You may pick up an application at the Clerk’s Passport Services facility or download a PDF of the Passport Application (DS-11) via the U.S. Department of State website. This is the only application form accepted. 

Please note:

• Print legibly using black ink only.
• Do NOT sign the application until instructed to do so by the passport acceptance agent.
• Do NOT use correction liquid or tape to make corrections on your application.

You must submit one (1) of the following evidence of U.S. Citizenship:

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

You must also submit a photocopy of the front and back (if there is printed information on the back) of the U.S. citizenship evidence you’re submitting with the application. The City of San Diego can provide copies for $0.25 per page.

Photocopies must be:

• Legible
• On white 8.5”x11” standard paper
• Black and white
• Single sided

Please note: 

• Your evidence of U.S. citizenship must be an original or certified copy. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.
• If you cannot submit one of the above acceptable documents, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s Citizenship Evidence webpage for more information.
• If you don't want to submit a photocopy of your citizenship evidence, you may submit a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, which the U.S. Department of State will keep. If you don’t submit a photocopy or a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, your passport processing could be delayed.

You must present one (1) of the following identification documents (IDs) to the passport acceptance agent.

• Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card
• In-state, full valid driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license with photo
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Government employee ID (city, county, state or federal)
• U.S. military or military dependent ID
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) – commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) – commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• Trusted Traveler ID (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI and NEXUS cards)
• Enhances Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
• Other documents: In-state, fully valid learner’s permit with photo; In-state, fully valid non-driver ID with photo; and temporary driver’s license with photo. Note: You may be asked to present an additional ID when presenting one (1) of these three (3) documents.

You must also submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information on the back) of each ID that you present when you apply. The City of San Diego can provide copies for $0.25 per page.

Photocopies must be:

• Legible
• On white 8.5”x11” standard paper
• Black and white
• Single sided

Please note:

• If you cannot present one of the IDs listed above, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s Photo Identification webpage for more information.
• If you present an out-of-state ID, you must present an additional ID.

If any of the below categories apply to you, you may have additional requirements for your passport application. Please visit the relevant page or contact us for more information.

• Children under age 16
• Children age 16-17
• Previous passport was lost or stolen
• Owe >$2,500 in child support
• Official, diplomatic or other special issuance passport (only accessible from U.S. government device).

You must provide one photo with your application. 

The Clerk’s Passport Services offers on-site passport photo service. Passport photos are available for only $12.50 per photo.  Photo fees are payable by cash, check or money order made payable to the City Treasurer. 

Please note: If you would like to bring your own photo and to avoid processing delays, be sure your photo meets all photo requirements.

Passport Fees

Each passport application (DS-11) requires an Application Fee and Execution (Acceptance) Fee, which are paid separately.

Application Fee: Payable by check or money order to the U.S. Department of State. No cash, debit card, or credit cards are accepted for this fee. One check or money order is required per applicant. 

Execution (Acceptance) Fee: Payable by cash, check or money order to the City Treasurer. This can be one combined check or money order per group. No debit or credit cards are accepted. 

Additional Services Fees

Expedited Service Fee: If you need your passport quickly, you can expedite your application at a passport acceptance facility for an additional $60 per application. See current waiting times for expedited service here.

Photo Fee: Our passport acceptance facility offers on-site passport photo service. Passport photos are available for only $12.50 each. Photos are payable by cash, check or money order to the City Treasurer. 

See Fee Table to calculate your fee(s).

Fee Table

Adult Applicant (16 and Older)

Note: Fees subject to change. Effective July 1, 2025  Passport photos will increase to $12.50.

Child Applicant (Under 16)

Note: Fees subject to change. Effective July 1, 2025  Passport photos will increase to $12.50.

You must submit your completed application with citizenship evidence, photocopy of ID, photo and fees in person. 

You may be eligible to apply in person at a Passport Agency, if you are travelling soon. Please see Get a Passport in a Hurry for more information.

Please note:

• The passport applicant (regardless of age) must be present for the passport acceptance facility to process an application.