Apply for a U.S. Passport

Step 1.Fill Out An Application

You must apply in person using Form DS-11 if at least one of the following is 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 lost, stolen, or damaged
• Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago

If none of the above statements apply to you, you may be eligible to renew by mail.

Passport Application Form DS-11

Step 2.Provide Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

You must submit one of the following. Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable.

• Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
• U.S. birth certificate that 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 filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
• Has the registrar's signature
• Has the seal of the issuing authority
• Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)

• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth 
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship 

If you cannot submit one of the above acceptable documents, or for more information, please see Citizenship Evidence.

Step 3.Present Identification

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

• In-state, fully-valid driver's license
• Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Government employee ID (city, county, state or federal)
• U.S. military ID or military dependent ID
• Valid foreign passport
• Matrícula Consular (Mexican Consular Identification, commonly used by the parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant)

If you cannot present one of the IDs above, or for more information, please see Identification.

Please note:

If you present an out-of-state ID, you must present an additional ID. If you have undergone or are going through gender transition, please see these additional requirements.

Step 4.Book an appointment and visit City Hall to submit your paperwork

Please note the US Department of State passport processing times are 2 to 3 weeks for expedited and 6 to 8 weeks for routine.  If you need your passport sooner, please contact the US Department of State (877-487-2778 or NPIC@state.gov).  Appointments are Monday through Thursday from 9 am until 3 pm and must be booked online here.  Appointments are limited to 30 calendar days in advance.  If fully booked, please continue checking as appointments will become available.

Masks are encouraged while in City Hall.  At your appointment, you must submit your completed application (including evidence of citizenship), identification (ID), photo (can be done during appointment), fees, and checklist(PDF, 353KB).  Department of State fees can be paid by check or money order only.  Please arrive at your appointment on time.  Appointments are at the Alameda City Clerks Office, City Hall 3rd Floor, Room 380.