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Identification Requirements

Accepted forms of identification for U.S. passport applications.

Key Requirements

  1. Present your primary form of identification that was issued at least six months before the date of your passport application.
  2. If the name on your identification does not match the name on your application, you must provide legal documentation of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
  3. If your identification was issued less than six months ago, you may be required to submit multiple forms of identification to verify your identity.
  4. Long-form birth certificates can be ordered directly from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

Primary Forms of Identification

  • Previous U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card
  • Naturalization Certificate
  • Driver's License (must be older than six months)
  • Government-Issued ID: City, State, or Federal

Alternative Identification Documents

If you cannot provide a primary form of identification, you may submit a combination of the following alternative documents:

  • Employment ID, Student ID, or Military ID
  • Expired passport
  • Health insurance card
  • Professional license
  • Tax documents or bank statements
  • Marriage or divorce certificates
  • Birth certificate with a parent listed on the document
  • School yearbook photograph

Please note: There is no guarantee that the U.S. Department of State will accept alternative identification documents. Submitting primary identification is always recommended when possible.