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1) Citizenship & Identity Evidence

U.S. passport applications must prove both U.S. citizenship and identity. The documents you supply depend on whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing by mail, or replacing a lost passport.

• Proof of U.S. citizenship: original long-form U.S. birth certificate with parent(s) names, naturalization certificate, or U.S. consular report of birth abroad (CRBA).
• Primary ID: current valid driver’s license, state ID, or government/military ID (original or certified copy).
• Secondary ID: if primary ID is unavailable, use other photo IDs plus supporting documents; the agent will advise.
• Photocopies: include a clear, single-sided photocopy of the front and back of ID documents on plain white paper.

2) Which Forms to Use (DS-11, DS-82, DS-64, DS-3053)

Use the correct form — the Department of State has strict rules.

• DS-11 — For first-time applicants, anyone who cannot use DS-82 (apply in person at an acceptance facility).
• DS-82 — For eligible renewals by mail (previous passport undamaged, issued within last 15 years, when applicant was 16+).
• DS-64 — To report a lost or stolen passport (file as soon as you know)
• DS-3053 — Parental consent form for a child when one parent cannot appear.

3) Passport Photos — U.S. Standards

Passport photo errors are a common rejection cause. Use a compliant photo service or follow the State Department rules exactly for size, background, and appearance.

• Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
• Head height: between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from chin to crown.
• Background: plain white or off-white; no patterns, shadows, or props.
• Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, facing camera directly.
• Head coverings: allowed only for religious reasons — submit a brief statement if used.
• Glasses: not permitted in new passport photos unless medically necessary — include a signed statement.

4) Adult First-Time (Applying with DS-11) — Checklist

First-time adult applicants (or those who must appear in person) should prepare originals and submit them at an authorized acceptance facility.

5) Adult Renewal — DS-82 by Mail

If eligible, renew by mail using form DS-82 to save time. Typical eligibility: your most recent passport was issued when you were 16 or older, it’s undamaged, and issued within the last 15 years.

• Your most recent U.S. passport (submit it with the application)
• Completed DS-82 (print and sign)
• One passport photo (2x2)
• Payment for the passport book/card and mailing

6) Child Passport (Under 16) — Parental Requirements

Children under 16 must appear in person with both parents or guardians (or present evidence of sole legal custody). Consent rules are strict.

7) Name Changes — What to Send

If your name has changed since your last passport, submit legal evidence: marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree showing the name change. For renewals by mail include the document with DS-82.

• Certified marriage certificate or civil union document
• Court order or deed poll for other name changes
• Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for these proofs

8) Lost, Stolen, Damaged — Replacement Steps

Report lost/stolen passports promptly. Use DS-64 to report the loss, and then either DS-11 (if you cannot use DS-82) or DS-82 if eligible.

• File DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport).
• If abroad, report to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate; you can get an emergency limited-validity passport to return home.
• Police reports are recommended when theft occurs abroad — they help with consular processing.

9) Applying from Outside the United States

U.S. embassies and consulates provide passport services for citizens abroad. Procedures are similar but may require an in-person consular appointment and different fee/payment methods.

• Book an appointment with the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate.
• Bring original documents (citizenship, ID), photos meeting U.S. standards, and photocopies.
• For emergencies you may receive a one-time limited-validity passport to return to the U.S., then apply for full validity after return.

10) Naturalized Citizens & Dual Nationals

Naturalized citizens must present their Certificate of Naturalization (original) as proof of U.S. citizenship. Dual nationals should travel on their U.S. passport when entering or leaving the United States.

• Naturalized citizens: bring the naturalization certificate (original) for DS-11 applications.
• Dual nationals: carry visa/entry documents for other countries when required, but use U.S. passport for U.S. entry/exit.

11) Document Do’s & Don’ts

• Do: Use original citizenship documents (long-form birth certificate or naturalization certificate).
• Do: Include single-sided photocopies of ID documents on white paper.
• Do: Sign DS-11 only in front of the acceptance agent.
• Don’t: Send certified copies of IDs unless the form specifically asks for them — originals are usually needed.
• Don’t: Use edited or filtered photos.
• Don’t: Forget to check the current fee schedule before mailing payment.
• Don’t: Staple documents together — use clips or separate envelopes as instructed.

12) Quick Matrix — Which Documents Fit Your Case?

13) Digital Hygiene & File Prep

Organize a folder named US-Passport-Docs with subfolders for Citizenship, ID, Photos, Forms, and Changes. Scan originals in color at 300 DPI, label files clearly, and keep backups.

• File names: BirthCert_Full.pdf, Naturalization_JohnDoe.pdf, MarriageCert_2024.pdf.
• Combine multi-page documents into a single PDF where helpful (bank statements, custody orders).
• Open scanned files at 125% to catch blur, shadows, or cut edges.

Useful Sources

• U.S. Passports — U.S. Department of State
• Passport Photo Requirements — U.S. Department of State

15) Pre-Submission Checklist — Avoid Common Delays

1. I’ve chosen the correct form (DS-11, DS-82, etc.) and read the State Department instructions.
2. My citizenship and identity proofs are original and match the application.
3. My photo meets U.S. specifications (2x2 inches, plain background).
4. I included signed consent for minors (both parents or DS-3053 where applicable).
5. I’ve prepared required photocopies and payment for fees.
6. If applying from abroad, I checked embassy appointments and local guidance.
7. All files are scanned at 300 DPI, clearly named, and backed up.

Documents – Quick FAQs