Anyone applying for a passport must present an ID, a duly filled-out application form, supporting documents, and two passport photos. For example, a first-time applicant must present a complete form DS-11, proof of U.S. citizenship, an ID, and two passport photos. The ID is always the standard. So, can you get a passport without an ID?
Can You Get a Passport Without an ID?
Per the U.S. passport regulations, applicants must present a physical government-issued photo ID when applying for a passport if they meet the requirements below:
- They are over 18, or
- They are parents or guardians representing passport applicants under 18.
In these cases, the parent, guardian, or applicant over 18 must submit an original and physical photo ID alongside a copy. The ID cannot be a digital copy.
But can you get a passport without an ID? Every passport application requires a photo ID. Even people who are renewing their passports must present their passports as their photo IDs plus proof of citizenship. However, in cases where such photo IDs are unavailable, the U.S. passport office provides alternative IDs.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Valid ID for Passport?
The U.S. passport office only accepts passport applications that have the following documents:
- A complete passport application form, e.g., a form DS-11 for new applicants or a form DS-82 for renewals,
- Two passport photos that meet the passport rules,
- Proof of U.S. citizenship, and
- A photo ID.
Regardless of whether you have a passport, a photo ID is a mandatory requirement. Thus, getting a passport without an ID becomes a challenge.
How To Get a Passport Without an ID?
While the photo ID is a standard requirement, many ways exist to identify yourself to the U.S. passport office. Usually, the state passport office prefers primary identification documents. But where an applicant does not have such documents, the passport office accepts secondary forms of ID.
What Is a Secondary Form of ID?
Knowing how to get a passport without an ID comes down to identifying the acceptable documents at the state passport office. So, what is a secondary form of ID? These are additional identification documents you can use to verify your identity when applying for a passport without an ID. Unlike primary ID holders, secondary ID applicants must present at least two of the following documents:
- An enhanced driver’s license with a photo,
- An out-of-state driver’s license with a photo,
- A temporary driver’s permit or license without a photo,
- A valid non-driver ID without a photo,
- A social security card,
- A voter registration card,
- A student ID,
- A selective service draft card,
- An expired driver’s license,
- An employee work ID,
- A school yearbook with a clear photo,
- A health card, or
- A form DS-71.
Thus, anyone applying for a passport without an ID can use the documents above to verify their identity.
Primary Identification Documents
The state passport offices accept primary IDs as identification documents if they are in physical form and have clear photo IDs. Below are the acceptable options:
- A valid passport book or card in good condition,
- A valid in-state driver’s license with a photo,
- A certificate of naturalization/ citizenship,
- A government employee/ U.S. military/ U.S. military dependent ID,
- A valid foreign passport,
- A trusted traveler ID, e.g., SENTRI,
- A Matricula Consular,
- A U.S. permanent residence card,
- A Native American tribal photo ID, or
- An enhanced tribal card.
But what happens if you don’t have a valid ID for passport? You can use the secondary IDs listed in the previous paragraph.
