You need a set of documents for your passport appointment. These documents include your birth certificate, photo ID, application form, passport photo, and more.
At a passport appointment, you have to prove your citizenship and identity, so you should provide the original documents. The US officials check your papers, your identity, and process your application for approval.
This article covers all documents needed for passport appointments of adults, children, and teens to prepare perfectly for your next passport appointment.
What Documents Do You Need To Carry For a Passport Appointment?
Passport appointments require specific documents that prove your identity and your eligibility for a U.S. passport for travel. There are different requirements for passports for adults, children under 16, and children aged 16-17.
Documents For Adults
Adults need five main documents for their passport appointment. Each document serves a specific purpose in proving your identity and citizenship status.
1. Proof of Citizenship
You must bring your original U.S. birth certificate with an official seal from the city, county, or state. The certificate should show your full name, birth date, birthplace, and your parents’ names clearly.
OR you can give one of the following,
- Full-validity, undamaged U.S. passport:
- Valid for 10 years if issued to an adult.
- Valid for 5 years if issued to a child under 16.
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or other birth document issued by the U.S. Department of State.
- Certificate of Naturalization.
- Certificate of Citizenship.
2. Photo ID
Bring a valid driver’s license with your photo as your main ID document. If your license is from a different state than where you’re applying, you need a second photo ID for extra verification.
Here’s a complete list of applicable photo IDs:
Primary Photo IDs (Submit one of these)
- Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card.
- In-state, fully valid driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license (with photo).
- Certificate of Naturalization.
- Certificate of Citizenship.
- Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal).
- U.S. military ID or military dependent ID.
- Current (valid) foreign passport.
- Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID)
- U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Trusted Traveler IDs (valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, NEXUS cards).
- Enhanced Tribal Cards or Native American tribal photo IDs.
Note: You may be asked to present an extra ID if you are using:
- In-state, fully valid learner’s permit (with photo).
- In-state, fully-valid non-driver ID (with photo).
- Temporary driver’s license (with photo).
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Secondary Photo IDs
If you do not have a primary ID, submit at least two of these:
- Out-of-state driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license (with photo).
- Learner’s permit or temporary driver’s permit (without photo).
- In-state, fully-valid non-driver ID (without photo).
- Out-of-state non-driver ID.
- Temporary driver’s license (without photo).
- Social Security card.
- Voter registration card.
- Employee work ID.
- Student ID.
- School yearbook with a clear photo.
- Selective Service (draft) card.
- Medicare or other health card.
- Expired driver’s license.
- Form DS-71 (Identifying Witness form only available if applying in person at an acceptance facility or passport agency).
Extra ID Requirement (If Applying Out of State)
If you apply outside your home state, bring an extra ID showing as much of the following as possible:
- Your photo.
- Your full name.
- Your date of birth.
- Date of issuance.
If you’re over 18 or applying for your child, bring a physical, government-issued photo ID and a black-and-white photocopy (front/back) on 8.5×11″ paper, one-sided, full-size or larger.
3. Passport Application Form
Fill out Form DS-11 using their official online Form Filler tool and print it on single-sided paper only. Don’t sign the form until the passport agent asks you to sign it during your appointment. If the form filler tool is not working, you can download the PDF.
4. Passport Photo
Provide one recent passport photo that meets official requirements for size, background, and quality.
Don’t attach or staple the photo to your form; the agent will review and do this for you.
5. Photocopies and additional documents
You must provide a photocopy of your citizenship evidence along with the original document that has the official seal or stamp, and a photocopy of the front and back of your photo ID.
Additional Documents You May Need:
- If your valid passport is lost or stolen- Submit Form DS-64.
- If your valid passport is damaged, provide a signed statement explaining the damage, and submit the damaged passport.
- If you are a sex offender under International Megan’s Law, provide a signed, dated statement confirming you believe you are covered under the law.
6. Payment of Fees
Bring a check or money order made out to “U.S. Department of State” to pay your passport fees. You will be required to pay two fees, one for the US Department of State and the other for the facility acceptance fee.
| Product | Form | Passport Application Fee | Facility Acceptance Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Book | DS-11 | $130 | $35 |
| Passport Card | DS-11 | $30 | $35 |
| Passport Book & Card | DS-11 | $160 | $35 |
Note: These prices are from the official travel.state.gov website of the US Department of State.
Payment method for the acceptance facilities may differ; check the official site for the accepted payment methods.
