Do we need original documents for a passport?
Yes, for a U.S. passport application, you almost always need original or certified documents for proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate or naturalization certificate) and your valid photo ID, plus photocopies of these documents, though the newer online renewal pilot program for some adults allows for not sending originals. Original documents are required for first-time applicants and childrens passports, as well as for name changes, and these originals are typically returned to you after processing. Key Documents Required Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original or certified birth certificate (must have registrars seal, date filed, and parents names). Previous, undamaged U.S. passport. Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship (Original). Valid Photo Identification: Valid U.S. drivers license, undamaged passport, or other government-issued ID. No digital IDs are accepted . Photocopies: A single-sided photocopy of your citizenship evidence and photo ID on 8.5 x 11 white paper (front and back for ID). Important Notes First-Time Applicants/Minors: You must apply in person and present original documents. Renewals (By Mail): If renewing by mail (not online), you usually send your old passport and original documents, which are returned later. Name Changes: You must submit original or certified copies of name change documents (marriage certificate, court order). Online Renewal Pilot: A new U.S. Department of State pilot program allows some eligible adults to renew online without mailing originals. AI can make mistakes, so double-check responsesApply for Your Adult Passport - Travel - U.S. Department of Statephotocopy of the front and back of your photo ID. Photocopy requirements: Use 8.5 inch by 11 inch paper. Use a single side of the U.S. Department of State (.gov)Frequently Asked Questions about Passport Services - TravelYes. In most cases when you renew by mail, we will return the old passport to you. The old passport may not arrive for up to four U.S. Department of State (.gov)
What are all the documents required to apply for a passport?
To apply for a U.S. passport, you need the DS-11 form (unsigned), proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate or old passport), a valid photo ID (like a drivers license) with copies of front/back, a compliant 2x2 inch color passport photo, and the applicable fees, all submitted in person at an acceptance facility. You must present original documents and photocopies of them, and pay separate fees for the State Department (check/money order) and the acceptance facility (card/cash). Required Documents Items Application Form: Form DS-11, completed but not signed until instructed by the agent. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Original): Certified birth certificate (with raised seal), previous undamaged U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. Proof of Identity (Original): Drivers license, state-issued ID, or military ID. Photocopies: A black-and-white, single-sided copy of your citizenship evidence and your photo ID (front and back) on 8.5 x 11 paper. Passport Photo: One recent (within 6 months), color, 2x2 inch photo with a plain white background; no glasses. Fees: Required payment (check/money order for Dept. of State, card/cash for execution fee). Where How to Apply Complete DS-11: Fill out online and print, or print and fill by hand in black ink (no cursive). Gather Documents: Collect originals and photocopies as listed above. Get Photo: Have professional passport photos taken. Schedule Appointment: Find a local passport acceptance facility (often post offices or libraries). Apply in Person: Present all documents, sign the DS-11 in front of the agent, pay fees, and they will process your application. AI can make mistakes, so double-check responsesAPPLICATION FOR A U.S. PASSPORT - U.S. Department of StateSECTION B. 1. Complete this form (Do not sign until requested to do so by an authorized agent). 2. Attach one color photographU.S. Department of State (.gov)Apply for Your Adult Passport - Travel - U.S. Department of StateConsular Report of Birth Abroad or any birth document issued by the U.S. Department of State. Certificate of Naturalization or CitU.S. Department of State (.gov)
Do you need your original birth certificate to apply for a passport in the US?
