If you are applying for a new passport for the first time, you must provide proof of identification.
A valid driver's license with a photograph issued more than 6 months ago from any state is required. If you do not have a valid driver's license, you must submit at least five of the following forms of identification, all of which must be dated back at least five years or more.
Please send copies of several documents to establish your identity.
Here is a suggested list of documents that have been helpful in previous passport applications. You may also send copies of any personal documents not listed here, as they will be considered. Expired identification cards or licenses will also be considered.
DO NOT INCLUDE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
Preferred photocopies of the following documents (especially those with photos and signatures):
- Work identification card
- Government identification card (federal, state, municipal)
- Student identification card (school or college)
- School yearbook picture with school name and year of issue
- Driver's License (expired/valid)
- Military discharge (DD-214)
- Selective Service Registration card and/or Classification
- Official Military Identification
- Union membership card
- Professional License (pilot, nurse, beautician, x-ray technician)
- Medicare card
- Welfare card
- Marriage certificate and/or license
- Divorce decree
- Grammar school diploma and/or transcript
- High school diploma and/or transcript
- College diploma and/or transcript
- Technical/Trade school diploma and/or transcript
- Credit Cards
- Insurance papers
- Expired passport
- Baptismal certificate
- Voter registration card
- Vehicle registration and/or title
- Income tax records
- W-2 forms (Statement of Earnings)
- Hunting/Fishing license
- Mortgage/Loan contracts
- Library cards
- Medical/Hospital records
NOTE: Affidavit of Identifying witness (Form DSP-71) is also acceptable. The witness must be a citizen or permanent resident of the US and must be able to present acceptable identification. They must also certify that they have known the applicant for at least two years. The witness must be present with the applicant and complete and execute an affidavit before the same agent who executes the application.
* Personal discussion with the applicant may be acceptable, especially for elderly applicants.