What Do I Need to Bring?

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What to bring to a first U.S. adult passport appointment

A first-time adult applicant filing Form DS-11 in the United States needs both citizenship evidence and physical photo identification. Prepare the originals and photocopies before the appointment and leave the form unsigned for the acceptance agent.

Sources checked

What Do I Need to Bring? Editorial Team

Prepare an in-person applicationFirst-time U.S. adult passport appointment checklist
  1. 01
    DS-11

    Printed form on single-sided pages, left unsigned Source 1

  2. 02
    Citizenship evidence

    A qualifying physical document such as a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate Source 3

  3. 03
    Citizenship photocopy

    Front of the evidence, plus the back if it has printed material Source 3

  4. 04
    Primary photo ID

    An accepted original physical ID with a photograph Source 2

  5. 05
    Photo ID copies

    Photocopies of both sides of each ID presented Source 2

  6. 06
    Passport photograph

    One colour passport photo that meets State Department requirements Source 1

The acceptance agent checks your documents, administers the oath and asks you to sign.

Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

Print the form before going

Fill in Form DS-11 and print it on one side of each sheet. Bring it unsigned so the agent can witness the signature after verifying your identity and administering the oath. The State Department provides both an online form filler and a downloadable form. Source 1

Pack citizenship evidence and ID separately

A qualifying U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a naturalization certificate can establish citizenship. A physical government-issued photo ID, such as an accepted in-state driver’s license, establishes identity. If you are using a driver’s license from another state, bring an additional photo ID. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

Make the copies before the appointment

Use clear, single-sided copies on standard 8.5 by 11 inch sheets. Copy the front and back of the photo ID. For citizenship evidence, copy the front and any printed reverse side. Keep the original or certified version with the copies. Source 2 Source 3

Check the photo and payment separately

Bring one passport photo and leave it unattached for the agent. The State Department receives the application fee and the acceptance facility receives a separate fee. Confirm the facility’s payment options and check which documents you are applying for so you can prepare each payment. Source 1

Sources

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