The primary requirement for obtaining an American passport is having U.S.citizenship. All applicants are required to provide proof of citizenship with their first request for a passport at the passport agency. Proof of citizenship includes birth certificates and naturalization certificates. Permanent residents and green card holders cannot obtain an American passport if they have not been naturalized.
Proof of identification, such as a driver's license, is required to apply for a first passport. Applicants can use their expired passports for subsequent passport renewal applications. First-time applicants must present a valid photo ID with a photocopy of the front and back, on standard 8 1/2 x 11 white computer paper.
Applicants for a passport must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All minors must apply for passports in person at the Passport Agency and provide a birth certificate as proof of citizenship. Minors under the age of 16 must have consent from both parents or legal guardians in the form of written authority that complies with the Two-Parent Consent law to obtain a passport.
All applicants must fill out the proper form, either in person or by mail, depending on the situation. All applicants requesting a passport for the first time must apply in person at the passport agency in their area. All forms must be filled out in black ink with legible handwriting; passport agencies reject all illegible applications. The U.S. Department of State provides the option to fill out forms online and print them out.
All applicants must provide two passport photos that conform to the passport agency's regulations. The photo must provide a front view of the face; profile view photographs are not accepted. The applicant's face must be clear and visible with no hair covering the face. Hats, glasses and other large accessories must be removed for passport photos. Most one-hour photo labs have cameras that conform to the agency's photo guidelines.
