Native Americans must obtain a U.S. passport through the standard federal application process, as tribal travel documents are not recognized as valid passports under U.S. law. The process mirrors that of any U.S. citizen, requiring in-person submission of Form DS-11, proof of citizenship, photo identification, and payment of fees. However, specific considerations apply to Native Americans born in Canada under the Jay Treaty of 1794, who may enter the U.S. with tribal documentation but still require a U.S. passport for international air travel. While some tribes issue their own travel documents, these are only accepted for limited border crossings and are not substitutes for U.S. passports.

• Standard U.S. passport application process applies: Native Americans must submit Form DS-11 in person with proof of citizenship, photo ID, and fees ^[1][8]
• Tribal documents are not passports: Only U.S.-issued passports are valid for international travel; tribal IDs may be used for specific border crossings ^[2][10]
• Jay Treaty exceptions: American Indians born in Canada with ≥50% blood quantum can enter the U.S. with tribal documentation but still need a U.S. passport for air travel ^[2][4]
• Application locations: Must be submitted at authorized facilities like post offices, courthouses, or U.S. embassies (for overseas applicants) ^[1][6][9]

U.S. Passport Application Process for Native Americans

Standard Application Requirements and Procedures

Native Americans must follow the same passport application process as all U.S. citizens, with no special exemptions or alternative procedures. The U.S. Department of State requires first-time applicants to complete Form DS-11 in person at an authorized acceptance facility, which includes post offices, public libraries, and courthouses. The process cannot be completed online or by mail for new passports, though renewals may be mailed under specific conditions ^[1][8].

Key requirements include:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship: Original or certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous U.S. passport. Tribal enrollment documents alone do not suffice ^[1][3]
• Photo identification: Valid driver’s license, state ID, or military ID. Tribal IDs are accepted only if they meet federal Real ID standards ^[1][8]
• Passport photo: Must meet strict size, background, and quality specifications (2x2 inches, white background, no glasses/headwear unless for religious reasons) ^[1][9]
• Fees: $130 application fee + $35 acceptance fee for adults (16+); expedited processing costs an additional $60 ^[1][3]
• In-person submission: Required for all first-time applicants, including Native Americans, at facilities like USPS locations or county clerk offices ^[9]

The processing time is typically 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks for expedited service, with optional 1-2 day delivery for the completed passport ^[3]. Applicants can track their status online through the State Department’s passport application status tool ^[1].

Special Considerations for Native Americans

Jay Treaty and Border Crossing Exceptions

Native Americans born in Canada with at least 50% American Indian blood quantum may enter the U.S. without a passport under the Jay Treaty of 1794, but this exemption has strict limitations. The treaty allows for:

• Land/sea border crossings only: Tribal documentation is accepted at U.S. ports of entry for travel between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico, but not for air travel, which always requires a U.S. passport ^[2][4]
• Required documentation: Acceptable proofs include:
• Canadian government-issued Indian status cards (e.g., from the Ministry of Indian and Northern Affairs) ^[4]
• Official tribal statements on letterhead with a photo and blood quantum verification ^[4]
• Secure tribal photo IDs issued by U.S.-recognized tribes (verifiable by CBP) ^[2]
• No visa requirement: Eligible individuals are not subject to denial of entry but must still present valid documentation at the border ^[4]

This exemption does not apply to international travel outside North America. For example, a Native American born in Canada traveling to Europe would need a U.S. passport, as tribal documents are not recognized by foreign governments ^[2].

Tribal Travel Documents and Limitations

Some Native American tribes issue their own travel documents, but these have no legal standing as passports under U.S. or international law. Key points include:

• Not valid for air travel: Even for domestic flights within the U.S., tribal IDs must comply with TSA’s Real ID requirements ^[2]
• Limited foreign recognition: A few countries (e.g., Mexico) may accept tribal documents for land crossings, but this is rare and requires advance verification with embassies ^[2]
• Examples of tribal documents:
• Iroquois Confederacy passports (issued since 1923 but not widely accepted) ^[10]
• Secure tribal photo IDs for CBP-approved border crossings ^[4]
• U.S. citizenship supersedes tribal status: All Native Americans have been U.S. citizens since the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, meaning they are eligible for U.S. passports regardless of tribal enrollment ^[5][10]

The U.S. passport itself does not indicate tribal affiliation or Native American heritage, as it is a federal document issued uniformly to all citizens ^[10].