Acceptable identification for applying for a U.S. passport includes a previously issued and undamaged passport, naturalization certificate, valid driver's license or valid government or military ID. When applying for a passport, you must also present a photocopy of the ID document. The photocopy must show the front and back of the document and be on 8 1/2 by 11 inch piece of paper with images on one side of the paper only. For those unable to provide any form of identification listed above, the Department of State advises to "submit as much secondary identification as possible." A combination such as a Social Security card, credit card, employee ID and library card may be acceptable in place of a primary form of ID. These documents, however, are not acceptable when presented alone.
Proof of U.S. citizenship is required when applying for a passport. Primary sources of evidence of citizenship include previously issued and undamaged passports; birth certificates that include the registrar's embossed, impressed or multicolored seal, signature and date of filing; naturalization certificates; and certificates of citizenship.
Two photos meeting the passport photo requirements must be presented when applying for a U.S. passport. To meet the requirements, the photos must be identical, in color, be 2 inches by 2 inches in measurement, printed on thin photo paper, taken within the last six months, show full face and be taken in front of a white or off-white background. The face in the image must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. When dressing to have your passport photo taken, wear normal street attire. Hats and headgear that obscure the view of your hairline are prohibited. Sunglasses or tinted glasses that are nonprescription are also prohibited.
