Do you need an original birth certificate for a passport?
Asked by: Prof. Nico Pfannerstill | Last update: May 14, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (36 votes)
Yes, you need the original or a certified copy of your birth certificate, not a photocopy, as proof of U.S. citizenship for a passport application, which must have the state's official seal and list your parents' names; it will be returned to you after processing.
What three original documents are required for a passport?
For a U.S. passport application, you need three types of original documents: Proof of U.S. Citizenship (like a birth certificate), an Acceptable Photo ID (like a driver's license), and you'll provide Photocopies of both the front and back of your ID and citizenship proof, plus a passport photo and a completed DS-11 form, submitting them in person.
What documents do I need for a US passport?
To get a U.S. passport, you need a completed (but unsigned) DS-11 form, original proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate or naturalization certificate) plus a photocopy, a valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license) plus a photocopy of the front and back, a passport photo, and applicable fees. You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility (post office, library, etc.) and sign the form there.
Do we need to bring original documents for a passport?
Applicants are required to furnish original documents along with one set of self-attested photocopies of the same at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for processing.
Does the USPS need an original birth certificate for a passport?
Yes, the U.S. Department of State requires you to submit your original or a certified copy of your birth certificate, along with a photocopy, to the USPS when applying for your first passport or replacing a lost/damaged one; the original is returned later, usually after your passport arrives. The certificate must have the issuing state's seal, your full name, date/place of birth, and parent(s)' full names, with a filing date within one year of birth.
Do You Need A Birth Certificate To Get A Passport? - CountyOffice.org
Do I have to give my original birth certificate for a passport?
Original Birth Certificate (if born in the United States); or Old (undamaged) passport; or Original Certificate of Citizenship or FS-240, DS-1350 ( if born outside the US ); or Original Certificate of Naturalization issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Office.
Which documents are needed when applying for a passport?
To apply for a U.S. passport, you need the DS-11 form (unsigned), proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate or old passport), a valid photo ID (like a driver's license) with a photocopy of the front and back, a passport photo, and fees, all submitted in person at an acceptance facility. You must bring originals for verification and copies for submission, and you'll sign the DS-11 form at your appointment.
What are the supporting documents needed for a passport?
To get a U.S. passport, you need an unsigned DS-11 form, proof of U.S. citizenship (like an original birth certificate or naturalization certificate), a valid photo ID (like a driver's license), a passport photo, and photocopies of your citizenship proof and ID, plus fees, and you must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility.
What are the documents required to get a new passport?
What are the documents required to be submitted along with the completed application ? Original Birth Certificate of the applicant with a photocopy. Original National Identity Card of the applicant with a photocopy. *If you already have a valid passport it should be submitted along with the application.
What documents does the passport office want?
Preparing for your application
- A birth or adoption certificate, or a naturalisation certificate.
- Parents' passport details (if applicable)
- Date of parents' marriage (if applicable)
- Grandparents' documents (if applicable)
Do I need original documents for my passport?
Your evidence of U.S. citizenship must have the original, official seal or stamp of the government office which issued it.
Which one documents are required for a passport?
Applying for New or Renewal of Machine Readable Passport
- Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC); or.
- National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP);or.
- Smart National ID Card.
- Computerized Child Registration Certificate (CRC/Form B) for under 18 years applicants only; and.
What requirements do I need for a passport?
Accomplished Application Form; Original and photocopy of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) issued Certificate of Live Birth; Married Females (who are using their spouse's last name) must also present Original and submit photocopy of PSA-issued Certificate of Marriage on Security Paper or Report of Marriage.
What documents are necessary to get a U.S. passport?
To get a U.S. passport, you need a completed (but unsigned) DS-11 form, original proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate or naturalization certificate) plus a photocopy, a valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license) plus a photocopy of the front and back, a passport photo, and applicable fees. You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility (post office, library, etc.) and sign the form there.
What documents are required for proof of identity for passport?
To prove your identity for a U.S. passport, you need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license, military ID, or current passport, plus a photocopy (front and back) on plain paper; you also need proof of citizenship, like a birth certificate or old passport, with your original document. You must present these in person, fill out Form DS-11 (but don't sign it yet), get a passport photo, and pay the fee.
Why would a passport be denied?
If you've failed to make payments on a loan from the Department of State you would need to pay it off before sending in your application. Certain court orders, being convicted of a felony, or if you're wanted on an arrest warrant, can also result in a passport denial.
Do I need my birth certificate for a passport?
When you apply for a passport, you'll need an original, state-issued birth certificate with a raised seal (certified copies will include this) or a naturalization document. If you already have a valid passport and just need to renew it, you will need that, too.
What three documents do you need for a passport?
To get a U.S. passport, you generally need three core documents for your in-person application: Proof of U.S. Citizenship (like a birth certificate or previous passport), a valid Photo Identification (like a driver's license), and a compliant Passport Photo, plus photocopies of your citizenship and ID documents and the application form (DS-11).
What all documents are required for making a passport?
To get a U.S. passport, you need a completed but unsigned DS-11 form, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), a valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license), a passport photo, and photocopies of your citizenship and ID documents, plus fees, all submitted in person at an acceptance facility.
Which documents do you need to apply for a passport?
To apply for a U.S. passport, you need the DS-11 form (unsigned), proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate or old passport), a valid photo ID (like a driver's license) with a photocopy of the front and back, a passport photo, and fees, all submitted in person at an acceptance facility. You must bring originals for verification and copies for submission, and you'll sign the DS-11 form at your appointment.
What are the requirements needed when applying for a passport?
To apply for a passport, you generally need an application form (like Form DS-11 for the U.S.), proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate), a valid photo ID (like a driver's license), a passport photo, and fees, with most first-time applicants needing to apply in person at a passport acceptance facility, like a post office, and submit unsigned forms with required documents and photocopies. Requirements vary slightly by country, but core documents include proof of identity, citizenship, and recent photos, plus application fees.
What documents do I need for my passport at the post office?
To apply for a U.S. passport at the USPS, you need a completed but unsigned DS-11 form, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), a valid photo ID (like a driver's license), photocopies of both, a passport photo, and fees, with a postal employee witnessing your signature and mailing the package to the State Department for processing.
What documents do you require for a passport?
To get a U.S. passport, you need a completed but unsigned DS-11 form, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), a valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license), a passport photo, and photocopies of your citizenship and ID documents, plus fees, all submitted in person at an acceptance facility.
What disqualifies you from getting a passport?
You can be stopped from getting a passport due to legal issues like owing significant child support or facing felony charges/warrants, financial problems such as large delinquent federal loan or tax debt, incomplete or incorrect applications (bad photos, missing info), or issues with identity fraud/misrepresentation. Criminal records, particularly for serious drug offenses or crimes involving dishonesty, are major roadblocks, as are court orders restricting travel or parole/probation conditions.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
Yes, you can have a natural, slight smile with your mouth closed in a U.S. passport photo, but you must avoid showing teeth or having an exaggerated expression, as this can cause delays because it hinders facial recognition technology. Look directly at the camera with your eyes open and clearly visible, maintaining a neutral expression as the gold standard for security and quick processing at borders.