Passport requirements
Identification & supplemental ID
A DS-11 application needs one primary photo ID plus a photocopy. If your ID is new, out of state, or damaged, the acceptance agent will also ask for supplemental identification or an identifying witness.
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Key takeaways
- A DS-11 application needs one primary photo ID plus a photocopy of the front and back.
- New, out-of-state, temporary, or damaged ID usually triggers a request for supplemental identification.
- Bring several supplemental documents — agents look for a consistent name and address history.
- With no acceptable ID, an identifying witness signs Form DS-71 in front of the agent.
- Mail renewals on Form DS-82 do not require photo ID at all.
Primary identification (bring one)
- Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or card
- In-state, fully valid driver's license or state-issued enhanced driver's license
- Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
- Valid U.S. military or military dependent ID
- Current government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
- Valid foreign passport with a U.S. visa
- Matricula Consular used by a U.S. citizen parent applying for a child
- Trusted traveler ID such as Global Entry, when issued with a photo
Photocopy rules for your ID
- Plain white 8.5x11 inch paper — no card stock or colored paper.
- Single-sided copies, black and white only.
- Actual size — do not shrink, enlarge, or crop the ID.
- Copy the front and the back, each clearly legible.
When supplemental ID is required
- Your driver's license was issued less than six months ago.
- You are applying outside the state that issued your ID.
- Your ID is damaged, temporary, or paper-only.
- Your appearance has changed substantially since the photo was taken.
Supplemental identification that helps
- Social Security card
- Credit, debit, or employee ID card with your name
- Library card, student ID, or union card
- Voter registration card or vehicle registration
- Recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease with your name and address
- Expired driver's license or a second government ID
- Employment badge or professional license
Bring several. Agents look for a consistent name, photo, and address history across documents rather than one perfect item.
Identifying witness (Form DS-71)
With no acceptable ID at all, an identifying witness can vouch for you in person. Here is how it works:
1. Find a witness who has known you 2+ years
The witness can be a friend, coworker, or relative — anyone with personal knowledge of your identity for at least two years.
2. The witness brings their own valid ID
They must present their own acceptable primary identification and a photocopy at the appointment.
3. Form DS-71 is signed in front of the agent
The witness completes and signs the Affidavit of Identifying Witness (DS-71) under oath at the acceptance facility — never in advance.
4. You still bring supplemental documents
A witness does not replace your own evidence. Bring as many supplemental items from the list above as you can.
Name changes
If your ID name differs from your citizenship document, bring the certified legal document that connects them — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Name change and corrections guideForms you will need
- DS-11First-time passport (DS-11)The in-person application used for first passports, all children under 16, and anyone who cannot renew by mail.Read the guide
- DS-64Lost or stolen (DS-64)Reports a missing passport so it is invalidated and cannot be used by anyone else.Read the guide
- DS-82Renewal by mail (DS-82)The mail-in renewal for adults whose most recent passport is undamaged, in their possession, and was issued when they were 16 or older.Read the guide