Passport Services

Use the DS-11 form, Application for a U.S. Passport if:

• You are a first-time passport applicant
• You have lost or have had a passport stolen, damaged or mutilated
• Your previous passport was issued as a minor, you were under 16 years of age
• Your existing adult passport was issued more than 15 years ago

Please fill out your application(s) before your appointment to save time and make sure you have all necessary documentation.

The U.S. Passport Application (DS-11 form) may be filled out online and printed from the Department of State website or printed and filled out by hand. Applications may also be obtained at the Downtown Library ahead of time. Use black ink only to complete applications. Do not use white-out. Do NOT sign them until asked to do so by a Passport Acceptance Agent.

All passport applicants must appear in person. Both parents must be present for applicants under 16 years of age. One parent must be present for 16 and 17 year old applicants.

Applicants must provide the following:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship which is sent in with application but returned to applicant, such as:
  • Certified, government-issued birth certificate showing parent(s) name(s) or
  • Original Naturalization Certificate or
  • Previous passport or
  • Certificate of Birth Abroad

Please note: Minors under 18 years of age must submit a certified birth certificate each time they apply for a passport.

• Current proof of identity, such as:
  • Valid Tennessee driver’s license or
  • Valid state-issued ID along with secondary ID (work, student, military, previous expired driver’s license, hand carry permit, etc.) or
  • Valid out-of-state driver’s license along with secondary ID or
  • U.S. Government ID card or
  • Certificate of Naturalization or
  • Military ID
  • Valid Passport

Please note: If one parent or legal guardian cannot attend in person to obtain the child’s passport, the DS-3053 form, Statement of Consent for a Child must be completed, dated by the parent and notarized on the same day. The type of passport desired (book, card or both) should be marked, and a copy of both the front and back of the ID which the notary witnessed as identification must accompany the form.

• One 2×2 inch photo which may be made at the library for a fee or brought in. Photos:
  • Must be in color with a light background – no shadows
  • May not be in profile
  • Must include only the head and top of shoulders
  • Avoid wearing white as the background is white
  • No military uniforms nor clothing that resembles a uniform
  • No glasses unless a letter is brought from doctor stating health will be harmed if glasses removed

• Proper Forms of Payment – Two Separate Payments:
  • Personal checks (no starter checks), money orders or cashier’s checks for U.S. Department of State payments
  • Personal checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, cash or bank cards for processing passport applications and photo fees for Library payment

Applicants must provide certified copies if they have had a name change, marriage, divorce, adoption or legal situation. If applicable, a parental death certificate for applicants under age 16 must be provided. Photocopies will not be accepted. Documents in another language will need an official English translation.

If the applicant lost or had their passport stolen, in addition to completing Form DS-11, they must bring a completed Form DS-64: Statement Regarding a Valid Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport.

For applicants that are Naturalized Citizens and their foreign-born children ages 17 and younger see Passport Checklist for Naturalized Citizens.

Click here for Chattanooga Public Library’s Passport Appointment Checklist.