Fill out your application

Applying for a new passport

You will apply in person using Form DS-11 if any of the listed items below are true:

• You are applying for your first U.S. passport
• You are 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

Form DS-11 must be filled out in black ink. Do not sign until in the presence of a passport agent.
The library does NOT process passport renewals for adult applicants. Please see Renewal by Mail. Visit travel.state.gov for complete details.

Collect your supporting documents

Passport requirements differ according to age. Minors under the age of 16 must appear with their guardians or with a special parental consent form.

1. U.S. Citizenship Evidence

You must submit an original or certified copy of your U.S. Citizenship Evidence.

• U.S. birth certificate
• Fully valid U.S. passport (may be expired)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

2. Photocopy of U.S. Citizenship Evidence

Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of the U.S. citizenship evidence you’re submitting. Photocopies must be:

• On white 8.5”x11” standard paper, single-sided
• Black and white

3. Proof of Parental Relationship – MINORS ONLY

You must submit documentation that lists the parents or legal guardians of the child applying for a passport. The document must be an original or certified copy (not a photocopy). The following may be used to show parental relationship:

• U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Foreign birth certificate
• Adoption decree
• Divorce/Custody decree

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

4. Identification

You must present a government-issued photo identification document (ID) if you are 18 or older, or if you are a parent or guardian identifying an applicant under age 18.
If you cannot present one of the primary photo IDs below, please present a combination of at least two secondary IDs.

Primary Photo IDs (submit one)

• California driver's license or non-driver ID
• Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
• U.S. military or military dependent ID
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Other documents: Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID), U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Current (valid) foreign passport

Secondary IDs (submit at least two from the list below)

• Out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID
• Social Security card
• Student ID
• Employee work ID
• Other documents: Expired driver's license, Temporary driver's license, Learner's or temporary driver's permit, Selective Service (draft) card, Medicare or other health card, Voter registration card, School yearbook with identifiable photograph, Form DS-71 for an Identifying Witness (only available at your local Acceptance Facility or a Passport Agency.).

Applying Out of State

If you apply out of state, please present one primary ID and at least one secondary ID. The secondary ID(s) should show as much of the following information as possible: your photo, full name, date of birth, and the document issuance date.

Change of Sex Marker

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

5. Photocopy of identification

Submit a photocopy of the front and back of the identification document you will present to the acceptance agent. Both parents or legal guardians of minor applicants must submit photocopies of their identification. Photocopies must be:

• On white 8.5”x11” standard paper, single-sided
• Do not decrease the image size (although you may enlarge it)

Provide a 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

• The photo must be printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper.
• The background must be white or off-white without any shadows.
• The photo must have been taken in the last 6 months.
• You must face the camera directly with full face in view. 
• You must have a 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.

Calculate your fees

You will be making two separate payments: the application fee, and the execution fee. Prior to calculating fees, you will need to determine what passport product(s) you need and what processing service you would like.

1. Application fee

• Must be paid via check (personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's) or money orderpayable to the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
• Cash, credit and debit cards CANNOT be accepted
• If expediting, include the $60 processing fee with your application fee

2. Execution fee

• $35 for all applicants
• Can be paid in cash, or via check or money order payable to the COUNTY OF SLO PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Submit

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.

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