To request a copy, follow these steps:

1. Fill out a notarized, completed Form DS-5542

• Fill out the form on your computer
• If you complete the form by hand, use black ink
• Sign the form in front of a notary public to avoid delays

2. Get a photocopy of the front and back of your valid photo ID. Examples include:

• State-issued driver’s license
• Non-driver photo ID
• Military ID
• Passport
• Prison or inmate ID

If you don't have any of these IDs, please see Passport Vital Records IDs.

3. Get a check or money order. The cost is $50 for each record you request.

• Make payable to the "U.S. Department of State"
• Include a complete mailing address on the check
• Must be payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank

4. Mail Form DS-5542, a photocopy of the ID, and payment to:

    U.S. Department of State
    Passport Vital Records Section
    44132 Mercure Cir.
    PO Box 1213
    Sterling, VA  20166-1213

We can only provide official copies of records on file with the U.S. Department of State.

Processing Times

• Once we receive your request in our office, we should process it in 4 to 8 weeks. 
• Some documents may take longer than 8 weeks to locate. We do not offer expedited service.
• Mailing times (which may add up to 4 weeks) are not included in processing times.
• To avoid delays, provide complete information on your Form DS-5542 and include all your supporting documents.

Shipping

We will send your vital record to you. If you live in the United States, you can select First Class Mail or 1-2 Day Delivery:

• USPS First Class Mail: Takes one to two weeks. No extra charge. 
• 1-2 Day Delivery Service: Add $21.36 to the check or money order. 

If you live outside the United States, we will send your vital record to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The embassy or consulate will coordinate with you to pick up or deliver your record.

Yes, you can give permission to a family member or friend who has known you for at least five years. We need:

• Your signed, written permission. For example: "I, [write your name], give permission to [write your friend or family member's name] to request my Panama Canal Zone record on my behalf."
• A photocopy of your valid photo ID.
• A notarized statement from the person who is requesting your records.
• A photocopy of the front and back of the valid photo ID of the person making the request.

An apostille certifies a document so countries in the 1961 Hague Convention will recognize it. 

If you have a Panama Canal Zone record issued within the last five years, you don't need to pay for the apostille. If we issued your document more than five years ago, you must submit a request for a new Panama Canal Zone record.

If you need an apostille on your Panama Canal Zone record, you must submit a:

1. Notarized, completed Form DS-5542
2. Photocopy of a valid photo ID (examples: state-issued driver's license, passport, or military ID) 
3. Check or money order. The cost is $50 if you need a new copy of your Panama Canal Zone record.
   1. Make payable to the "U.S. Department of State"
   2. Include a complete mailing address on the check
   3. Must be payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank

Mail your notarized Form DS-5542, photocopy of your ID, and payment to:

    U.S. Department of State
    Passport Vital Records
    44132 Mercure Circle
    PO Box 1213
    Sterling, VA 20166-1213