Apply For a Passport… at Your Library!

Apply in person using Form DS-11 if at least one of the following statements is true:

• You are applying for your first U.S. passport
• You are applying for your child under age 16
• Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16
• Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago
• Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged

NOTE: The library does not process passport renewals. Visit travel.state.gov for complete details.

PASSPORT APPOINTMENT CHECKLIST

1. APPLICATION FOR A U.S. PASSPORT, FORM DS-11

Available at the library or online at travel.state.gov.

Application must be filled out in black ink with no corrections. Do not attach your photo or sign the application until requested to do so by an authorized agent.

2. PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP

Submit an original or certified copy AND a black & white photocopy.

ACCEPTABLE PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP INCLUDES:

• U.S. Birth Certificate
• Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Previous U.S. Passport (may be expired but must be undamaged)

3. PROOF OF PARENTAL RELATIONSHIP – for applicants under age 16 only

Submit an original or certified copy AND a black & white photocopy of documentation that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the minor applicant.

ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTS PROVING PARENTAL RELATIONSHIP: 

• U.S. or foreign Birth Certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Adoption decree
• Divorce or Custody decree

NOTE: Some documents, like a U.S. birth certificate, show both U.S. citizenship and parental relationship.

4. PROOF OF PARENTAL CONSENT – for applicants under age 16 only

Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of the child's passport. The best way to do this is for both parents/guardians to go with the child in person to apply for the passport.

If both parents/guardians cannot appear in person, please see these additional requirements.

5. PROOF OF PARENTAL AWARENESS – for applicants aged 16–17 only

If you have your own current identification document (ID), you may apply for a passport if you show at least one legal parent/guardian is aware that you are applying for a passport. For more information, please see Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program.

HOW TO SHOW PARENTAL AWARENESS:

• Bring a legal parent or legal guardian with you when you apply for your passport. The agent accepting the application will ask your legal parent or legal guardian to sign Form DS-11. Bring a black & white, single-sided photocopy of the front and the back of that parent or guardian's ID.
• Submit proof that your legal parent or legal guardian is paying your application fees (Example: parent or guardian name is written on the check or money order).
• Submit a signed note from your legal parent or legal guardian with a black & white, single-sided photocopy of the front and the back of that parent or guardian's ID.
• Submit a notarized statement from your legal parent or legal guardian (e.g., on Form DS-3053) which states he or she supports you receiving a passport. The statement must be accompanied by a black & white, single-sided photocopy of the front and the back of that parent or guardian's ID.

6. PROOF OF IDENTITY

Present a government-issued photo identification document AND submit a black & white, single-sided photocopy of the front and the back. Applications for minors under 16 must include copies of both parents’ IDs.

PRIMARY IDs:

• California Driver's License
• Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
• U.S. military or military dependent ID
• Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card 
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Certificate of Naturalization 
• Certificate of Citizenship 
• Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
• Other documents: 1) In-state, fully-valid learner's permit with photo, 2) In-state, fully-valid non-driver ID with photo, or 3) temporary driver's license with photo. NOTE: you may be asked to present an additional ID when presenting one of these three documents. 

If you cannot present one of the primary photo IDs listed above, please see these additional requirements.

If you have changed your sex marker, please see these additional requirements.

7. PASSPORT PHOTO

Submit a 2”x2” high-resolution color photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated. The photo must comply with the regulations governing passport photos.

PHOTO BASICS:

• Taken in the last 6 months.
• Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper.
• White or off-white background without shadows, textures, or lines.
• Face the camera directly with full face in view.
• Neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open.
• You cannot wear glasses.
• You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage attire.
• You cannot wear a hat or head covering. If you wear a hat or head covering for religious or medical purposes, please see these additional requirements.
• Do not digitally change the photo.

Photography service is available on-site by appointment at the San Luis Obispo Library only. $10.

8. PAYMENT

Two separate payments are required.

EXECUTION FEE

• $35 per application
• Can be paid in cash, or via check or money order made payable to the COUNTY OF SLO PUBLIC LIBRARIES

APPLICATION FEE

• Variable depending on desired passport product(s) and processing service (see tables below)
• Must be paid via check (personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's) or money order made payable to the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
• Include applicant’s full name and date of birth on payment
• If expediting, include the $60 processing fee with the application fee

9. APPOINTMENT

Once your application is completed you will need an acceptance agent to witness your application signature. Call your local library to schedule an appointment. Please allow 30 minutes per applicant.