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Proof of Identification

When applying for a US passport you are required to have proof of identification. There are two kinds of proof of ID Primary and secondary. As primary proof your best option is to use a state issued ID or driver’s license that has been issued for at least six month’s with no interruptions including renewing it. You will need a photo copy of the back and front. If current ID or driver’s license is not available you will have to submit either one of the other primary ID’s which can sometimes require you to also submit some secondary ID’s with it. If no Primary ID is available you will have to submit 7 secondary ID’s.

Contents hide
  1. Primary Forms of ID
  2. Secondary Forms of ID

Primary Forms of ID

  • Driver’s License- valid less than 6 months, expired or suspended
  • Federal, State or Municipal ID card with photo
  • State ID card with photo
  • Military ID card with photo
  • Pilot’s License with photo
  • Passport expired or foreign- can NOT be used if you are using as proof of citizenship as well
  • Employment ID with photo
  • Current student ID card with photo
  • INS Alien Registration card- green card

Secondary Forms of ID

  • Copy of school yearbook page with photo and name
  • Student ID card with photo (can be expired)
  • School transcripts
  • High school Diploma
  • Trade school diploma
  • College diploma
  • Tech school certificate
  • Military records
  • Selective service registration/classification
  • Union membership card
  • Professional license
  • Medicare or health insurance cards
  • Medical Records
  • Welfare cards
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Insurance card
  • Insurance records
  • Baptismal certificate
  • Voters registration card
  • Income Tax records
  • W-2 Forms from one year
  • Pay stubs
  • Banking statements for one year
  • Newspaper articles about you
  • Social Security card
  • Credit card with account numbers blacked out
  • Utility Bills for one year
  • Leasing or Mortgage documents
  • Vehicle registration or title
  • Birth Certificate of a child listing you as the parent
  • Additionally a person that has known the applicant for at least 2 years, is a US citizen or permanent resident and has a valid ID can vouch for them. They will have to accompany the applicant to the acceptance facility and complete a DS-71 form in front of the acceptance clerk and have their valid ID with them. The applicant must also provide the other secondary forms of ID while the clerk is approving.

If you are presenting Secondary Identification, you must provide a photocopy of the front and back of each document being presented with your application.  A photocopy of your credit card will not be requested if it is to be presented with Secondary Identification.

  • If you submit out-of-state primary identification, you must provide a photocopy of your primary identification document and the second ID to be presented with your application.  Both sides of all identification documents must be photocopied according to the photocopy requirements above.  If a credit card is presented as your second ID, a photocopy will not be requested.
  • An assistant to a disable applicant who witnesses the signature or signs on the disabled applicant’s behalf must present a photocopy of his or her ID
  • A person acting as an Identifying Witness must present a photocopy of his or her ID




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