Frequently Asked Questions

Passport application services are offered by appointment only - schedule an appointment here.  Please check our web page or call 206-957-2834 for details regarding fees and documents to bring with you.

Passports are sent directly to your mailing address within 6-8 weeks. This processing time window is solely when your application is with the department of state. It does not include the time it takes for your new passport to reach you once it is mailed by the Department of State. Please check www.travel.state.gov for the most up-to-date processing times.

Passport applications can be expedited for an additional fee. Expedited passports are received in 2-3 weeks.  If you are leaving in less than 14 days, you will need to call the Seattle Passport Agency Office at 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment.

Yes!  You can track the status of your application online by visiting Travel.State.Gov, however it may take up to 2 weeks from the day you submit your application until your status is "In Process." During these 2 weeks, your application is delivered to a mail facility, your payment is processed, and your application is entered into the State Department system.  Even if your passport status update says, "Not Available," your application and supporting documents are safely on their way to the State Department.

• You already have a passport that is not damaged; and
• It was issued within the past 15 years; and
• You were at least age 16 when it was issued; and
• You still have the same name as in passport (or you can legally document your name change)

No, the Passport Agent does not need to see your social security card.  However, you must know your social security number as it is required on all applications.  Applicants who do not provide their social security number will experience delays in the processing, or possibly the denial, of their application.  If a child applicant has never been issued a social security number, a statement to that effect must be submitted along with the application.

Yes, applicants should fill in all of the boxes on the application form.  If an applicant is unsure of their parent's dates or places of birth, check your birth certificate to see if the information is listed there.

You will need to bring the expired passport and a certified copy of the birth certificate, the minor, and both parents (if under the age of 16). The minor's social security number also needs to be on the application.

Yes, social security numbers are required on all applications.  Applicants who do not provide their social security number will experience delays in the processing, or possibly the denial, of their application.  If a child applicant has never been issued a social security number, a statement to that effect must be submitted along with the application.

Call the U.S. Department of State toll-free at 1-877-487-2778 (TTY 1-888-874-7793), or report it online. If you want to apply for a new passport, you’ll also have to fill out the paper Form DS-64 to turn in with your application.  If you are traveling abroad, immediately report the loss to local police authorities and the nearest embassy or consulate.

If your most recent U.S. passport was issued less than one year ago, use form DS-5504 (Name Change Form). Include certified evidence of name change or other change in descriptive data and one new passport photo and mail it to address on form to get a new passport free of charge.

If your valid U.S. passport was issued more than one year ago, use form DS-82 (Renewal Form). Include certified evidence of name change or other change in descriptive data, one new photo and a check, and mail it to address on form.

You must submit one of the following. Your evidence must be an original or certified, physical copy. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

• Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
• U.S. birth certificatethat meets the following requirements:
  • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
  • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
  • Lists your parent(s)’ full names
  • Has the date the birth was filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth)
  • Has the registrar’s signature
  • Has the seal of the issuing authority
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

You must present one of the following identification documents (IDs) to the acceptance agent. The ID must readily identify you.

• Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card
• In-state, fully valid driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license with photo
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
• U.S. military or military dependent ID
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• 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: In-state, fully valid learner’s permit with photo, In-state, fully valid non-driver ID with photo, and temporary driver’s license with photo. Note: you may be asked to present an additional ID when presenting one of these 3 documents.

Please note:

• If you present an out-of-state ID, you must present an additional ID.
• Some states now issue digital ID documents (also known as mobile driver’s licenses or mobile IDs). We cannot accept these digital IDs when you apply for your U.S. passport. You must continue to submit your physical, photo ID and a photocopy of the ID.

You must submit documentation that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child applying for a passport. The following may be used to show parental relationship:

• U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Foreign birth certificate (must include English translation, if not already in English)
• Adoption decree
• Divorce/Custody decree (Parenting Plan)

Please note: Some documents, like a U.S. birth certificate, show both U.S. citizenship and parental relationship. These documents must be originals or certified copies (not photocopies).

All children under age 16 must apply for a passport in person with two parents or guardians using Form DS-11.

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.

What if both parents/guardians cannot appear in person?

Please Note: Written authorization from the parent that cannot appear in person must be less than three months old.