What do I actually need to bring to a passport appointment at the Clerk's office?

Good news: it's more straightforward than the State Department website makes it look. Here's exactly what you need.

PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP — an original or certified birth certificate (not a photocopy, and not a hospital-issued certificate). Naturalization documents work too. If you've had a name change or are switching to a married name, bring the original or certified marriage license or court order as well — originals or certified copies only, no photocopies.

VALID PHOTO ID — driver's license or state ID. Bring a photocopy of the front and back if you can. If you don't have access to a copier, we'll make one for you at the office.

PASSPORT PHOTO — we take them in-office for $15. If you already have one, bring it.

PAYMENT — this is the part that trips people up most. You'll need two separate payments:

The State Department fee varies depending on whether you're getting a book, a card, or both, and whether you're expediting. We can help you figure out the exact amount when you arrive, or give us a quick call beforehand. This payment must be a check or money order made out to "U.S. Dept. of State" — no cash, no card for the federal portion.

Our office charges a separate $35 processing fee plus $15 if we took your photo. You can pay us by cash, card, or check.

Three things most people don't know:

First — appointment slots open up constantly due to cancellations. Check the booking site frequently. You can often snag a cancelled slot and skip Walk-in Wednesday entirely.

Second — if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you may be able to renew completely by mail using Form DS-82, without ever coming into the office. If it was issued within the last 10 years and is expiring within a year, you may also qualify to renew online at travel.state.gov. The passport must be undamaged and in your possession — you submit it with the application. We're happy to walk you through either option, and we offer digital photos for online renewals at $20.

Third — if you're traveling within the next two months and have purchased tickets or proof of travel, go directly to the Seattle Passport Agency. They can print your passport the same day. Call (877) 487-2778 to make an appointment — do not show up without one. Even expedited mail processing has slowed significantly, and a same-day appointment in Seattle is the only guaranteed option when time is short.

FINAL NOTE ON FORMS — PLEASE READ THIS: Both the DS-11 (new passport) and DS-82 (renewal) forms are completely free. You can pick them up at our office at no charge, or download them directly from travel.state.gov. Do not pay any third-party website for a passport form. The State Department is aware of these scams, but they're hard to spot and unfortunately we still see people come in having paid for forms that are often outdated or obsolete — which means they'll need to fill out a new one anyway. Save your money. Come get a free one from us, or download it yourself.