Obtaining a Passport Without a Birth Certificate

To obtain a passport with or without a birth certifcate, you will simply follow the instructions located here.

Guidance on how to obtain a passport without a birth certificate:

First:

Fill out form DS-11 and follow the steps on this website.

Navigating proof of citizenship without a birth certificate:

In order to obtain a passport with no birth certificate, you must request from your local registrar a “Letter of No Record.”

This letter must:

  • Be issued by the state
  • Have the applicant’s name and date of birth
  • List the birth years searched
  • Include a statement that no birth certificate is on file

Then you must also provide:

  • An early public record or document, OR
  • One early public record/document and one early private record/document with Form DS-10: Birth Affadavit. (ensure to include both parents in this form)

Early public or private records/documents

  • These documents are from the first five years of an applicant’s life.
  • Records should include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth. 

Examples include

  • Baptism certificate
  • Hospital birth certificate (often shows baby’s footprints)
  • U.S. Census record
  • Early school records
  • Family Bible record
  • Doctor’s records of post-natal care
  • If you have none of the above, you will need to provide two separate DS-10 forms Form DS-10: Birth Affadavit

You must show your relationship to your child that should be present in the Birth Affadavit form filed at the registrar.

Both parents are required to be present at the time of passport application with a photo ID (if both parents cannot apply, documentation must be shown). (details here (step 4))

You must bring a photo that meets passport photo requirements. (this can generally be taken at home and printed at Walmart).

Photo Requirements

Walmart Passport Photo Tool and Printing

Find a location to apply and call to ask how your fees are to be paid to ensure you have proper payment in hand when you apply.

Locator

If you have issues, contact your state representative office for more assistance.

If you are opting out of obtaining a birth certificate, you must first obtain a passport prior to requesting a SSC. It is not a requirement to obtain a social security number, but if you so desire, you must complete this second.

Click here to learn how to request a SSN after obtaining your passport.