U.S. Passport Requirements: Documents You Need to Apply
The documents required for a U.S. passport depend on the applicant’s age, passport history, and application type. Most applications require the appropriate passport form, evidence of U.S. citizenship, acceptable identification, a compliant passport photo, and applicable government fees. Additional documents may be required for children, name changes, lost or stolen passports, damaged passports, and second-passport requests.
General U.S. Passport Document Checklist
Depending on your application type, you may need the following:
- The appropriate U.S. passport application form
- Evidence of U.S. citizenship
- Acceptable physical photo identification
- Photocopies of citizenship and identification documents
- Your current or most recent U.S. passport
- Compliant passport photos
- Supporting documents required for your application type
- Payment of applicable government fees
The exact requirements vary by application type. Review the relevant section below before preparing or submitting your documents.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Applicants using Form DS-11 generally must submit original or certified evidence of U.S. citizenship together with a photocopy. Eligible applicants renewing with Form DS-82 submit their most recent qualifying U.S. passport.
Primary citizenship evidence may include:
- A valid or expired, full-validity U.S. passport
- A certified U.S. birth certificate
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- A Certificate of Naturalization
- A Certificate of Citizenship
A qualifying birth certificate should be issued by the city, county, or state of birth and include the applicant’s full name, date and place of birth, parent or parents’ names, registrar’s signature, filing date, and the issuing authority’s seal.
Applicants who cannot provide primary citizenship evidence may need to submit secondary citizenship documentation. The required documents depend on the applicant’s individual circumstances.
Original and certified documents are generally returned separately after the passport application is processed.
Proof of Identity
Applicants using Form DS-11 must present acceptable physical photo identification and submit a photocopy of the front and back of the ID.
Acceptable primary identification may include:
- A valid driver’s license
- A valid state-issued identification card
- A valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport
- A Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship with an identifiable photo
- A valid military or military-dependent ID
- A valid federal, state, or local government employee ID
Digital or mobile identification is not accepted. Applicants presenting an out-of-state ID may be required to provide an additional form of identification.
If the name on your identification differs from the name used on the passport application, additional documentation of the name change may be required.
Additional Documents for Specific Passport Situations
Some applications require supporting documents beyond the general citizenship, identification, photo, form, and payment requirements described above.
Adult Passport Renewal
Eligible applicants using Form DS-82 must submit their most recent qualifying passport. If the name requested differs from the name in that passport, an original or certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order may also be required.
Child Passport Under 16
A child-passport application may require:
- Evidence of the child’s relationship to the parents or guardians
- Physical identification and photocopies for both parents or guardians
- Consent from both parents or evidence explaining why one parent’s consent is not required
- Form DS-3053 when an eligible absent parent provides notarized consent
- Custody orders, death certificates, or other legal documents when applicable
The child and both parents or guardians generally must appear in person, subject to permitted exceptions.
Applicants Ages 16–17
Applicants ages 16–17 generally must show that at least one parent or legal guardian is aware of the passport application. Additional parental identification or a signed statement may be required.
Lost or Stolen Passport
A valid passport that was lost or stolen must be reported using Form DS-64. Applicants requesting a replacement generally also submit Form DS-11 and the documents required for an in-person application.
A police report is not required. If one was filed, include a copy with the application.
Damaged Passport
Applicants replacing a significantly damaged passport may need to submit:
- The damaged passport
- A signed statement explaining how the damage occurred
- Form DS-11 and the supporting documents required for an in-person application
Normal wear, such as minor bends or folded pages, is not generally considered significant damage.
Legal Name Change
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, legal name-change evidence may include an original or certified:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order
The required form and additional documents depend on when the passport was issued and whether the applicant qualifies to use Form DS-82 or DS-5504.
Second Passport Book
A second-passport request generally requires:
- The applicant’s current valid U.S. passport
- A signed statement explaining the need for a second passport
- Supporting travel, visa, or business documentation when applicable
Approval is based on the applicant’s demonstrated need and the Department of State’s determination.
Passport Card
The required documents depend on whether the applicant is applying for the first time or qualifies to apply using Form DS-82. Applicants renewing both a passport book and passport card generally must submit both documents.
Original Documents, Certified Copies, and Photocopies
Some passport applications require original documents or certified copies issued by the appropriate government authority. Standard photocopies, notarized photocopies, and informational copies generally cannot replace original or certified citizenship and legal documents.
When a photocopy is required:
- Use white, standard 8.5 × 11-inch paper
- Print on only one side of each sheet
- Use clear, legible black-and-white copies
- Copy the front and back of identification documents
- Do not reduce the size of the document
The Department of State generally returns original supporting documents separately from the new passport. Because they may arrive in different mailings, customers should not expect all documents to be delivered together.
Passport requirements vary depending on the applicant’s age, passport history, and individual circumstances. When you apply through US Passport Assist, you will receive a personalized checklist of the documents required for your application.
One guided application asks the official eligibility questions, routes you to the correct form, and is reviewed by a specialist before you're charged.