Wizard Results

How to Apply

Based on the information provided, you need to complete the DS-11 form. Please see the Local Information section to determine if need to submit an online form or complete the downloadable PDF form.

Step 1: Complete and print the DS-11  form. Do not sign the form.

Step 2: Provide proof of parental relationship.

• Birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship if it’s a U.S. birth certificate)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Foreign birth certificate
• Adoption decree
• Divorce/Custody decree

Some documents, like a U.S. birth certificate, show both U.S. citizenship and parental relationship. These documents must be originals or certified copies (not photocopies).

Step 3: Provide Evidence of U.S. Citizenship for the applicant (Original or Certified copies):

You must submit one of the following. Your evidence must be an original or certified copy. Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable.

• Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport (expired passports are accepted). Full validity means the document is/was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.
• U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
  • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
  • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
  • Lists your parent(s)’ full names
  • Has the date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth)
  • Has the registrar’s signature
  • Has the seal of the issuing authority
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth (this is also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• If you were born outside the United States to at least one U.S. citizen parent, and you have not previously established a claim to U.S. citizenship, please visit the Citizenship Evidence

In addition to the original, certified document(s), bring a photocopy (front and back) of the Citizenship Evidence document to submit with your application, that is:

• On white paper;
• Single-sided; and
• Does not decrease the image size.

More information is available on the Citizenship Evidence page.

Step 4: Present ID.

You must present one of the following identification documents (IDs) to the acceptance agent. The ID must readily identify you.

• Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport (expired passports are accepted). Full validity means the document is/was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license. Digital IDs cannot be accepted.
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Government employee ID (city, county, state or federal)
• U.S. military ID or military dependent ID
• Valid foreign passport

Bring a photocopy (front and back) of the Citizenship Evidence document to submit with your application, that is:

• On white paper;
• Single-sided; and
• Does not decrease the image size.

Learn more about Photo Identification requirements.

Step 5: Attach one photo to your application.

Photo requirements for a U.S. passport may differ from passport photo requirements of other countries. To avoid processing delays, be sure your photo meets all the photo requirements .

Step 6: If your passport and/or card is damaged, submit the damaged passport and/or card along with a signed statement explaining the damage or mutilated condition.

Step 7: Visit the Local Information section to make an appointment and learn how to pay the application fees.

Military Families

• If the non-applying parent is deployed by the military, he or she should be able to provide a notarized Form DS-3053 in most cases.
• In the rare case that the non-applying parent cannot be contacted, you must provide military orders with a Form DS-5525 showing:
• the non-applying parent can’t be contacted because they are on a special assignment for more than 30 days outside of their duty station, or
• a signed statement from the non-applying parent’s commanding officer that they can’t be reached.

Parental Awareness (required for minors aged 16 or 17): If a legal parent or legal guardian cannot appear with you in person when you apply for your passport, provide one of the following:

• A signed note from your legal parent or legal guardian with a photocopy of their ID.
• Proof that your legal parent or legal guardian is paying your application fees

We may ask you to submit a notarized statement from your legal parent or legal guardian (e.g., on Form DS-3053) that states he or she supports you receiving a passport. The statement must be accompanied by a photocopy of that parent or guardian’s ID.