First Time Passport - Certified Copy Confusion

[GEOntificator 281]

Hi all - I made an appointment with the USPS for my passport. I know I need to bring the DS-11, a check for the fee and supporting docs.

 

When it comes to supporting docs I am a bit confused. Do I need to bring both the original and also black and white copy of the naturalization certificate? If so, will they take both at the appointment or send me back with the original? I don't fee l very comfortable having the original taken for months as this would mean I have absolutely no document of any sort regarding my status.

 

Any help would be appreciated. 

 

• Submit your original evidence of U.S. citizenship.
• Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of your original evidence of U.S. citizenship.

• Photocopies must be: legible, on white 8.5”x11” standard paper, black and white, and single sided.

• In some cases, you may be able to submit a certified copy of your citizenship evidence. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

• 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 we 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 cannot submit digital evidence of U.S. citizenship (e.g. electronic or mobile birth certificate) when applying for a U.S. passport. You must continue to submit your physical evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of it. 

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

You will need the original Naturalization Certificate and a B&W copy of the certificate.  Both will be sent away with the passport application.  You have no choice.  They will return the original to you.   I suggest making a color scan of the NC for your records.

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

***Moved to Passports, etc......***

 

 

[GEOntificator 281]

3 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

You will need the original Naturalization Certificate and a B&W copy of the certificate.  Both will be sent away with the passport application.  You have no choice.  They will return the original to you.   I suggest making a color scan of the NC for your records.

Thanks! I will do that.

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

You will also need a copy of your government ID.  

[GEOntificator 281]

4 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

You will also need a copy of your government ID.  

Thanks for the heads up. Will bring my DL copy.

[JeanneAdil 6,489]

Don't forget the passport photos

mine were done up the USPS office itself ,  but  I went to the main one as not all offices do the photos

Edited September 28, 2023 by JeanneAdil

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

1 minute ago, JeanneAdil said:

Don't forget the passport photos

mine were done up the USPS office itself ,  but not I went to the main one as not all offices do the photos

CVS did a good job for wife's photos.

[GEOntificator 281]

7 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

Don't forget the passport photos

mine were done up the USPS office itself ,  but  I went to the main one as not all offices do the photos

 

5 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

CVS did a good job for wife's photos.

I am going to run up to Walgreens around the corner and take passport pics there. 

[GEOntificator 281]

8 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

CVS did a good job for wife's photos.

The fee which is payable to the "U.S. Department of State" need to be a total of all fees (expedites plus passport book) in one lump sum correct? I understand that the USPS fee I can pay with my CC at the time of appt.

[happydoctor 36]

On 9/28/2023 at 11:30 AM, Crazy Cat said:

You will need the original Naturalization Certificate and a B&W copy of the certificate.  Both will be sent away with the passport application.  You have no choice.  They will return the original to you.   I suggest making a color scan of the NC for your records.

Hi! I’m  wondering what is step by step instructions to get a first passport ? What documents do we need to apply at the usps?

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

Just now, happydoctor said:

Hi! I’m  wondering what is step by step instructions to get a first passport ? What documents do we need to apply at the usps?

Find a local passport acceptance agency.  Normally, this is a USPS post office or a county clerk (when applicable).  You can usually schedule an appointment on their site.  They all give good instructions on exactly what you will need.  In my wife's case, we needed: Passport application, her Naturalization certificate (and a BW copy), a state ID (and copy), and 2 payments. 

[happydoctor 36]

6 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

Find a local passport acceptance agency.  Normally, this is a USPS post office or a county clerk (when applicable).  You can usually schedule an appointment on their site.  They all give good instructions on exactly what you will need.  In my wife's case, we needed: Passport application, her Naturalization certificate (and a BW copy), a state ID (and copy), and 2 payments. 

 Thank you! So basically I can do it the same day as my oath ceremony?

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

8 hours ago, happydoctor said:

 Thank you! So basically I can do it the same day as my oath ceremony?

Yes.