Is it possible to get my passport without birth certificate?

by Timothy

I am going on a cruise and not sure if I need a passport or not. But if I do I'm kind of worried now. I lost my birth certificate and looked everywhere for it but it's gone.

I read that you need to give the Passport Agency your birth certificate when applying. I didn't see any alternative options when I was looking at the requirements. So would I be able to explain to them with a letter that I lost it? I have my driver's license and social security card. Is that enough?


ANSWER:


Hello, Timothy - Hopefully you have some time before your departure date to get this taken care of. You can use online services to get both your passport and certified birth certificate replacement faster if you need them right away.

If you are not leaving soon, do a search online for "the state you were born" + "birth certificate replacement". You will be able to contact a department with that state to get a certified copy which the Passport Agency will accept.

The processing times are different depending on which state you are dealing with. Some are pretty fast and can have it to you in less than two weeks. Others are very bureaucratic and take much longer.

If you are having trouble trying to contact the correct department in your state of birth, you can try the Passport Information Center at the US Department of State. Their number is 1-877-487-2778. Best of luck!