Passport Proof of Citizenship (U.S.)

Quick checklist

• •Bring primary evidence of U.S. citizenship (what you submit depends on whether you were born in or outside the U.S.).
• •Submit the original or a certified copy of your citizenship evidence and include a photocopy of the front (and back, if printed info).
• •Paper only: electronic/mobile birth certificates are not accepted.
• •If you cannot present primary evidence, you may submit secondary evidence (see below) or request a file search.
• •Foreign‑language documents must include a professional English translation with a notarized translator statement.

Primary citizenship evidence — born in the United States

Primary citizenship evidence — born outside the United States

If you cannot submit primary evidence (secondary options)

• •Delayed birth certificate (filed > 1 year after birth) that lists the records used to create it and includes either the birth attendant’s signature or an affidavit from a parent. If those elements are missing, submit it together with early records.
• •Letter of No Record (from the state registrar) plus early records. The letter should state your name and DOB, the years searched, and that no birth certificate is on file.
• •Early records (first five years) showing your full name, date and place of birth — e.g., baptism certificate, hospital birth certificate (footprints), U.S. census, early school or medical records, family Bible record. These may be paired with Form DS‑10 (Birth Affidavit) when requested.

Citizenship through parent(s)

I became a U.S. citizen at birth (born abroad)

• •Born abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s): submit your foreign birth certificate listing your parent(s), your parent(s)’ U.S. citizenship evidence, your parents’ marriage certificate (if applicable), and a parental statement of U.S. residence before your birth.

I became a U.S. citizen through a parent’s naturalization (CCA 2000)

• •Citizenship through a parent’s naturalization / Child Citizenship Act (2000): provide your foreign birth certificate, your parent’s U.S. citizenship evidence, proof of lawful permanent residence (e.g., Green Card or I‑551 stamp), parents’ marriage certificate if applicable, and evidence that you resided in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of your U.S. citizen parent.

Documents in a foreign language

Photocopy rules for citizenship evidence

• •Photocopy the front (and back, if printed info) of the citizenship document you submit.
• •Use white, 8.5" × 11" paper; single‑sided; make sure the copy is clear and easy to read.
• •If you would rather not photocopy a vital record, submit a second certified copy; the Department of State will keep that copy.

Special notes

• •Puerto Rico: Only birth certificates issued on or after July 1, 2010 are accepted as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship.
• •Electronic or mobile birth certificates are not accepted. Submit a physical, paper vital record or another primary evidence item.
• •Original/certified citizenship evidence is returned by mail in a separate package from your new passport; it may arrive several weeks later.

Request a file search

Frequently asked questions

• •Do I need to send originals? Yes. Submit the original or a certified copy of your citizenship evidence. Include a photocopy; if you prefer, provide a second certified copy instead of a photocopy.
• •Is a hospital “souvenir” birth certificate enough? Not for primary evidence. It can serve only as an early record in a secondary‑evidence package.
• •What does “full‑validity passport” mean? It’s a U.S. passport issued for the standard validity (10 years for adults, 5 years for children under 16); even if expired, it can serve as primary evidence if undamaged.

Legal note