Bring a completed application when you apply for your passport. By completing the application before you apply, you help speed the application process. You can download the application from the U.S. Department of State's website or pick up an application from a county clerk's office or post office. Fill out the application completely, but do not sign your application. Your application must be signed in the presence of a passport acceptance facility agent who has verified your identity and instructed you to sign.
Bring proof of your American citizenship. These items include a certified birth certificate, original naturalization certificate or original certificate of citizenship. Birth certificates must be certified, which means the document will feature a raised, embossed or impressed seal. You must submit an original, as photocopies will not be accepted. Your documentation will be returned via mail with your passport.
You will also need to bring valid, government-issued identification. Your I.D. must be presented to the passport acceptance facility agent, who will make a photocopy of your identification. A driver's license, naturalization certificate, old passport, military identification or government identification are acceptable forms of identification to supplement your passport application.
Bring two color photographs that offer a clear and centered view of your head. The identical photographs must be 2 inches by 2 inches. Review the Department of State's passport photo regulations to ensure they conform to the guidelines. You can have your passport photographs taken by a professional or you can take them yourself.
Bring an acceptable form of payment to pay the passport application fee. As of 2009, the passport application fee was $75 and the execution fee for the facility's services was $25. Methods of payment for these fees may vary depending on the facility. Money orders and personal checks are acceptable for the passport application fee. Some facilities may also accept cash. For the execution fee, money orders are acceptable at all locations. Cash, credit cards and personal checks may or may not be accepted at your local facility. Call the facility before you apply to make sure you bring an acceptable form of payment.
