Travel Wiki San Francisco
Adopted and applying for a passport, discrepencies...?
Hi, I'm hoping to study abroad this Fall semester in Japan through my college. The problem is, I've received some mixed information on what exactly I need to apply for a passport. I have never applied for one before and I am adopted by parents who are born U.S. Citizens and I was born in another country. The lady at the post office said that I need my adoption creed, naturalization papers, and a certified copy of my birth certificate. However, I've heard from someone else who has been adopted as well say she just went to San Francisco (one of the regional centers) and needed her naturalization papers and applied in person. I'm fine with mailing my application in, but I'm somewhat confused in what I really need. Please no wiki-ed answers or http://www.travel.state.gov quoted answer. I have been there and just want to double check before I apply. I don't want to be denied and have to wait even longer. I'd appreciate someone who has done this before. Thanks a bunch!
Well, normally after adoption, your state agency of vital statistics should issue you a new corrected birth certificate, or a record of foreign birth. If you don't have a new birth certificate with your adoptive parents listed, then yes, you'll need your Certificate of Naturalization or what is more likely called a Certificate of Citizenship which is issued in the case of adoption. If none of these are available, and it is preferable that they are, an original court order for the adoption may be accepted with reservations. A driver's license will be required as well.
For a first time passport application, you will need to apply in person at a passport acceptance facility, usually a post office, but other agencies accept them as well. Locations can be found on the website you've already listed in your question. Applications by mail are only accepted for passport renewals.
San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge Wikipedia travel guide video. Created by Stupeflix.com