Which Vital Records Are Used to Apply For a Passport

Discover the most popular use cases for vital records when applying, renewing, replacing or cancelling U.S. Passports.

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Birth Certificate Use Cases

In most cases, the birth certificate must be certified (not a photocopy) and show the full names of both parents if it’s for a minor. This document provides an official record for federal processing.

First-Time Passport Applicants

If you’re applying for a passport for the first time, a certified birth certificate is typically required. Along with other forms of identification, it helps ensure accurate record keeping.

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Passport For Minors

For children under 16, a birth certificate is mandatory to establish both citizenship and the relationship to parents or guardians who are applying on the child’s behalf. This requirement helps prevent child identity theft and fraud.

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Marriage Certificate Use Cases

A marriage certificate may be needed when applying for a U.S. passport in specific situations involving name changes. Here’s when it’s typically required:

Renewing a Passport in a New Name

When renewing a passport under your married name (if the previous passport was issued with your maiden or prior name), the passport agency requires a marriage certificate to verify the name change. This applies to both first-time renewals and any subsequent renewals under the new name.

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Obtaining a Passport for a Minor with Different Parental Last Names

In cases where a parent’s last name differs from the child’s (due to marriage or remarriage), the passport agency may request a marriage certificate to establish the relationship between the parent and child, especially when the last name on the birth certificate doesn’t match the parent’s current name.

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Death Certificate Use Cases

A U.S. death certificate may be needed in specific situations related to a U.S. passport, especially when dealing with the closure or legal handling of a passport belonging to a deceased person. Here are the main cases when it would be required:

Canceling the Passport of a Deceased Person

If a family member or executor needs to cancel the passport of someone who has passed away, they must provide a certified death certificate to the U.S. Department of State. This process helps prevent potential misuse of the passport and guards against identity theft.

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