What Documents Are Needed for a Passport?

You cannot apply for a passport without proper documentation. Documents are needed to prove that you are who you say you are. They are also used to make sure you are not a criminal trying to flee the United States to avoid trial. Once you submit proper documents along with your application, you wait to be approved. Upon approval, the passport will be mailed directly to you along with your original documents.

Significance

You must find your nearest acceptance facility when getting ready to submit your first passport application (see link in Resources). A trained individual must verify all your documents are originals and that you are the same person who is listed on the application. If you are also filing applications for your children, you will need to bring them along. The facilitator will ask your children if you are in fact their mother or father. If you don't apply in person, or you don't bring your children, your application will not even be considered.

The Application

You must download and print out Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport (see link in Resources). If you don't have a printer, you can get this form at your local acceptance facility. You will need to fill out the form in blue or black ink. Make sure the form is complete and legible. The only section you should not complete is the signature section. You must sign the form in front of the acceptance facilitator. You will need to fill out a separate form for each individual, including your children.

Photographs

Each passport application must include two passport size photographs. The regulation size is 2 by 2 inches. Stores such as Walgreens and CVS are equipped to take passport photos if you are not comfortable doing them yourself. Each photo must be of a person's head, down to her shoulders. The person must be facing forward with eyes open. It is preferred that their mouth remains closed. Make sure there are no shadows on the picture.

Documents for Adults

Your first document must be proof of citizenship. This means you either need to bring your certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate or your certification of citizenship. Second, you need to bring proof of ID. This could be your driver's license, military ID or government ID. All documents must be originals and will be sent to the passport agency for verification. The passport agency will return the documents to you in the mail.

Documents for Children

Children must have proof of citizenship. Children are considered to be anyone between the ages of 0-16 years old. This means you need to show a certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate or your certification of citizenship. Adults must then submit proof of the parent-child relationship. This means that the birth certificate or adoption certificate lists both parents or that you provide the passport agency with court documents which specify you have sole custody. You may also provide court documents which prove you have guardianship. Parents must then provide proof of their own ID by using a driver's license, military ID or government ID. Finally, any single parents that do not have sole custody must provide written consent from the other parent or have the other parent accompany them to the acceptance facility to sign the documents in front of the agent.

Fees

There are two fees for each passport. The first fee needs to be written to "The Department of the State." It is $75 for adults and $60 for minors. The fee must be written in a check or money order. The second fee goes to the acceptance facility you use. It costs $25 for each application, and you will be directed as to how to make out the check. So expect to pay a total of $100 for any adult and $85 for any child.

Resources

• Print Printer friendly version Email Email Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport
• Acceptance Facility Search