1) Proof of U.S. citizenship (one of the following documents)

• A certified United States birth certificate*– a certified copy can be ordered via OfficialTravelDocuments.com
• An expired United States passport
• Original naturalization papers

*A certified birth certificate has a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal, registrar's signature and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office, which must be within 1 year of your birth. Instead of sending your original certificate, you can order a certified copy via OfficialTravelDocuments.com.

NOTE: A voter registration card or Social Security card is not proof of U.S. citizenship.

2) Proof of identification issued by the government or state

• State issued driver's license (at least 6 months old) bearing a photo
• Military I.D. bearing a photo
• Government I.D. bearing a photo

NOTE: A voter registration card or Social Security card is not proof of identity.

3) Two (2) identical passport-type photographs
Photographs must be official passport-type only, approximately 2" x 2" with a plain white or off-white background. Photos must be sufficiently recent to be a good likeness and need not be signed. Glossy or matte finish photographs are acceptable. Machine or home photographs are not acceptable. Do not wear a hat or any item that covers the face (except prescription glasses). Face forward only; no side shots or profiles will be accepted.

4) Passport Application Form (Form DS-11)
Complete this form in advance but do NOT sign the form. (Online form can be found at www.travel.state.gov.passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html.)

5) Lost or Stolen Application Form (Form DS-64)
Complete this required government application form and sign your name in the appropriate space. (Form can be found at www.travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds64/ds64_845.html.)

6) Supplemental Items
If your passport has been lost, a letter stating you are unable to find the passport must accompany your application. Sign the letter. If your passport has been stolen, a copy of the police report must accompany your application. Please include the following in your letter:

• When did you last have your passport?
• How long ago did you realize it was missing?
• If you know where and when you lost it, describe the events. Examples: lost it in the cab from the airport, or burned in a fire.
• What efforts have you made to recover the lost passport?

7) Checks for payment of government fees
The witness sealing your documents may require a portion of the money paid directly to their office as a processing fee; therefore, bring two (2) checks:

• One check for Rush/Emergency processing made out to the U.S. Department of State.
• One check for the witnessing station - the passport acceptance agent at the witnessing station will instruct you on the amount of the check and to whom to make the check payable.

8) Proof of Departure (Rush or Emergency Processing)
An acceptable form of Proof of Departure (such as an airline ticket or an original itinerary) will be needed for rush or emergency processing. This document must indicate travel to an international destination.

Acceptable forms of proof of departure include an international air itinerary, a photocopy of an international air or cruise ticket, or a letter from your employer stating you need a passport for imminent international business travel.

Without a scheduled itinerary or documented travel plans government regulations do not allow expedited processing in less than 2 weeks.