---
title: Signature and Acceptance Agent Requirements
description: Learn when original signatures and passport acceptance agent appointments are required, which applications need sealed documents, and what cannot be bypassed.
---
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# Signature and Acceptance Agent Requirements
## Learn when original signatures and passport acceptance agent appointments are required, which applications need sealed documents, and what cannot be bypassed.
### 🧾 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
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