New passports
If you are applying for a passport or passport card for the first time you must apply in person at one of 9000 passport acceptance facilities [make link to www.travel.state.gov/passport ] .
You also need to apply in person if:
- Your previous passport was lost, stolen or damaged.
- Your passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago.
- Your passport has expired and it was issued when you were younger than 16.
- Your name has changed since your passport was issued and you do not have a legal document formally verifying your name change.
First time passport applicants can download the application for DS-11 at the Department of State website [link: travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html]. Do not sign the application until you are in the presence of a passport official.
You will also need one of the following proof of U.S. Citizenship documents:
- A certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state. This document will have a raised, embossed, impressed or multicolor seal. Photocopies are not accepted.
- Naturalization certificate
- Certificate of Citizenship
If you do not have a U.S. passport or a birth certificate:
People who do not have a U.S. passport or birth certificate need a Letter of No Record -- a document issued by the state that declares there is no birth certificate on file for you. A Letter of No Record must include your name, date of birth and the years searched for a birth record.
In addition to a Letter of No Record, you should bring as many of the following documents as possible:
- Hospital birth certificate
- Baptismal certificate
- Census record
- Early school record
- Family bible record
- Doctor's record of post-natal care
These documents must show the show the date and place of birth.
If you were born abroad and do NOT have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad
If you were born abroad and do not have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad on file, you will need:
If you have one parent who is a U.S. citizen:
Foreign birth certificate
- Your American parent's proof of citizenship
- An affidavit of your American parent showing all periods and places of residence in the United States and abroad prior to your birth.
If you were born abroad to two parents who are U.S. citizens you will need:
- Your foreign birth certificate
- Parents' marriage certificate and an affidavit of your American parent showing all periods and places of residence in the United States and abroad prior to your birth.