DS-5520 Fillable PDF & Form Guide

Quick answer

What is DS-5520 used for?

Supply additional identity history and supporting records after a passport agency or center determines that the evidence in a pending application is insufficient.

Use this form when

Use DS-5520 only when the processing passport agency or center asks for it. The questionnaire builds a longer identity record through addresses, documents, family or associates, and other facts that can be compared with evidence.

Do not use it for

DS-5520 does not replace the primary passport application or automatically establish citizenship. It addresses identity, while DS-5513 addresses entitlement and citizenship evidence; the agency request determines which is needed.

What to prepare for DS-5520

Collect the relevant records before typing. The exact set depends on the applicant and the government instructions or case-specific request.

The passport agency request letter and application reference
Identity documents showing full name and photograph or full name and signature with issue dates
A detailed address, school, work, and personal history for the periods requested
Names and contact details of people who can corroborate identity when the form requests them
Secondary identity evidence identified by the agency when primary identification is unavailable

A reliable fillable-PDF workflow

1. Map answers to source records

Separate originals, certified copies, ordinary photocopies, and working scans. The State Department does not treat these as interchangeable. Create an attachment inventory showing what must be presented, what must be mailed, and what should remain in your records, then compare that inventory with the current form instructions before submission.

2. Fill a downloaded working copy

Download a fresh DS-5520 directly from the State Department. Save it locally before typing, use a PDF application that preserves AcroForm values, and do not overwrite the untouched source. Complete only facts supported by records; flag missing information instead of inserting a plausible answer.

3. Reopen, inspect, and print

Reopen the saved PDF before printing and verify that every typed value persisted. Check long names and explanations for clipping, review radio buttons and checkboxes, and confirm blank fields are intentional. Print only after the electronic working copy and the visible page agree.

Critical DS-5520 review points

01
Keep address, employment, school, and identity-document dates chronological and free of unexplained gaps.
02
Distinguish identity evidence from citizenship evidence so each attachment answers the agency's actual request.
03
Verify that people named as references can accurately recognize and describe the applicant.
04
Print and mail the completed fillable PDF; the official form says it cannot be submitted electronically.

How to submit DS-5520

Return the printed DS-5520 and supporting records to the passport agency or center named in the request letter. Preserve the letter's case identifier, deadline, and destination with the response.

Print passport forms single-sided on 8.5-by-11-inch letter paper in portrait orientation. Use the current PDF and case-specific directions because destinations, fees, evidence, and processing options can change after this guide is reviewed.

Official DS-5520 download and guidance

DS-5520 fillable PDF State Department guidance

Clerks AI PDF skill

Prepare DS-5520 from your evidence

Add the official blank PDF and your source records. Clerks AI can map supported facts to interactive fields and flag missing evidence for review. It does not decide citizenship, identity, consent, eligibility, fees, or whether a passport will be issued.

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DS-5520 fillable PDF FAQ

Is this DS-5520 PDF actually fillable?

Yes. We inspected the official file's AcroForm tree on 2026-08-09; it contained 138 interactive field definitions. Always download a fresh copy because the Department may replace the file.

Can I submit the filled PDF electronically?

Fillability does not imply electronic submission. Follow the submission section above and the official instructions. Many passport PDFs must be printed, signed as directed, and presented or mailed with evidence.

Can I sign DS-5520 before printing?

Follow the signature rule printed on this specific form. Passport forms commonly require an original handwritten signature, and DS-11 or notarized consent documents have special timing and witness requirements.

Related passport form guides

DS-5513

DS-5520 fillable PDF: Supplemental Questionnaire to Determine Identity for a U.S. Passport