Passport Proof of Identity Requirements

What to bring, photocopy rules, secondary evidence, and special cases—everything you need to satisfy the U.S. passport identity requirement.

Last Updated: October 29, 2025

Quick checklist

•Bring one primary, physical photo ID (see list below).
•If your ID was issued by a different state than where you're applying, bring one extra ID.
•Bring a photocopy of the front and back of each ID you present.
•For a child under 16: both parents/guardians bring photo ID; also bring a document that shows your relationship to the child.
•For applicants age 16–17: bring your own photo ID and show a parent/guardian is aware (examples below).

Primary photo IDs (bring one)

These stand on their own as your proof of identity. The acceptance agent may ask for an extra ID with certain documents—see the note after the table.

Primary ID	Typical Issuer	Notes
U.S. passport book or card (valid or expired; undamaged; recognizable photo)	U.S. Department of State	Accepted even if expired, so long as it's undamaged and the photo is recognizable.
Driver's license or Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)	State DMV	If applying in a different state than the one that issued your license, bring a second ID.
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship (with photo)	USCIS / DoS	Treated as a primary photo ID.
Government employee ID (city/county/state/federal)	Government Employer	—
U.S. military ID or military dependent ID	DoD	—
Valid foreign passport	Foreign government	Common for parents applying with a U.S.-citizen child.
U.S. Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card")	USCIS	Common for parents applying with a U.S.-citizen child.
Mexican Matrícula Consular	Mexican consulate	Accepted in many cases for identity.
Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)	DHS/CBP	—
Enhanced Tribal Cards & Native American tribal photo IDs	Federally recognized tribes	—

IDs that often require an extra ID alongside them:

A fully valid learner's permit with photo, an in‑state non‑driver ID with photo, a temporary driver's license with photo, or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If you present one of these, the facility may ask for an additional ID.

Secondary identity evidence

If you don't have any of the primary IDs above, bring at least two secondary items together. Acceptance is case‑by‑case at the facility.

•Out‑of‑state driver's license or EDL
•Learner's or temporary driver's permit without a photo
•In‑state, fully valid non‑driver ID without a photo
•Out‑of‑state non‑driver ID
•Temporary driver's license without a photo
•Social Security card
•Voter registration card
•Employee work ID or student ID
•School yearbook with identifiable photograph
•Selective Service card
•Medicare or other health card
•Expired driver's license
•Identifying witness (Form DS‑71) who knows you and appears in person with valid ID (details below)

Additional examples sometimes accepted as part of a secondary package: club or membership cards, rental contracts, mortgage papers, auto registrations, or traffic citations (these are supplemental and judged individually by the acceptance agent).

Photocopy rules (for every ID you present)

•Provide a photocopy of the front and back of each ID you show.
•Use standard 8.5″ × 11″ paper.
•Single‑sided only.
•Do not reduce the image size; enlarging is OK if it stays legible.

Special situations

Applying out of state

Applying in a different state than the one that issued your ID? Bring a second photo ID as well. Ideally, that extra ID shows as much as possible of: your photo, full name, date of birth, and issuance date.

Applicants age 16–17

Bring your own photo ID. You must also show that a parent/guardian is aware you're applying— either by attending with you and signing, providing a signed note with a photocopy of their ID, or paying your fees. If your ID is a learner's permit, plan to bring a second ID.

Children under 16 (applied for by parents/guardians)

Both parents/guardians generally appear in person with the child, show their photo IDs, and provide a document showing parental relationship (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, adoption decree, or a custody order). If both can't appear, additional notarized forms are required. Photocopies of the parents' IDs are also required.

If you don't have a qualifying primary photo ID

1Assemble secondary evidence: bring two or more secondary items from the list above.
2Bring an Identifying Witness (Form DS‑71): a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident who has known you personally for at least 2 years can appear with you, present their own valid ID, and complete Form DS‑71 in front of the acceptance agent. DS‑71 is not a take‑home form; it's completed on‑site at an acceptance facility, passport agency, or U.S. embassy/consulate.
3If identity is still unclear: the Department of State may send you a letter asking for Form DS‑5520 (Supplemental Questionnaire to Determine Identity); follow the instructions in that letter.

Name differences between your ID and your application

If the name on your ID doesn't match the name you're using on the application, bring a certified legal name‑change document (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Which form you submit (DS‑11, DS‑82, or DS‑5504) depends on your situation, but the rule is the same: have official proof connecting the names.

What is not acceptable?

•Digital/mobile IDs or screenshots (a physical card/document is required).
•Damaged or altered IDs that are not clearly legible or recognizable. Agents can request further proof if they cannot identify you with confidence.

Frequently asked questions

Legal note

Passport acceptance agents have discretion to request additional evidence if they cannot determine your identity from the documents presented. Requirements and forms can change. This guide reflects information available as of October 29, 2025. Always follow the instructions you receive from the Department of State and your acceptance facility.

Disclaimer: Passport Rush LLC operates PassportVisaRush.com, a private document preparation service that assists clients with completing and organizing passport and visa application forms before submission to official U.S. Passport Agencies.

We are not a government entity and are not affiliated with any U.S. Department of State office or federal agency. We do not offer legal advice. Individuals requiring legal assistance should consult a licensed attorney.

Our online preparation system and customer support are optional paid services designed to simplify and expedite the document preparation process for U.S. citizens. All required forms are also available for free directly through the official U.S. Department of State website at travel.state.gov, but without the guided preparation, document review, and submission support provided by PassportVisaRush.com.