Signature and Acceptance Agent Requirements

🧾 Original Signature Requirements

All passport-related documents must be signed with original (wet) signatures.

This includes:

• Passport application forms

• Letters of authorization

• Any required supporting statements

Important:
Photocopied, scanned, or digital signatures are not accepted and will cause delays or rejection.

Swift cannot correct or replace missing original signatures after submission.

🧑‍💼 When an Acceptance Agent Is Required

You must visit a passport acceptance agent if you are applying for:

• A first-time passport

• A new passport (if your most recent passport expired more than 5 years ago)

• A child’s passport

• A lost or stolen passport replacement

These requirements are mandated by the U.S. Department of State and cannot be waived.

🧳 What Happens at the Acceptance Agent Appointment

At your appointment, the acceptance agent will:

• Verify your identity

• Watch you sign the passport application

• Review required documents

• Seal your documents in an envelope

• Require a $35 fee to seal the envelope

Make sure to ask the Passport Acceptance Agent to seal the documents for hand-carry.

Once sealed:

• Do not open the envelope

• Deliver or ship the sealed packet to Swift exactly as instructed

Opening the envelope invalidates the application.

📦 Submitting Sealed Documents to Swift

After your acceptance agent appointment:

• Bring or ship the sealed envelope to Swift

• Follow the shipping instructions provided 

Swift cannot submit applications without the sealed acceptance packet.

💡 What Swift Can and Cannot Do

Swift can:

• Provide clear instructions and document checklists

• Review submissions for completeness

• Submit sealed packets to the Passport Agency

• Track status updates in SwiftPass

Swift cannot:

• Accept unsealed documents

• Replace missing signatures

• Bypass acceptance agent requirements

• Open sealed envelopes on your behalf