Obtaining a passport as an adult citizen in the United States is a relatively simple process. It requires a completed application form DS-11, evidence of U.S. citizenship, identification (original and a photocopy), two passport photos, and the applicable fee of $135 for a passport book, $55 for a passport card or $165 for both.
Acceptable evidence of U.S. citizenship includes a previously issued passport, original certified birth certificate with the registrar's raised, embossed seal and signature, a Naturalization Certificate or a Certificate of Citizenship.
Acceptable identification includes a current state-issued driver's license or state-issued non-driver's identification card, current military identification card or a previously issued U.S. passport.
Passport photos that are submitted must be head shots in color on photo paper, with the head between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches. They must be 2-by-2 inches and taken recently. The photo must show both eyes open and the entire face -- without headgear, shades, earphones, or anything else that might obstruct the full facial image. Uniforms are not acceptable in passport photos.
Passport applications can be filed with passport agencies that are not located in the applicant's state of residence; however, in that instance, additional identification is required. The secondary identification should have the applicant's photo, full name, date of birth and the date issued.
Secondary proof of identification may include a combination of documents, such as a Social Security card, credit card, employee identification or library card. Alone, these documents are not acceptable as proof of identification.
If secondary proof cannot be obtained, an identifying witness who is a U.S. citizen with valid identification who has known you for at least two years can complete form DS-71, an Affidavit of Identifying Witness, in the presence of the passport agent.
First-time passport applicants must apply in person. Passport agents have specific hours at designated post offices and many require appointments. A listing of passport agencies for your area can be found at the Department of State website at travel.state.gov/passport.
A passport for a minor requires the same documentation as adults, in addition to identification and proof of citizenship for the child's parents. At the time of publication, all certified birth certificates must include the full names of the minor's parents. Certificates missing this information will not be accepted as evidence of citizenship. If this requirement cannot be fulfilled, secondary evidence of citizenship will be required. If the minor was born abroad, a Report of Birth Abroad is required with both parents' names.
If both parents cannot be present to apply for the minor, the accompanying parent must have a notarized Statement of Consent form DS-3053 executed by the absent parent. If one parent has legal custody, the court order granting sole custody must be submitted. Other acceptable documents include a court order that permits travel with the sole parent, a judicial declaration of incompetency of the absent parent, or a death certificate of the absent parent. If none of these documents can be obtained, the parent who is present can explain the circumstances on the Statement of Consent form DS-3053. A third party is allowed to apply for a minor's passport in the parents' absence if they can produce a notarized statement from both parents or the child's legal guardian that gives authorization.
