Form DS-86: Submitting Additional Documentation for a Passport Application (2026)

Insufficient Evidence of Citizenship

Your initial application materials may not have included enough proof of U.S. citizenship — for example, you submitted a photocopy when a certified copy was required, or your birth certificate is missing the registrar's seal. The State Department needs the strongest possible evidence before issuing a passport.

Identity Verification Issues

Your photo ID may not be sufficient (expired, low quality, name mismatch with other documents). Passport Services may request additional ID such as utility bills, tax returns, employer records, or school records to verify your identity.

Name Change Documentation

If your name on the application doesn't match your evidence of citizenship, you must provide name change documentation: certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or naturalization certificate showing the name change.

Derivative Citizenship Cases

For applicants claiming citizenship through a parent (rather than birth in the U.S.), the State Department often requests parent's citizenship evidence, parent's residence/physical presence records, and the applicant's relationship to the parent.

Older Records or Pre-Computer Era Documents

For applicants born before centralized birth record systems, or whose records may have been destroyed, alternative evidence is often requested: hospital records, baptismal certificates, school enrollment records, U.S. Census records, and affidavits from older relatives.

Inconsistencies Between Documents

Discrepancies between application information and submitted documents (different spellings, different dates of birth, conflicting place of birth) may trigger a request for clarification or additional documentation to resolve the inconsistency.

Citizenship Evidence

• Certified U.S. birth certificate (with registrar's seal)
• Naturalization certificate (Form N-550 or N-570)
• Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)
• Prior U.S. passport (any age, even if expired)

Identity Documents

• Current state-issued driver's license or ID
• U.S. military ID
• Federal employee ID
• Certified school records (for those without traditional photo ID)
• Affidavit of identifying witness

Alternative Evidence

• Hospital birth records
• Baptismal certificate (issued within 5 years of birth)
• Census records (1940 or earlier U.S. Census records, or state census)
• Family Bible or family records
• Early school records
• Affidavits from older relatives or family friends

Name Change Documentation

• Certified marriage certificate
• Certified divorce decree showing name change
• Court-ordered name change document
• Adoption decree (if applicable)

Step-by-Step Response Process

Step 1: Read the letter carefully. Note your case number, the specific documents requested, the deadline, and the exact mailing address. Different requests may go to different processing facilities.

Step 2: Gather certified copies, not photocopies. Most requested documents must be certified copies issued by the source authority (vital records office, court clerk, etc.). Plain photocopies are usually not accepted.

Step 3: If you cannot obtain a document, get alternatives. Hospital records, baptismal certificates, family bibles, school records, and notarized affidavits can substitute for primary documents that are unavailable.

Step 4: Write a clear cover letter. Reference your case number prominently. List each document you are submitting. Briefly address any specific questions or issues raised in the request letter. Sign and date the cover letter.

Step 5: Mail via USPS Certified Mail with tracking. The tracking number is your proof of submission and delivery. Use the EXACT address from the request letter — not the general passport processing address.

Step 6: Keep copies of everything. Photocopy or scan every document and your cover letter before mailing. Save the certified mail receipt and tracking number.

If You Need More Time

If you genuinely cannot meet the 90-day deadline (perhaps because you need to obtain documents from a foreign country, wait for a court order, or recover from illness), contact Passport Services in writing BEFORE the deadline to request an extension. Include:

• Your case number
• The reason for the extension request
• Estimated time you need (be specific — “an additional 60 days”)
• Documentation of your effort so far (correspondence, receipts, etc.)

Extensions are granted at the State Department's discretion. Request them in writing and keep copies for your records.

Processing Time

After Passport Services receives your supplemental documentation, processing typically takes 4-6 weeks for review. Complex cases (derivative citizenship, alternative evidence, identity verification) can take longer. You will receive either an approval (passport issued) or a denial letter explaining the next steps.

Approval

If approved, your passport will be processed and mailed to you. You can track the status at passportstatus.state.gov using your last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.

Denial

If denied, the letter will explain the reason. You typically have several options:

• Reapply with stronger documentation — the simplest path for most cases
• Request reconsideration through the State Department's administrative process — useful when you have new evidence or believe a procedural error occurred
• Appeal in federal court — for serious cases involving citizenship determinations or alleged civil rights violations

An attorney is recommended for reconsideration requests and required for federal court appeals.

Additional Requests

Sometimes the State Department needs additional information beyond what you submitted. You may receive a follow-up letter requesting more documentation. Treat each request the same way — read carefully, gather requested items, respond by the deadline, and keep records.