Proof of U.S. Citizenship

In order to apply for your first passport with form DS-11 or reporting lost or stolen passport (DS-64) in connection with an application for a new U.S. passport, you must provide the U.S. Department of State with proof of your U.S. citizenship. To provide the department with the evidence it requires you must submit an original copy of one of the following documents:

  • A U.S. birth certificate meeting the following requirements:

    • Issued by the city, country, and state of birth

    • The date of registration must be filed with the registrar’s office (within one year of your birth)

    • Features the registrar’s signature

    • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth

    • Includes your parent(s) full names

    • Has the seal of the issuing authority

  • A Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Birth

  • A Certificate of Naturalization

  • A Certificate of Citizenship

  • An undamaged U.S. Passport which was registered more than 15 years ago

Remember: You must only submit original copies. Photocopies and notarized copies will not be accepted.

Children Under 16 and under

If you are applying for a passport for a person under 16 you must submit an original example of one of the following documents confirming the child’s U.S. citizenship:

  • A U.S. birth certificate meeting the following requirements:

    • Issued by the city, country, and state of birth

    • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth

    • Includes the parent(s) full names

    • The date of registration must be filed with the registrar’s office (within one year of your birth)

    • Features the registrar’s signature

    • Has the seal of the issuing authority

  • A Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Birth

  • A Certificate of Citizenship

  • An undamaged, valid or expired U.S. Passport

Remember: You must only submit original copies. Photocopies and notarized copies will not be accepted.