U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925

Mary Beth Newbill | Southern History Department, Central Library

While we may not be traveling overseas ourselves right now, we can incorporate travel into our genealogical research by using a marvelous database for U.S. passport applications. Available on FamilySearch.org, this database contains over three million images of historic passport applications. This article and the accompanying video will demonstrate how to access and use these fascinating documents.

The original applications are held by the National Archives and Records Administration and have been microfilmed. They have also been digitized and are available on Ancestry.com and Fold3.com for a fee. Luckily, they are also on FamilySearch.org for free. If you haven’t already done so, you will need to create a FamilySearch account in order to view the digitized images,

The format of the applications changes over the years from simple letters addressed directly to the Secretary of State to official forms that include photographs. However, most of them contain such basic information as the applicant’s name, date and place of birth, their occupation, a physical description, and their travel plans. Unlike today’s passports which are good for ten years, earlier ones were only good for about two years. If you are researching someone who traveled frequently, they may have multiple applications. Wives and minor children often did not have passports of their own. They would simply be listed on the husband/father’s application.

Like today’s passports, only native born or naturalized citizens were eligible to apply. In the case of a naturalized citizen, the application may contain a copy of their naturalization certificate or information about the date and place of their naturalization. If an individual changed their name or changed the spelling of their name, the details of this may also be included. Many applications include letters explaining any special circumstances or affidavits from people who knew the applicant.

Not everyone will have an ancestor who traveled overseas, but if you do then their passport application can add to your growing knowledge about them and their life. Our ancestors traveled for many of the same reasons that we do today: for pleasure, for business, to visit family, or to see their old homes. I hope you’ll enjoy using this resource! For additional information, follow the links below:

United States, Passport Applications – FamilySearch Historical Records
National Archives – Passports