Documents Needed

• Applicants whose names differ between their proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of identification must provide proof of a legal name change, such as an original or certified copy of a marriage certificate or an original or certified copy of a court order showing the name change.
• Photo identification must match the applicant's current name, which should also be on the passport application.
• Note: Original or certified copies of supporting documents submitted with the application will be returned separately by USPS from the U.S. Department of State.

Abstract of Birth

• These are short-form versions of birth certificates that are typically ½ page documents and include minimal details.

Long-Form Birth Certificate

• Depending on the state, these are typically full-page documents that include full details of the parent(s) including their date(s) of birth and location(s) of birth.

Birth Certificates from Texas - All Long-Forms and Some Abstracts of Birth Are Acceptable

• Texas Abstracts of Birth with the letter “I” (for "Institution") shown after the File Date or File Number may be accepted.
• If your Texas Abstract of Birth does not include an "I", you will need to obtain a Long-Form Birth Certificate from the county in which you were born.

Birth Certificates from California - Long-Form Birth Certificates Only

• California Abstracts of Birth are not accepted by the U.S. Department of State.
• If you have a California Abstract of Birth, you will need to order a Long-Form Birth Certificate from the county in which you were born.

General Information:

• A birth certificate must be provided each time a parent/legal guardian is applying for a minor's passport, even if they hold a previously issued U.S. Passport.
• The minor must be present at the time of application.
• Valid photo identification is required for each parent listed on the minor's birth certificate.
  • A clear photocopy of the front and back of each parent's valid photo identification is also required.
• All parents listed on the birth certificate must be present at time of application and provide valid photo identification.
  • If a parent presents an out-of-state driver's license or identification card, a secondary form of identification, such as work ID, student ID, or Social Security Card, may also be required.

If one parent is unable to attend the appointment and both parents have custody:

• DS-3053 Statement of Consent Form
  • The parent who is unable to attend the appointment must complete a DS-3053, Statement of Consent, FOR EACH MINOR APPLICANT, and provide a clear photocopy of the front and back of their valid photo identification.  
    • The Statement of Consent must be notarized.
    • This documentation will be submitted with the minor's application.
    • The form must be completed in its entirety prior to notarization. Changes cannot legally be made once the form has been notarized. 
• DS-5525 Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances
  • If one parent is unable to come to the appointment and that parent is unable to complete a DS-3053, the parent who attends the appointment must complete a DS-5525, the Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances.

If one parent has sole legal custody or is the only parent/guardian:

• If one parent is deceased, the original or a certified copy of the Death Certificate must be provided.
• If there is an official court order granting sole custody of the minor to you or another party, the original/certified copy of the court order must be provided with the application.
  • Note: Original or certified copies of supporting documents submitted with the application will be returned separately by USPS from the U.S. Department of State.

• The applicant may present their own identification, if available. If the applicant does not have a primary photo ID (driver's license or state-issued ID card), they should provide two forms of secondary ID such as a student ID with photo, work ID with photo, or Social Security Card.
  • If the applicant's photo ID is a fully valid learner's permit, a second form of identification must be presented.
  • For more information about acceptable secondary forms of identification, please visit the U.S. Department of State's website.
• The applicant must also demonstrate that at least one parent or legal guardian is aware that the applicant is applying by one of the following methods:
  • Parent applies with the applicant: One parent appears with the applicant, signs the application, presents an acceptable photo ID, and submits a clear photocopy of the photo ID with the application.
  • Parent signs a note: The applicant submits a signed statement from a parent or legal guardian, along with a clear photocopy of that parent or guardian's photo ID.
  • Parent is listed as an emergency contact: The applicant lists a parent or legal guardian in the emergency contact section of the application. 
  • Parent pays the fees: The applicant submits a check in the name of a parent or legal guardian.