Supporting Documents for a U.S. Passport

Supporting Documents for a New U.S. Passport

To obtain a new U.S. Passport (using Form DS-11), you must prove two things: who you are (Identity) and that you are legally a citizen (Citizenship). You must bring the original documents plus a black-and-white photocopy of each.

Here is the comprehensive list of possible supporting documents:

1. Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

You must submit one of the following. This must be an original or a certified physical copy; digital versions or plain photocopies are not accepted as primary evidence.

U.S. Birth Certificate: Must be issued by the city, county, or state; list your full name, date of birth, and place of birth; list parent(s) full names; and have a raised/embossed/multicolored seal.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA): Form FS-240 or Form DS-1350.
Certificate of Naturalization: Issued to those who became citizens after birth.
Certificate of Citizenship: Issued to individuals born abroad who acquired citizenship through a parent.
Fully Valid, Undamaged U.S. Passport: Even if it is expired, it serves as proof of citizenship.

2. Valid Identification (Proof of Identity)

You must present one of the following. If you have an “out-of-state” ID, the agent may ask for a secondary form of identification.

Valid Driver’s License: (In-state). If it is a temporary or learner’s permit, you will need secondary ID.
Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): Often used at border crossings.
Government Employee ID: Federal, state, or city-issued.
U.S. Military or Military Dependent ID.
U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): Only used for identity, not citizenship.
Trusted Traveler IDs: Valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, or NEXUS cards.
Matricula Consular: Mexican Consular ID (often used by dual citizens).

3. Secondary Identification (If needed)

If you do not have any of the “Primary” IDs listed above, you can submit at least two secondary documents:

Social Security card.
Voter registration card.
Employee work ID.
Student ID.
Selective Service (draft) card.
Medicare or other health card.

4. For Children Under Age 16

If applying for a child, you must provide documents that prove Parental Relationship.

U.S. Birth Certificate: (Showing parents’ names).
Foreign Birth Certificate: (Must be translated to English).
Adoption Decree: (With adopting parents’ names).
Court Order: Establishing custody or guardianship.

5. The Checklist of "Physical" Requirements

Beyond the legal forms, don’t forget these three items to ensure the agent accepts your packet:

Form DS-11: Completed but NOT signed (you must sign in front of the agent).
Passport Photo: One 2×2 inch color photo taken within the last 6 months (no glasses).
Payment: A check or money order made out to the “U.S. Department of State” for the application fee, plus a separate execution fee for the facility.

Supporting Documents for a New Child U.S. Passport

When applying for a child’s passport (Form DS-11 for those under age 16), the documentation requirements are the most rigorous in the entire passport system. You are essentially proving three separate things: the child’s citizenship, the child’s identity, and the parents’ legal right to apply for them.

Here is the definitive checklist of supporting documents for a New Child U.S. Passport:

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Child)

You must submit the original or a certified copy. This will be mailed to the State Department and returned to you separately from the passport.

U.S. Birth Certificate: Must be a “long-form” version listing both parents’ names, issued by the city, county, or state.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA): Form FS-240 or DS-1350.
Certificate of Citizenship: If the child acquired citizenship through a parent.
Previous U.S. Passport: Even if expired, it serves as proof of citizenship (but you still need the birth certificate to prove parentage).

2. Proof of Parental Relationship

The government must verify that the adults applying for the passport are actually the legal guardians. Note: The document used for citizenship (like a birth certificate) usually serves this purpose as well.

U.S. Birth Certificate (listing parent names).
Foreign Birth Certificate (must include a certified English translation).
Adoption Decree (listing the names of the adoptive parents).
Court Order (stating legal custody or guardianship).

3. Proof of Identity (Parents/Guardians)

Since the child is a minor, the parents must present their own identification.

Valid Driver’s License (In-state).
Valid U.S. or Foreign Passport.
Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship.
Military ID or Government Employee ID.

4. Proof of Parental Consent (Crucial Step)

Both parents must authorize the issuance of the passport. If one parent cannot be present at the appointment, you need specific “consent” documentation.

Scenario	Required Document
Both Parents Present	No extra forms; both sign the DS-11 in front of the agent.
One Parent Present	Form DS-3053: A notarized Statement of Consent from the absent parent + photocopy of their ID.
Sole Legal Custody	Court Order or Death Certificate proving you have the sole authority to apply.
Third-Party Applicant	Form DS-3053 signed and notarized by both parents authorizing the third party.

5. Additional Required Items

Passport Photo: One 2×2 inch color photo of the child.
Tip for Infants: Lay the baby on a plain white sheet or cover a car seat with a white sheet to get the background right.
Form DS-11: Completed but not signed (it must be signed in person).
Photocopies: One black-and-white photocopy of every document you are submitting (Birth certificate, parents’ IDs, etc.).

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Notarization Dates: If using a DS-3053 consent form, the notary’s signature must be dated within 90 days of the application date.
Social Security Number: You must provide the child’s SSN. If they haven’t been issued one yet, you must provide a signed and dated statement declaring the child has never been issued an SSN.

Supporting Documents for a U.S. Passport Renewal

Renewing a U.S. passport is generally done by mail using Form DS-82. However, the eligibility requirements for the documents you submit are very strict. If your current passport doesn’t meet the “Right” criteria below, you cannot renew by mail and must apply in person using a DS-11.

Here is the checklist of supporting documents required for a Renewal:

1. Your Most Recent U.S. Passport

This is your primary supporting document. You must submit your actual physical passport book (and/or card). It will be cancelled and mailed back to you separately.

Condition: Must be undamaged (other than normal wear and tear). If it is mutilated, torn, or has significant water damage, you must apply in person.
Age at Issuance: Must have been issued when you were age 16 or older. (Child passports cannot be renewed by mail).
Recency: Must have been issued within the last 15 years.
Full Validity: Must have been a “full-validity” passport (usually valid for 10 years). Limited-time emergency passports cannot be renewed this way.

2. Proof of Name Change (If Applicable)

If the name you are using now is different from the name printed on your most recent passport, you must provide legal proof of the change.

Accepted: A certified copy of your Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, or Court Order.
Not Accepted: Photocopies or uncertified documents.
Note: If you cannot document your name change this way, you must apply in person using Form DS-11.

3. One New Passport Photo

Do not reuse the photo from your previous passport. The State Department uses facial recognition software that will flag a “recycled” photo, causing a delay.

Specs: 2×2 inches, color, white or off-white background.
The “No-Glasses” Rule: You must remove your glasses.
Attachment: Use four staples vertically in the corners as shown on the DS-82 instructions.

4. Payment (The Check or Money Order)

Because renewals are handled by mail, you cannot pay with a credit card unless you use the newer online renewal portal (when available).

Payable to: “U.S. Department of State”
Memo Line: Write the applicant’s full name and date of birth.
Type: Personal check or money order only. Cash or “starter checks” without a pre-printed name/address are often rejected.

5. Completed Form DS-82

Signature: Unlike the in-person application, you must sign and date this form yourself before mailing it.
Ink: Use black ink only.

Because you are mailing your actual passport (and potentially original marriage certificates), it is highly recommended to use a trackable delivery method like USPS Priority Mail.