# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Obtain a United States Passport in Washington, DC

The United States Department of State has passport agencies all over the country, including Washington, D.C. If you want to obtain a United States passport, you must be a U.S. citizen and will need to prove citizenship by providing some required documents, including your Social Security card. Any U.S. citizen can apply for a U.S. passport in person at the Passport Agency in Washington D.C.

Proof of U.S. citizenship
Valid photo identification
Social Security number
Photocopies of documents
Two passport photos

Instructions

- 1
  Use the Internet and check the list of required documents for your passport situation on the Department of State's website before going to the Passport Agency. Depending on the last time you had a passport, if ever, and its current state, you may be required to bring different proof of citizenship. You are required to apply in person if you are under 16, a first-time applicant, have lost or damaged your previous passport or have not had a valid passport for 15 years or more.
- 2
  Photocopy all of your documents, including your proof of citizenship and photo ID. Photocopies must include the front and back of your identification on one side of a white, 8 1/2-by-11-inch standard sheet of paper.
- 3
  Get two standard passport photos taken before going to the Passport Agency. Many local photo labs use standard cameras that conform to the Passport Agency's photo regulations, so check in your area to see what is available. Some passport acceptance facilities and agencies also offer passport photo services for a fee.
- 4
  Go to the U.S. Passport Agency in Washington D.C., and select the appropriate forms for your passport request. You can download the applications in advance at the Department of State's website. Read the forms completely before filling them out.
- 5
  Use a black-ink pen and legible handwriting to fill out the application form, but do not sign it. The Passport Agency rejects illegible passport applications. Wait for an Acceptance Agent to instruct you to sign the application.
- 6
  Provide proof of citizenship, which includes birth certificates, naturalization certificates and previously issued undamaged passports. The original documents will be returned to you, but it is a good idea to keep a photocopy in case you need the information during the waiting period.
- 7
  Submit your proof of identification with a photocopy. If you are using an out-of-state identification, you will need to provide a second form of identification.
- 8
  Submit your color, 2-by-2-inch passport photos that show your full face from a front view. Your photos should be taken within six months of your application. Do not attach your photos to the application.
- 9
  Pay the application fee that applies to your passport request. Consult a list of application fees and payment methods at the Department of State's website, the Passport Agency or a passport acceptance facility.