Documents For Children
There are different document requirements and eligibility for children under 16 and children aged 16-17. Here are the documents for the children under 16:
Children Under 16 Documents For Passport
Children under 16 need special documents, and both parents must be present during the application process for approval. The passport for children under 16 is valid for 5 years. Here are the documents to bring to the passport appointment:
1. Completed Form DS-11
Fill out Form DS-11 for your child using the online tool. Print it on single-sided paper and don’t sign until the agent asks. You can apply for the passport book, passport card, or both.
2. Proof of Child’s U.S. Citizenship
To prove your child’s U.S. citizenship, you must give a physical document with the official government seal or stamp.
You can submit one of these:
- A U.S. birth certificate that shows the seal or stamp, your child’s full name, date and place of birth, parents’ full names, the date it was filed (within one year of birth), and the registrar’s signature.
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad or any birth document issued by the U.S. Department of State.
- A Certificate of Citizenship.
- An undamaged, valid, or expired U.S. passport that was valid for 5 years when issued for a child under 16.
It is important to understand the difference between a passport and a visa, as a passport can serve as both identification and proof of citizenship for international travel, but a visa only grants entry permission to specific countries.
3. Proof of Relationship to the Child
If the birth certificate doesn’t show your relationship, you should prove you’re the legal parent or guardian. Documents you must submit may include:
- Foreign birth certificate.
- Adoption decree.
- Divorce or custody decree.
- A court order.
4. Parents’ or Guardians’ Photo IDs
Both parents must bring valid photo IDs, such as driver’s licenses. If your ID is from another state, bring another applicable photo ID as mentioned earlier.
5. Photocopies and Additional Documents
You must provide a photocopy of your child’s citizenship evidence (with the original) and a photocopy of the front and back of each parent/guardian’s photo ID.
If one parent can’t come, they must sign Form DS-3053 with a notary. Include a copy of that parent’s photo ID with the notarized form. Check the official site for the special cases or issues.
6. One Passport Photo of the Child
Get one passport photo of your child that meets official size and quality standards. Don’t attach it to the form before your appointment.
7. Payment for Passport Fees
Bring a check for $100 for a passport book, $15 passport card, or $115 for both, made out to “U.S. Department of State.” Also, bring $35 for the facility fee. Check the official site for the other fees.
As a passport book is required for international air travel, there are still some destinations that U.S. citizens can visit without a passport.
Children Aged 16-17 Documents For Passport
Teens aged 16-17 need to apply in person using Form DS-11 for their first adult passport. They must show that one parent must be aware of their passport application through signed permission.
The process is similar to adult applications but requires parental awareness. Parents can apply with them, sign a note giving permission, or pay the fees to show they know about the application.
Additional Reads: While applying for your U.S. passport, you should explore the strongest passports in the world to see if your passport is on the list.
Can You Bring Supporting Documents To a Passport Appointment?
You can bring extra supporting documents to your passport appointment if needed. Bring Form DS-64 if your passport was lost or stolen, or a signed statement explaining damage if your passport is damaged.
You might also need extra documents for special situations. Sex offenders need signed statements about the International Megan’s Law. People with child support debt over $2,500 or tax debt need proof of payment.
Always bring photocopies of your main documents on 8.5 x 11-inch paper. Use black and white copies on single-sided paper only. This helps speed up your appointment process.
Related Read:
Conclusion: Bring The Right Documents To Get Your Passport Easily
You should be ready with all the documents required for the passport appointments to make the application process smooth and easy. Missing even one document can mean rescheduling your appointment and delaying the process.
Make sure you have a checklist of all the documents, and you are aware of the requirements. Check the official site for understanding the rules and fees to avoid issues on the appointment day.
Start gathering your documents now and double-check everything before your appointment. Visit your local passport acceptance facility or post office to schedule your appointment today.
FAQs
The passport agent will verify your identity, review your documents, and may take an oath. They’ll ask you to sign your application form and check that all information is correct.
You need to know your preferred appointment time and location. Some facilities require appointments, while others accept walk-ins during business hours. Check as per your availability.
Wear normal, regular clothes for the passport photo. Avoid uniforms, hats, or head coverings unless for religious reasons. Keep jewelry simple and face the camera directly.
Adults pay $130 for a passport book or $30 for a passport card, plus $35 facility fee. Children under 16 pay $100 for a book or $15 for a card, plus $35 facility fee.
For renewal by mail, you need your current passport, Form DS-82, a new passport photo, and payment. Your current passport must be undamaged and issued within the last 15 years when you were 16 or older.
