What Documents Do I Need to Get in the U.S. Passport

For First-Time Applicants, Renewals, and Children

Getting a passport opens the door to international travel, but first, you’ll need to gather the correct paperwork. Depending on whether this is your first passport, a renewal, or you’re applying for a child, the process and required documents will vary slightly. Below is a step-by-step breakdown with clear explanations to help you through the process.

PART 1: First-Time Passport Applicants (Age 16 or Older)

If this is your first-ever U.S. passport, you must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility like a post office, county clerk’s office, or a passport agency.

 What You Need to Bring

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Original + one copy)

You must show that you are a U.S. citizen. Choose one of the following:

• Certified U.S. birth certificate (must be issued by a city, county, or state not a hospital)
  
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240)
  
• Certificate of Naturalization
  
• Certificate of Citizenship
  
• Previous U.S. passport (only if it was issued when you were age 16 or older and is undamaged)
  

 Important: Photocopies must be on plain white 8.5″ x 11″ paper. Originals will be returned to you.

2. Proof of Identity (Original + one copy, front and back)

You must also prove who you are. Valid forms of ID include:

• A valid, unexpired driver’s license
  
• A current military ID
  
• A U.S. passport (if not being used as your citizenship proof)
  
• A government employee ID
  

 If your ID is from a different state than where you’re applying, bring a second form of ID (like a work or school ID).

3. Passport Photo

This photo will appear on your passport, so it must meet official requirements:

• Color photo, taken in the last 6 months
  
• 2 x 2 inches in size
  
• Plain white or light background
  
• Full face, no smiling, neutral expression
  
• No hats, sunglasses, or uniforms
  
• No glasses unless you have a doctor’s note
  

You can get your passport photo taken at most post offices, Walgreens, CVS, or a professional photo studio.

4. Completed DS-11 Form

This is the official application form for a U.S. passport.
  Fill it out online here: https://travel.state.gov

 DO NOT sign the form until you are in front of a passport acceptance agent.

5. Application Fees

You must bring a check or money order for the fee. (Cash or card may be accepted for some parts.)

• Passport book only: $130
  
• Passport card only: $30
  
• Book + card: $160
  
• Execution (acceptance) fee: $35
  
• Optional: Expedited service ($60 extra)
  

 Tip: Bring two separate payments—one for the application fee (to U.S. Department of State), and one for the execution fee (to the facility).

6. Social Security Number

You must provide your SSN on the DS-11 form. If you don’t have one, submit a signed and dated statement:

“I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I have never been issued a Social Security Number.”

PART 2: Passport Renewals

You can renew your passport by mail only if:

• Your passport is undamaged
  
• It was issued when you were 16 or older
  
• It was issued within the last 15 years
  
• It has your current name, or you can provide legal proof of name change
  

If you meet all of the above, use Form DS-82.

What You Need for a Renewal:

1. Most recent passport (must be submitted)
   
2. One new passport photo
   
3. Completed DS-82 Form
   
4. Check or money order for fee:
   
   • $130 for a passport book
     
   • $160 for book + card
     
5. Name change documents (if applicable)
   

Mail all documents to the address listed on Form DS-82.

PART 3: Passport for Children Under 16

Children’s passports are only valid for 5 years and must be applied for in person, with both parents or legal guardians present (or proper consent paperwork from the absent parent).

Required Documents:

1. Child’s proof of U.S. citizenship (original + one copy)
   
   • U.S. birth certificate
     
   • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
     
   • Naturalization certificate
     
2. Proof of parental relationship
   
   • Birth certificate (again, if it lists the parents)
     
   • Adoption decree
     
3. Parent IDs (originals + photocopies)
   
   • Driver’s licenses, passports, etc.
     
4. One passport photo of the child
   
5. Form DS-11, filled but not signed
   
6. Application fee:
   
   • $100 for passport book
     
   • $15 for passport card
     
   • $35 execution fee
     
7. Parental consent form (DS-3053) if only one parent is present
   

Processing Time (as of 2025)

Service Type	Estimated Time
Routine	6–8 weeks
Expedited	2–3 weeks
Urgent (Life-or-Death Emergency)	3 business days (by appointment)

Where to Apply

Use the U.S. State Department’s Passport Acceptance Facility Locator to find the nearest post office, clerk, or agency:
 https://iafdb.travel.state.gov

 Final Thoughts

Applying for a passport is a serious process but with the right documents and preparation, it’s manageable and straightforward. Your passport is your proof of identity and citizenship abroad, so accuracy and attention to detail matter.

 Whether you’re a first-time applicant, a parent getting one for your child, or renewing after years make sure you bring original documents, have your photo ready, and don’t forget the fees.