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Passport Applicant Checklist
1. Consult with a Passport Agent
Your Time is Valuable! We strongly encourage applicants call first, and speak with a Passport Agent before scheduling an in-person appointment. This will give the Passport Agent an opportunity to determine if an in-person appointment is required or not, and also whether the current appointment and processing times will allow you to get your passport in time for any upcoming travel.
The Passport Agent is also able to assist with checking that the right paperwork is ready to go and answer any questions you may have about filling out the DS-11 Form.
2. Schedule an In-Person Appointment
If you have filled out a DS-82 form: US Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals, please do not schedule an appointment. Appointments are for applicants who must apply with a DS-11 form: Application for a US Passport. If you have questions about which form to use, call City Hall at 206-368-5440.
3. Prepare & Gather Documents
To make the best use of your time, prepare - prepare - prepare!
Please have the following ready before your appointment.
- Completed DS-11 Form (in black ink) - available online, or hard copies are available at City Hall to pick up and complete before your appointment.
- Citizenship Evidence - state certified birth certificate with B/W photocopy of front & back; or previous U.S. passport.
- Passport Photo - taken in the last six months (optional, we have photo services available for a fee)
- Proof of Parental Relationship - state certified birth certificate
- 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).
Please have the following ready before your appointment.
- Completed DS-11 Form (in black ink) - available online, or hard copies are available at City Hall to pick up and complete before your appointment.
- Citizenship Evidence - state certified birth certificate with B/W photocopy 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 of some kind)
- Passport Photo - taken in the last six months (optional, we have photo services available for $16 per person)
You are most likely eligible to renew by mail with the DS-82 form and do not need to appear in person.
To be mailed by applicant:
- Completed DS-82 form (in black ink) - available online, or hard copies are available at City Hall to pick up
- Passport Photo - taken in the last six months (most drug stores and FedEx stores offer passport photo services)
- 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 the flat rate envelopes from the United States Post Office. You will receive a tracking number when you pay your postage so you can ensure your sensitive information arrives to the U.S. Department of State.
Our passport agents are happy to answer any questions regarding eligibility or filling out the DS-82 form or what to include in your envelope.
Department of State Pilot Program to Renew Online - Limited Time Only!
February 7, 2023 - Online Renewal Program is temporarily closed to new customers. They plan to periodically reopen the service to new customers in a limited release before a full release later this year. Visit their program webpage for more details including how to apply, eligibility requirements, and reopening of the service.
4. Your In-Person 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.