm which forms of payment they take, because not all accept cards.

If you are renewing by mail (form DS-82) instead of in person, you mail the payment with your application, so you do not bring it to an appointment.

Bring any other documents the State Department lists for your specific situation. If you are replacing a lost or stolen passport, bring a police report or a signed statement saying the passport is lost. If you are applying for a passport card instead of a book, or both, the form and fee are different — check the State Department website or call the facility to confirm what you need.

What not to bring and what to do if you are missing something

Do not bring originals of documents you might need later — Social Security cards, tax returns, or financial records. The acceptance agent will not ask for these, and you do not want to hand them over. Bring only what the State Department requires.

If you realize before your appointment that you are missing a document, call the acceptance facility and ask whether you can reschedule or whether they can work around it. Some documents, like a birth certificate, cannot be substituted. Others, like a second form of ID, sometimes can be if you bring something else that proves your identity.

If you arrive and the agent tells you a document is unacceptable — for example, your birth certificate is too faded to read — ask whether you can come back with a replacement or whether the appointment can be rescheduled. Do not leave without understanding what happens next.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The acceptance agent must see and verify the original certified birth certificate with a raised seal or embossed stamp. A photocopy, even if notarized, will not be accepted. If you do not have the original, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born before your appointment.

What if my passport photo does not meet the rules?

The acceptance agent will reject it and you will have to get a new one taken. Bring the photo printed on paper, not digital. If you are unsure whether your photo meets the rules, take it to the acceptance facility a few days early and ask the staff to look at it, or check the State Department's photo rules online.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. The State Department does not require it. Bring your government photo ID, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship instead. Do not carry your Social Security card to the appointment — there is no reason to hand it over.

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

Call the acceptance facility before your appointment and explain what ID you do have. Some facilities will accept a school ID, work ID, or other photo ID with additional documents. Do not show up without a photo ID and expect the agent to accept you — confirm first.

Can someone else bring my documents if I cannot go in person?

No. You must appear in person at the acceptance facility with your documents. The agent will ask you questions about your application and verify your identity. A parent or guardian can accompany a minor, but the minor must still be present.