Prior to your Appointment

• Applicants whose names differ between their proof of citizenship and proof of identification will also need to show proof of legal name change, such as original marriage certificate or original court order showing the name change.
• Photo identification must match the current name, which should also be on the passport application.
• Originals will be submitted with application and returned to you via USPS by the U.S. Department of State. (Sent separate from your new passport)

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

• Abstracts of birth with the letter "I", for "Institution", located after the Date Filed or the File Number may be accepted
• If you have a Texas Abstract of Birth with no "I", you will need to order a Long-Form Birth Certificate from the county in which you were born

Birth Certificates from California - Long-Form Birth Certificates Only

• 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

• A birth certificate must be provided each time a minor is applying for a 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 who is listed on the birth certificate of the minor.
  • A photocopy of the front and back of parents' valid identification is required.
• Any parent listed on the birth certificate must be present at time of application (with valid proof of identification for each parent).
  • If out of state license, a secondary form of identification such as work, or student identification card or Social Security Card must be provided.
  • If one parent is unable to come to the appointment, the parent who is unable to come to the appointment must complete a DS-3053, the Statement of Consent, PER MINOR, and submit a color photocopy of the front and back of valid identification.  
    • The Statement of Consent must be notarized.
    • This documentation will be submitted with the minor's application.
    • Documents must be completed in their entirety before notarization. Edits cannot legally be made once the form has been notarized. 
  • 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 is deceased, the original Certificate of Death must be provided.
    • Original will be submitted with application and returned to you via USPS by the U.S. Department of State.
  • If there is an official court order granting custody of the minor to another party, the original court order must be provided.
    • Originals will be submitted with application and returned to you via USPS by the U.S. Department of State.  

• If the applicant does not have a form of primary identification (Driver's License or State ID), the applicant should provide two of the following: student ID with photo, work ID with photo, Social Security Card
• The applicant should provide a color photocopy of the back and front of at least one parent's valid identification