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Applying As a Person with a Disability

Learn how to apply for a passport in the United States if you or your child has a disability.

We are dedicated to ensuring equal access to services at our passport agencies and centers.

  • Adult Passport

    If you’re an adult getting your first passport, or don’t qualify for a passport renewal, you must apply in person.

  • Child's Passport (Under 18)

    Children under 18 have a different process for getting a passport. Depending on the age of the minor, either both parents or 1 parent need to give their approval.

  • Renew or Replace a Passport

    Children under 18 have a different process for getting a passport. Depending on the age of the minor, either both parents or 1 parent need to give their approval.

Requesting accommodation for a disability

If you are applying at a passport agency or center due to urgent travel and would like to request an accommodation, follow these steps:

  1. Make the appointment online.
  2. Make note of your appointment confirmation number.
  3. Dial 877-487-2778 or 888-874-7793 for teletype services. Reference your confirmation number and ask for the accommodation request to be added to your appointment.

If you are applying at a passport acceptance facility such as a post office, library, or local government office, you will need to contact the office directly to request an accommodation.

Examples of disabilities that may require accommodations include:

  • Deaf or hard of hearing
  • Mobility or dexterity issues
  • Blindness or low vision
  • Speech disability
  • Intellectual disability

Accommodations and tips for the application process

You may bring someone with you to your appointment. We have several assistive devices to help you complete your application and communicate with passport employees.

All our agencies and centers are accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs or mobility devices. If you have questions about going to a passport acceptance facility, contact the facility.  

You may bring your service animal to your appointment. Your service animal does not need to wear a vest or tag. You do not need to bring any identification or training documents for the animal. You may learn more about bringing a service animal on the U.S. Department of Justice’s website. 

Customers on the autism spectrum can prepare for their passport appointment by printing our Social Story document. A social story shows situations you may encounter when you apply at a passport agency.

You may wear a hearing aid or cochlear implant in your passport photo. You do not need to provide a signed statement from a doctor or medical professional if you wear a hearing aid or cochlear implant.

If you have difficulty facing forward or keeping your eyes open, we will accommodate you. You will need to provide a signed statement from a doctor or medical professional.

  • If you cannot speak or have difficulty speaking

    You do not need to respond to the oath by speaking. You can sign the application.

  • If you cannot write or have difficulty writing

    Complete the application on a computer using our Form Filler tool or use the PDF version of the form. You may also have someone else fill out the application for you. Please note that you will still need to sign the application yourself. If you are eligible to renew your passport, you may be able to submit the application online.

  • If you can make a mark, such as an “X” on the application

    • You may use that as your signature. 
    • If you are eligible to renew your passport, and you signed with a mark on your last application, you may use form DS-82.
    • If you signed with a signature on your last application, you must use form DS-11 and apply in person. If your ID has a signature instead of a mark, you must bring someone to your appointment as a witness that a mark is your signature. The witness must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID.

  • If you cannot make a mark

    You should bring someone who has legal authority to sign on your behalf. You should also bring a copy of the court order that gives that person legal authority. Different states or countries may use different wording in their court orders. Some examples are: guardianship, conservatorship, decision-making authority, or power of attorney.

Considerations for legal guardians of a person with a disability

Legal guardians of adult customers

If you are the legal guardian of an adult who cannot legally sign a passport application, you will need to submit an application for the adult. Include a copy of the court order that proves you have authority to make decisions for the applicant. Parents do not automatically have legal guardianship of their children over the age of 18. 

The court order or power must:

  • Include your name and the ward’s name, and
  • Give you the authority to sign legal documents on the ward’s behalf.

All legal guardians on the court order must provide consent. The legal guardians must sign the application or provide a notarized statement that says they approve issuing a passport to the ward. You can get the statement notarized at a notary public.

Preventing your ward from traveling

If you are concerned your ward will apply for a passport, send us a letter that your approval is required before we issue a passport. Include the following information:

  • A copy of your photo ID(s)
  • A copy of the court order from a U.S. court declaring your legal guardianship
  • Your contact information

Send the information to:

CA/PPT/S/A/RA 
44132 Mercure Circle, P.O. Box 1243 
Sterling, VA 20166-1243 
Fax number: 202-485-6496

If your ward already received a passport without your approval (if required), you can also send a letter to us requesting that we cancel it. Include the following information:

  • Provide the name of the applicant (your ward), the passport number, and the date it expires
  • A copy of your photo ID(s)
  • A copy of the court order from a U.S. court declaring the applicant legally incompetent
  • Your contact information

Send your request to the mailing address in Sterling, VA of the agency or center that issued the passport. Do not send it to the agency’s physical address. If you don’t know where the passport was issued, send it to the nearest agency. 

We will send a letter to the guardian confirming that we revoked the ward’s passport.

Opportunities to provide feedback or file a complaint

Customer feedback and information about accessibility

We have legal obligations to persons with disabilities under both federal law (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and regulations (22 CFR Part 144).

Complete our customer survey if you want to give feedback about your experience applying for a passport.

Learn about the Department's commitment to accessibility  information and communication technologies. 

Filing a complaint for discrimination

If you already applied and believe that you have experienced discrimination, you may wish to file a complaint with the Department’s Office of Civil Rights. In most cases, you must file your complaint within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act. Failing to meet this deadline may result in your complaint being dismissed.

To file the complaint, use the discrimination complaint form.

You may also submit your complaint by fax at 202-647-4969 or by mail at:

Office of Civil Rights (S/OCR) 
2201 C Street NW, Suite 5806 
Washington, DC 20520 

For help filing a complaint, dial 202-647-9295 or email SOCR_Direct@state.gov.

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Last Updated: May 23, 2026

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