Quick answer

When you apply in person, you also need a valid ID that shows who you are, usually a driver's license, plus a photocopy of the front and back. For a child's passport, each parent shows their own ID.

What counts

  • A valid driver's license or state ID card.
  • A U.S. passport book or passport card that isn't damaged.
  • A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
  • A U.S. military ID, or a federal, state or city government employee ID.

What doesn't

  • An expired or damaged ID, or a temporary paper license on its own.
  • A photocopy without the original.
  • Credit cards, Social Security cards or birth certificates. They aren't photo IDs.

The photocopy we need

The front and back of the ID, on standard 8.5 x 11 inch white paper, single-sided.

Common mistakes

  • An out-of-state license: it's accepted, but the passport agency may ask for a second ID. Bring another one if you have it.
  • A name that doesn't match your citizenship document. Include proof of the name change (see Name change documents).
  • A temporary license without the old card or another ID.

Official rules: State Department page on identification documents.