Yes, you can get a U.S. passport without a birth certificate by providing secondary evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as early public records (baptismal certificate, hospital birth record, early school/census records) or a DocHubd Birth Affidavit (Form DS-10) from a relative, if you cannot get a certified birth certificate from your birth states vital records office. If You Cant Find Your Birth Certificate: First, Try to Get One: Contact the vital records office in the state or county where you were born to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. If Still No Record: If you cant get one, youll need to provide secondary evidence to prove your birth in the U.S. Accepted Secondary Evidence (Must be early records, ideally from the first 5 years of life, showing name, date, and place of birth): Hospital birth certificate (with footprints) Baptismal certificate U.S. Census record Early school records Family Bible records Doctors records of post-natal care DocHubd Affidavit of Birth (Form DS-10) from a blood relative (parent, aunt, uncle, sibling) with personal knowledge of your birth. What to Submit: One Early Public Record AND One Early Private Record: (like a family bible record). Or, One Early Public Record AND a Birth Affidavit (DS-10) . Or, a Letter of No Record: from your birth states vital records office, plus several of the documents listed above. Important: You must submit original or certified documents, not photocopies (unless for parent IDs for childrens passports), and they must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. AI can make mistakes, so double-check responsesGet Citizenship Evidence for a U.S. Passport - Travel - State.govJul 10, 2025 An early public record or document, or. One early public record/document and one early private record/document with FoU.S. Department of State (.gov)Apply for a Childs Passport Under 16 - Travel - State.govExamples include: Foreign birth certificate. Adoption decree. Divorce or custody decree. A court order. If your name is different U.S. Department of State (.gov)
What three documents do I need for a passport?
To get a new U.S. passport, you generally need three main types of documents: Proof of U.S. Citizenship (like a birth certificate), a valid Photo ID (like a drivers license), and a photocopy of both, plus a passport photo and a completed DS-11 form, submitted in person. Youll submit your original citizenship proof (which gets returned) and photo ID with your application, along with copies of each. 1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Original) Primary Evidence: An original, certified U.S. Birth Certificate (with a raised seal) or previous U.S. Passport. Secondary Evidence: If you dont have primary evidence, you might need early public/private records or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. 2. Valid Photo Identification (Original Photocopy) Primary ID: A valid drivers license, state-issued non-driver ID, or military ID. Photocopy: A single-sided, black-and-white copy of the front and back of your ID. 3. Passport Photo A recent, color passport photo (2x2 inches) meeting specific requirements. Plus, youll need: Form DS-11: The application form, filled out but not signed until instructed by the acceptance agent. Fees: Payment for the application fee and execution fee. In Summary (The 3 Documents for your application packet): Your Citizenship Document (Original) Your Photo ID (Original) A Passport Photo Remember to bring a photocopy of your citizenship document and a photocopy of your photo ID, too, as required by the U.S. Department of State. AI can make mistakes, so double-check responsesApply for Your Adult Passport - Travel - U.S. Department of StateFull validity means the passport was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16. Consular Report of Birth AbrU.S. Department of State (.gov)Apply for a passport - County of San DiegoComplete the form. Proof of U.S. citizenship. Proof of identity. Passport photo. Payment. Make an appointment and appear in personCounty of San Diego (.gov)
What 5 documents must you have with you to obtain a passport?
To get a U.S. passport, you need to provide proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate), proof of identity (like a drivers license), a passport photo, a completed application form (DS-11), and pay the required fees, often requiring an in-person appearance at an acceptance facility to submit these documents. Here are 5 key requirements: Completed Application Form (DS-11): Fill out the DS-11 form but do not sign it until instructed by an agent. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Submit an original, certified document, such as your U.S. birth certificate or previous undamaged passport. Valid Photo Identification: Provide a government-issued ID (like a drivers license) and a photocopy of the front and back. Passport Photo: A recent, color 2x2 inch photo meeting specific requirements (white background, no glasses). Application Fee: Pay the required fee, which varies but includes a separate execution fee. You must also generally appear in person at a passport acceptance facility (like a post office or library) to submit your application. AI can make mistakes, so double-check responsesApply for Your Adult Passport - Travel - U.S. Department of StateConsular Report of Birth Abroad or any birth document issued by the U.S. Department of State. Certificate of Naturalization or CitU.S. Department of State (.gov)U.S. Passport Form Wizard - TravelDec 4, 2025 Passport Application Summary * Gather Required Documentation. Form DS-11, completed but not signed. Evidence of U.S. cU.S. Department of State (.gov)
