# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

Obtaining a Dutch Passport

If you are a citizen of the Netherlands, you can obtain a Dutch passport. If you're not a Dutch citizen, you can apply for citizenship if you meet certain conditions based on birth, marriage and length of stay, and if you can produce documentation like a valid foreign passport, birth certificate, Dutch residence permit and proof that you have assimilated into Dutch society. Once you receive Dutch citizenship, you will no longer be a foreign national and must give up your current nationality in order to vote and to obtain a passport.

Legalized birth certificate issued within last 12 months
Proof of legal residency in the United States
Two passport photographs taken within last 3 months
Passport application form
Applicable fees

Instructions

- 1
  Determine if you're eligible for Dutch citizenship and a Dutch passport (see Resources).
- 2
  Contact the nearest Dutch consulate to discuss your circumstances and exact requirements if you're over 18 years of age and this is your first application for a Dutch passport.
- 3
  Produce additional documentation for both parents if you're applying for a passport for a child under 16 years of age. Check with the nearest Dutch consulate.
- 4
  Download the passport application form (see Resources).
- 5
  Arrange for two photographs only after carefully checking technical requirements. Because requirements were tightened in 2006, they have been harder to meet and can cause your application to be rejected (see Resources).
- 6
  Check the current exchange rate and arrange for the appropriate fees (see Resources).
- 7
  Schedule an appointment to submit your passport application in person at the nearest Dutch consulate.