PASSPORT APPLICATION CHECKLIST

1.

Fill Out the Application Form

The form you need to fill out is the DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport. It is to be used by first-time passport applicants and anyone under 16 years of age. View it online here:
- as a PDF
- as an online form filler
You’ll need Adobe Reader to view both versions of the Application, which you can download here if necessary.

Important: Do not sign the Application form until directed to do so by an acceptance agent, when you submit it.

2.

Provide Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

1. You’ll need a copy of a U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:

   • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth

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

   • Lists your parent(s)' full names

   • Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)

   • Has the registrar's signature

   • Has the seal of the issuing authority

2. Make a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of the U.S. citizenship evidence you’re providing.

   Photocopies must be:

   • Legible

   • On white 8.5”x11” standard paper

   • Black and white

   • Single sided

3.

Show Parental Relationship and Consent

1. You must submit documentation that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child applying for a passport.  
   
   The following may be used to show parental relationship:

   • U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)

   • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)

   • Foreign birth certificate

   • Adoption decree

   • Divorce/Custody decrees
     

2. You will also need to present an I.D., together with a photocopy of that I.D. according to the guidelines listed above (Section 2, number 2). You can find a list of accepted I.D.s here.
   
   

3. You need to show parental consent for the passport to be issued. The best way to do that is to have both parents or legal guardians to go with the child when the application is submitted. If that’s not possible, open our Parental Consent Guide and follow the directions that best fit your situation.

4.

Once you’ve completed the first four steps, you’re ready to apply for a P4Y Sponsorship!

Now it’s time to fill out the P4Y Sponsorship application here. This is where you let us know that you’re preparing to submit your Passport Application to your local Passport Acceptance Facility, and you want us to help! Some from the ACE Team will be in touch with you to coordinate getting your sponsorship to you via certified check.

Once your sponsorship arrives, it’s time to submit your completed application!

Find the Passport Acceptance Facility nearest you by using this search tool. Make sure you have the following with you when you go to apply:

1. Applicant’s completed DS-11 Passport Application form

2. Proof of applicant’s U.S. citizenship, plus a photocopy

3. Proof of parental/legal guardian relationship

4. Parent/legal guardian I.D., plus a photocopy

5. Proof of parental/legal guardian consent (either by both parents’ presence at the time of application, or meeting the requirements outlined in our Parental Consent Guide)

6. Applicant’s passport photo

7. Your certified checks from ACE Foundation, sponsoring your Application and Acceptance fees

…And that’s about it!

Your new passport will likely take 6-8 weeks to arrive, but you can track your application’s status online or by phone by following the directions here.