Are you gearing up for your passport but wondering what to bring to a passport appointment? The answer depends on various factors, such as the type of passport you’re applying for and your specific circumstances. We’ll help by breaking down the essentials for different passport scenarios.
What to Bring to a New Passport Appointment
If you’re applying for a brand-new passport, use the DS-11 application. Here’s what you need to bring to your appointment:
- Passport Application Form: Complete the DS-11 application form provided by the U.S. Department of State,
- Proof of Citizenship: You’ll typically need to provide a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport as proof of citizenship.
- Proof of Identity: Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or national ID card.
- Passport Photos: Ensure you have recent passport-sized photos that meet the specific criteria outlined here.
- Payment: Be ready to pay the passport application fee, and check the acceptable payment methods for your appointment location.
What to Bring to a Child Passport Appointment
For a child’s passport application in the United States, use the DS-11 form. When applying for a passport for a child, the requirements include the following:
- Child’s Birth Certificate: You’ll need the child’s birth certificate to prove their citizenship.
- Parental Consent: Both parents or legal guardians must provide written consent for the child’s passport application.
- Proof of Relationship: In cases where the child’s last name differs from the parent’s, you may need to provide proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate.
- Proof of Identity for Parents/Guardians: Parents or guardians must show government-issued photo IDs.
- Passport Photos: Ensure you have recent passport-sized photos.
- Payment: Be ready to pay the child’s passport application fee and verify the acceptable payment methods for your appointment location.
To learn more about applying for a child’s passport, read our blog, How to: Child Passport Application.
What to Bring if Your Passport Has Been Lost or Stolen
For lost or stolen passports in the United States, you generally need to use the DS-64 Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport form and the DS-11 form for a new passport application. Because the DS-64 is used to report the loss or theft of your passport, it should be submitted along with your DS-11 application at a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility. For more insight on how to deal with passport mishaps, read Damaged, Lost or Stolen Passport? Here’s what to do.
If your passport has been lost or stolen, follow these steps:
- Police Report: If your passport was stolen, file a police report and bring a copy to your appointment. This is sometimes optional paperwork, but it is recommended. Why? Because A police report is official documentation that your passport was lost or stolen. This can be helpful in case someone attempts to misuse your passport for identity theft or fraudulent activities.
- Identification: Bring any available identification documents, such as a driver’s license.
- Proof of Citizenship: Provide proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or previous passport, if available.
- Passport Photos: Bring new passport photos that meet the State Department’s requirements.
- Payment: Be ready to pay the passport replacement fee using the acceptable payment methods.
What Do You Need for a Passport Renewal?
When renewing your passport, use the DS-82 form. You’ll typically require the following:
- Previous Passport: Provide your old/expiring passport as proof of your existing passport.
- Passport Application Form: Complete the DS-82 renewal application form provided on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
- Passport Photos: Ensure you have recent passport-sized photos that meet the specific criteria outlined by the State Department.
- Payment: Be ready to pay the passport renewal fee using the acceptable payment methods.
What Do You Need for a Passport Name Change Appointment?
When changing your name on your passport, the application form you need depends on your specific circumstances. If you’ve had your passport for less than a year and want to change your name, you should generally use the DS-5504 application form instead of the DS-11 or DS-82 forms. The DS-5504 form is designed explicitly for name changes within a year of the passport’s issuance and doesn’t require the payment of additional fees.
If you’re changing your name on your passport due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, you’ll need:
- Marriage Certificate or Divorce Decree: Bring the relevant documentation to prove the name change.
- Previous Passport: Your old passport will prove your existing passport.
- Passport Application Form: Complete the appropriate form according to the abovementioned circumstances.
- Passport Photos: Ensure you have recent passport-sized photos.
- Payment: Be ready to pay the passport name change fee using the acceptable payment methods.
The Passport Office is Here to Help
The Passport Office is your trusted partner for obtaining your passport quickly and efficiently. With over 20 years of experience and significant industry connections, we can expedite your passport application to ensure you get your new passport as soon as possible.
How Does It Work?
The Passport Office has access to expedited processing slots provided by the State Department. Our experienced team of couriers can facilitate the process and ensure your application moves swiftly through the system. While expedited services may cost more than applying directly through the State Department, our convenience and speed are invaluable.
Our offices are strategically located within 10 minutes of the nearest passport acceptance facility, making identity verification a breeze.
Benefits of Working with The Passport Office
Choosing The Passport Office for your passport needs comes with numerous advantages:
- Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff: Our team knows and understands passport requirements and regulations, and we are also fluent in Spanish to cater to a diverse clientele.
- Trusted in the Industry: With our extensive experience, we have earned the trust of countless clients who rely on us for their passport needs.
- Swift Turnaround: The Passport Office offers a 3-5 day turnaround for our fastest service, ensuring you receive your passport promptly.
- Convenient Locations: We have offices in Tampa, Miami, Clearwater, Hollywood, Orlando, and Atlanta, making it easy for you to access our services.
So, please contact us if you have any questions about the passport application process or need assistance. We are here to make your passport journey a smooth and efficient one.
How to Book an Appointment with The Passport Office
Booking an appointment with The Passport Office is easy. We also offer multiple options, including phone calls, walk-ins, and online appointments. Simply choose the method that suits you best, and our team will guide you through the process, ensuring your passport application is expedited with care and efficiency.
In summary, preparing for your passport appointment involves gathering the necessary documents and ensuring they meet the specific requirements for your passport type. Partnering with a trusted passport expediter like The Passport Office can streamline the process, providing peace of mind and a faster passport turnaround time. So, Don’t delay—book your passport appointment today.
