How to Submit Your Proof of Identity

A valid proof of identity is one of the key pieces of documentation to deliver with your DS-11 form or DS-64 in connection with a new application for a U.S. passport. The document you submit must be an approved form of ID and must allow the acceptance agent to identify you without issue. The U.S. Department of State requires applicants to provide one example of the following:

  • An in-state fully valid driver’s license

  • An in-state fully valid non-driver ID

  • An undamaged U.S. passport issued more than 15 years ago

  • A Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship

  • A valid form of U.S. Military ID or Military Dependent ID

  • A valid foreign passport

  • A Matricular Consular (Mexican Consular Identification, commonly used by parents of U.S. citizen child applicants)

Please be aware:

  • If you are presenting an out-of-state ID, you will need an additional form of ID to corroborate the document

You must also bring a photocopy of the identifying document

You must also include a photocopy of the front and back of each form of ID you present during your application.

Photocopy Requirements:

  • Must be on white 8.5” x 11” sized standard paper

  • Must not be double-sided

  • The image size may be enlarged but it MUST NOT be decreased

Children Under 16

If you are preparing a DS-11 form for a minor under the age of 16 you will be required to submit documents that list the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child applying.

You may use the following to indicate your parental relationship:

  • A U.S. Birth Certificate (May also be used as evidence of  U.S. citizenship)

  • A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (May also be used as evidence of U.S. citizenship)

  • A Foreign Birth Certificate

  • An Adoption Decree

  • A  Divorce/Custody Decree 

Be Aware: Some documents such as U.S. birth certificates can be used to indicate both U.S. citizenship and parental relationship. These must be original or certified copies and NOT photocopies.

In addition, to the evidence of parental relationship, parents/guardians must also present one of the following identifying documents to an acceptance agent:

  • An in-state fully valid driver’s license

  • An undamaged U.S. passport issued more than 15 years ago

  • An in-state fully valid non-driver ID

  • A certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship

  • A valid form of U.S. Military ID or military dependent ID

  • A Matricular Consular (Mexican Consular Identification, commonly used by parents of U.S. citizen child applicants)

  • A valid foreign passport

Please be aware:

  • If you are presenting an out-of-state ID, you will need an additional form of ID to corroborate the document

You will also be required to bring a photocopy of the identifying document

You must include a photocopy of the front and back of each form of ID you present during your application.

Photocopy Requirements:

  • Must be on white 8.5” x 11” sized standard paper

  • Must not be double-sided

  • The image size may be enlarged but it MUST NOT be decreased

Children aged 16 and under

Applicants aged 16-17 with their own ID may apply for a passport independently. However, it is strongly recommended to attend with one parent/guardian present to indicate parental awareness.

Parental Awareness Examples:

  • A signed statement from at least one parent/guardian acknowledging consent of the issuing of your passport (this should also be accompanied by a photocopy of that parent’s ID)

  • A parent/guardian appearing with you in person during your passport application

If you do not have any current ID then you must show that at least one of your parents/guardians know that you are applying for a passport via a form of parental awareness as indicated above.

Your attending or acknowledging parent/guardian must also present one of the following forms of ID to the acceptance agent: 

  • A valid foreign passport

  • A certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship

  • An in-state fully valid driver’s license

  • An in-state fully valid non-driver ID

  • An undamaged U.S. passport issued more than 15 years ago

  • A valid form of U.S. Military ID or military dependent ID

  • A Matricular Consular (Mexican Consular Identification, commonly used by parents of U.S. citizen child applicants)

Please be aware:

  • If your parent/guardian is presenting an out-of-state ID, they will need an additional form of ID to corroborate the document

Your parent/guardian must also provide a photocopy of their identifying document

Your acknowledging parent/guardian must also include a photocopy of the front and back of each form of ID they present during your application.

Photocopy Requirements:

  • Must be on white 8.5” x 11” sized standard paper

  • Must not be double-sided

  • The image size may be enlarged but it MUST NOT be decreased

Gender Transitioning Applicants

If you have had or are in the process of having clinical treatment to transition gender, you will need to provide additional supporting documents in addition to the normally required papers, including:

  • ID that reflects your current appearance

  • A passport photo that resembles your current appearance

  • Proof of a legal name change (if applicable)

  • A statement from your physician that validates whether or not you have completed or are in the process of clinical treatment for a gender transition

Physician’s Statement

A physician’s statement for a gender transitioning applicant must be a signed original document written on paper with an office letterhead and must include:

  • The physician’s full name

  • Your physician’s address and telephone number

  • Their medical license or certificate number

  • Language that clearly indicates that he/she is your attending physician and that he/she has a doctor-patient relationship with you

  • A clear indication that you have started, are in the process of or have completed appropriate clinical treatment to transition to a new gender (male or female) 

  • The issuing state or other jurisdiction of their medical license/certificate

  • The following statement: “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the foregoing is true and correct.”

  • A dated signature 

Descriptions of the specific treatments you have undergone do not need to be included. Nevertheless, this certification of gender transition must be from a licensed physician who has:

  • Treated the applicant regarding their change of gender

  • Evaluated their medical history

  • Utilized their professional judgment to assess the applicant’s treatment needs

The physician’s statement must be made in accordance with the recommendations and standards of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), which has been recognized as the authority in this field by the American Medical Association (AMA).