Homeless individuals in the U.S. can obtain a passport by following the standard application process with specific accommodations for their circumstances. The core requirements—proof of citizenship, photo identification, and application fees—remain the same, but alternative documentation and community support systems can help overcome barriers like lack of a permanent address or lost identification. Key steps include gathering essential documents (birth certificate, Social Security card), using shelter or service provider addresses for mailing, and leveraging nonprofit assistance for fees or ID replacement.

• Primary requirements: Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate) and photo ID (state-issued ID, Social Security card, or alternative secondary IDs) are mandatory ^[1][5].
• Address solutions: Homeless applicants can use a shelter’s address, a friend’s address, or a commercial mailbox service for passport delivery ^[3][5].
• Fee assistance: Some organizations and shelters offer fee waivers or financial aid for passport costs, though this varies by location ^[2][5].
• Support systems: Nonprofits, homeless shelters, and legal aid services often provide guidance, notary services, and document replacement help ^[2][3].

Navigating the Passport Application Process for Homeless Individuals

Overcoming Documentation Barriers

Homeless individuals often face two major challenges: proving identity and establishing citizenship without stable housing or traditional IDs. The U.S. Department of State requires Form DS-11 for first-time applicants, which must be submitted in person at an acceptance facility (e.g., Post Office, courthouse, or library) ^[1][7]. Without a driver’s license or state ID, applicants can use alternative documents, but the process requires strategic planning.

• Primary ID alternatives: If lacking a state-issued ID, applicants can present a combination of documents such as:
• Social Security card plus an employee ID, student ID, or health insurance card ^[10].
• A notarized affidavit of identity (Form DS-71) from a recognizing witness who can vouch for the applicant’s identity ^[1].
• A library card or shelter-issued ID, though these may require additional secondary documents ^[2].
• Proof of citizenship: A U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy) is the most common document, but naturalization certificates or consular reports of birth abroad are also acceptable ^[1][5].
• Lost documents: Shelters and nonprofits often assist with obtaining replacement birth certificates or Social Security cards. For example, the HHRC Toolkit outlines steps to request a birth certificate from the vital records office in the applicant’s birth state, with fees typically ranging from $10 to $30 ^[2].

Applicants without any ID may need to visit a passport agency in person for an interview, where staff can verify identity through secondary methods like fingerprinting or database checks ^[1]. Some shelters partner with legal aid organizations to provide free notary services for affidavits ^[3].

Address and Fee Challenges

The passport application requires a mailing address for delivery, which can be a significant hurdle. Additionally, fees—$130 for the application plus $35 for execution—may be prohibitive ^[1][7]. However, creative solutions and community resources can bridge these gaps.

• Mailing address solutions:
• Homeless shelters: Many shelters (e.g., PADS in Illinois) allow clients to use their address for mail and may provide a letter confirming residency for documentation purposes ^[3].
• General delivery: Some Post Offices accept general delivery mail for individuals without a permanent address, though this requires coordination with the facility ^[4].
• Trusted contacts: Using a friend’s or family member’s address is permitted, but applicants should confirm the address will be valid for 4–6 weeks (standard processing time) ^[5].
• Fee assistance programs:
• Nonprofit organizations: Groups like the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty or local homeless coalitions may offer grants or vouchers for passport fees ^[2].
• State-specific programs: Some states (e.g., California) provide reduced-fee IDs for homeless individuals, which can then be used for passport applications ^[2].
• Expedited service waivers: In cases of urgent travel (e.g., family emergencies), applicants can request expedited processing ($60 additional fee), though fee waivers are rare and granted only in extreme hardship cases ^[1].
• Passport photos: Many Post Offices, libraries, and pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens) offer passport photo services for $10–$15. Some shelters provide free photo services for clients ^[4][2].

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Complete Form DS-11: Fill out the application online using the State Department’s Form Filler and print it single-sided ^[6]. Do not sign the form until instructed by an acceptance agent.
2. Gather documents: - Proof of citizenship (e.g., birth certificate). - Photo ID (or secondary IDs as described above). - Photocopies of all documents (black-and-white copies are acceptable) ^[1].
3. Obtain a passport photo: Use a white background and follow size requirements (2x2 inches) ^[4].
4. Schedule an appointment: Visit a passport acceptance facility (e.g., Post Office) with all documents. Walk-ins may be accepted but appointments are recommended ^[4].
5. Pay fees: Bring cash, check, or money order (credit cards are not accepted at all facilities). Request a fee waiver form if applicable ^[7].
6. Track application: Use the online tracking tool with the provided receipt number. Processing times average 6–8 weeks (or 2–3 weeks for expedited) ^[1].