Both parents must be present in order for signatures to be witnessed. If both parents absolutely cannot come to the passport appointment, you can bring a form called the DS-3053, along with the DS-11.

• A DS-3053, along with a DS-11, is only required if both parents are not coming to the appointment. If both parents are coming, you only fill out the DS-11.
• The parent that will be absent during the appointment needs to get the DS-3053 notarized in order for the child’s passport application to be accepted.
• If you are bringing the DS-3053 form, you must also bring a copy of the front and back of the missing parent’s driver’s license or passport.
• If only one parent has full custody, then only that parent has to be present. However, you must provide legal proof (such as a court order) explaining custody. Each child would need a copy of this court order.
• If one parent is deceased, then you can submit a death certificate. Each child would need a copy of this certificate.

The DS-11 passport application.

A check or money order made payable to U.S. Department of State is required to pay the application fee for each applicant.

Visit the Department of State website to view current fees and determine each applicant’s fee using the fee calculator.

NO exceptions. The Department of State does not accept cash or credit/debit card payments for passports.

• You may bring your own photo, or have it taken during your appointment for $12.99. Please note that this photo fee should NOT be included in the check or money order made payable to the Department of State.
• If you bring your own photo, please make sure it is from a business that offers passport photos, such as CVS or Walgreens.
  • Passport photos must be taken with a white or off-white background, so we recommend that you not wear a white shirt for your photo.
  • If your child is a baby, we recommend bringing a white blanket for your baby’s photo. The baby can sit in a car seat or stroller with the white blanket behind them. You may also try holding your baby, but the white blanket must cover the parent’s hands and clothing to ensure they do not appear in the photo.
• If all you require is a photo, please do not book an appointment, as we can complete this service on a walk-in basis.

• This is a processing fee set forth by the Department of State, which is paid to the passport office you visit, regardless of the location.
• This fee should not be included on your check or money order to the Department of State.
• This fee must be paid online prior to your visit.

The original document must be mailed in with your passport application, and the Department of State will mail it back to you. You can bring one of the following:

• U.S. Birth Certificate (including parent(s)/guardian(s) name(s))
• Valid U.S. Passport (can be expired)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

Learn more about about citizenship evidence requirements.

Both Parent’s Form of Identification. You can bring one of the following:

• Both parents’ Driver’s Licenses
  • Temporary paper licenses are not usually recognized for passport purposes by the government. However, if you bring a temporary paper license along with the previously expired license, together they can usually serve as proof of identification.
• Both parents’ passports
• Both parent’s consular identification cards
• Both parent’s state issued or country issued identification cards