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Passport Applicant Checklist
1. Review Passport Application Requirements
Before scheduling an appointment with an agent, please review the passport application requirements.
IMPORTANT: If you're 26 or older, and your passport has been expired for less than 5 years and is in good condition, you likely do not need to see an agent to renew your passport. You can renew by mail or online. Please visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information.
Be sure to review the passport fees and FAQs.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Minor applicants (under 16) are required to meet with an agent.
You will need the following documents completed before your appointment:
- Completed DS-11 Form (in black ink) - available online, or hard copies can be picked up at City Hall to complete before your appointment.
- Citizenship Evidence - original or certified copy of U.S. birth certificate or certificate of citizenship (B/W copies of front & back); or previous U.S. passport.
- Passport Photo - taken in the last six months (optional, we offer photo services during your appointment for a fee).
- Proof of Parental Relationship - original or certified copy of birth certificate (B/W photocopy of front & back).
- Parents' Valid Identification - Washington driver's license with B/W photocopy of front & back (if applying with multiple minors, a photocopy of each ID is needed for each application).
Applicant and BOTH parents must be present during the appointment (see possible exceptions to this requirement).
The following applicants are required to meet with an agent to apply for a new passport:
- First-time applicants
- Most recent passport was issued before age 16
- Most recent passport has been expired for more than 5 years
- Most recent passport is lost, stolen, or in poor condition
Please have the following ready before your appointment:
- Completed DS-11 Form (in black ink) - available online, or hard copies can be picked up at City Hall to complete before your appointment.
- Citizenship Evidence - original or certified copy of U.S. birth certificate or certificate of citizenship (B/W copies of front & back); or previous U.S. passport.
- Valid Identification - Washington driver's license with B/W photocopy of front & back (all applicants age 16 and older must have their own photo ID.)
- Passport Photo - taken in the last six months (optional, we offer photo services during your appointment for a fee)
If you're 26 or older and your passport has not been expired for more than 5 years, you are likely eligible to renew by mail using the DS-82 form or online, and do not need to appear in person.
To renew by mail, the applicant needs to mail the following documents:
- Completed DS-82 form (in black ink) - available online, or hard copies are available at City Hall to pick up
- Passport Photo – taken within the last six months (we offer walk-in photo services - Monday to Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM)
- Most Recent Passport - issued no more than 15 years ago
- Payment - must be a check or money order payable to U.S. Department of State.
For mailing, we recommend using the flat-rate envelopes from the United States Postal Service. You will receive a tracking number with your postage, allowing you to track your sensitive information as it reaches the U.S. Department of State.
Renewals are submitted by the applicant to one of addresses listed on the DS-82 Form.
Our passport agents are happy to assist with any questions about eligibility or what to include in your envelope.
2. Consult with a Passport Agent
Your time is valuable! If you have any questions, are unsure whether you need an in-person appointment, or need to confirm if current processing times will allow you to receive your passport before your upcoming travel, please consult a Passport Agent.
3. Schedule an In-Person Appointment
Appointments are for applicants using the DS-11 form (Application for a U.S. Passport). If you are eligible to renew using the DS-82 form (U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals), please do not schedule an appointment. You will need to renew via mail or online. If you're unsure which form to use, please review the Application Requirements above.
To ensure a smooth process, please come fully prepared with all required documents before your appointment.
4. Arrive at Your Appointment
- If you do not have your paperwork ready to go at the time of your appointment, you will be required to reschedule to a new time.
- Minors: All minor applicants and BOTH parents must be present at the appointment time (see possible exceptions to this requirement)
- Let us know you've arrived! For weekday appointments, check in online or at City Hall reception. For Saturday appointments, check in online - City Hall is locked so an agent will notify you via text message when ready for your appointment and meet you at the doors.