First Time Applicant

Adults (Age 16 and Older)

  • Original U.S. birth certificate (if born in the United States), Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240), naturalization certificate, or citizenship certificate (if U.S. citizenship was acquired at or after birth).
  • Application form DS-11 completed but not signed until you are requested to do so by a Consular Officer.
  • Application fee $165.00USD (or Ghana cedis equivalent).
  • Two (2) color photos (2”x2”) (front view, full face, and plain white or off-white background).
  • Photo identification (i.e. driver’s license, national identification card, etc.).

Personal appearance before a consular officer is required.

Children (Under 16 years)

Children must appear in person accompanied by two parents.  Evidence required includes

  • Birth certificate (showing parents names).
  • Application form DS-11 completed but not signed until you are requested to do so by a Consular Officer.
  • Application fee $135.00USD (or Ghana cedis equivalent).
  • Two (2) color photos (2”x2”) (front view, full face, and plain white or off-white background).
  • Photo identification of both parents.
  • Notarized written authorization for the non-applying parent not present with the child.
  • Proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship (if child acquired U.S. citizenship at or after birth): Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240), Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship, along with photo identification. For children who may have changed substantially in physical appearance, we suggest you bring progression photos, which show the child in the years since the issuance of the previous passport.

For children born in the U.S., parents must provide extensive evidence of the birthplace, identity, and citizenship of the child.  This includes but is not limited to the following

  • Birth Certificate.
  • Medical records and photos documenting the mother’s pregnancy and birth of the child in the United States.
  • Family photos from the child’s infancy to the present, especially photos in the U.S.
  • For older children, please bring the child’s medical and school records.

Cases are considered on an individual basis and the Consular Officer may request that you provide additional evidence.

Special Requirements for Children under Age 16

As of February 1, 2008, the two-parent consent requirement for all passport services was extended to include all children under age 16. Either both parents must be present to provide signatures at the time of passport application, or in the event one parent cannot attend, s/he must send a notarized statement of consent with valid identification. Alternately, the applying parent may present a death certificate or sole custody order for the child proving the other parent’s absence.

All first time applicants must appear in person at the American Citizen Services Unit.