In order to expedite a passport in a timely manner, it is essential that you pay attention to details concerning the required documents. Submitting the wrong documents or sending documents with errors can lead to delays in and/or denial of your passport request.
The document you submit as evidence of United States citizenship will be returned to you. Photocopies are not accepted. You should submit primary evidence of citizenship if possible. If not, you can submit secondary evidence.
Primary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
- Previously issued, undamaged U.S. Passport
- Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
- Naturalization Certificate
- Certificate of Citizenship
Secondary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
- Early Public Records + Birth Record or Letter of No Record
- Delayed Birth Certificate
- Form DS-10: Birth Affidavit + Early Public Records
- Foreign Birth Documents + Parent(s) Citizenship Evidence
Documents Not Accepted as Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
- Voter registration card
- Army discharge paper
- Social Security Card
The State Department requires applicants to present valid photo identification. If possible, you should submit a primary identification document. The most frequently used ID is either a driver's license or a previously issued passport. There are other options. They are listed below.
Primary Identification
- Previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport
- Naturalization Certificate
- Valid Driver's License
- Current Government ID (city, state or federal)
- Current Military ID (military and dependents)
Secondary Identification
- A Combination of Identifying Documents
- An Identifying Witness
SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT ID FOR PASSPORT APPLICATION
* If you submit your application at a Passport Application Acceptance Facility and submit out-of-state primary identification, you must present an additional ID document, as well. For example, if you apply in California with a Texas Driver's License, you must present a second ID that has as much of the following information as possible: your photo, full name, date of birth and the document issuance date.
You are required to take a photocopy of the front and back of each identification document that you will present when applying.
Requirements for Copy of ID
* Use plain white, 8 1/2 x 11" standard paper stock
* Show the front and the back of your ID
* ID images can only be on one-side of page.
(Use two sheets if necessary.)
* No other images or markings can be on the page.
* Can enlarge ID image but not decrease it.
When Other Photocopies Are Required
* If you are presenting Secondary Identification, you must provide a photocopy of the front and back of each document being presented with your application. A photocopy of your credit card will not be requested if it is to be presented with Secondary Identification.
* If you submit out-of-state primary identification, you must provide a photocopy of your primary identification document and the second ID to be presented with your application. Both sides of all identification documents must be photocopied according to the photocopy requirements above. If a credit card is presented as your second ID, a photocopy will not be requested.
* An assistant to a disable applicant who witnesses the signature or signs on the disabled applicant's behalf must present a photocopy of his or her ID
* A person acting as an Identifying Witness must present a photocopy of his or her ID
To avoid processing delays, be sure your photographs meet all quality requirements and are properly submitted with your application.
Passport Photo Requirements
Applicants are required to submit two identical passport photos that have been taken within the past six months. The photos must be in color with a white or off-white background. The pictures must be printed on thin, photo-quality paper.
Passport Photo Attire
Your passport photos must be taken in normal street attire.
* No uniforms in photos except religious attire that is worn daily
* No hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline
* Do wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles if you usually wear them.
* Unless you have medical reasons, dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses should not be worn.
Passport Photo Size
* Full face, front view
* 2 x 2 inches in size
* Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
Passport Photo Dimensions
Examples of Acceptable Passport Photos
SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT PASSPORT PHOTOS:
* Most passport photos from vending machines are rejected.
* When submitting Form DS-11 in person, your should not attach the photos to the form.
