The only way to tour the White House is to make a request of a Congressional Office (it can be House or Senate). They forward it to the White House along with your availability and about two weeks before your scheduled visit, you get notice from the White House whether you are given a tour or not (don't get your hopes up, demand far exceeds supply so the farther out you can make your request the better). Yes, you will need a government issued ID (passport, DL, etc)

I agree with everything Graham 7720 says above.

I believe they close at 4, so you need to exit by 4:00.

The answer is simple. You can take pics after the last security check point until you leave. You can not do video. At the last door where you leave , give enough space for yourself and others to leave before taking any outside pcs. The guards don't want you hanging near the exit. We just got back from our tour July 2018. Have fun!

Yes and no. Yes there are replicas of the Oval Office but not one in Washington DC. You can go to what is known as a Presidential Library, most have replicas of the Oval Office, however there are only 4 that allow you to set behind the desk: Richard Nixon in California, William Clinton in Arkansas, George Bush and George W Bush in Texas.

Hi Frances : No, you don't need your Passport to gain entry to the "White House Visitor Center" - as other contributors have indicated, there is a security check, which includes a "scan" similar to that at an Airport. You should allocate about an hour-and-a-half to view the various Exhibits + visit the (excellent) Shop. Bear in mind, by the way, the "Center" closes early (4 p.m.) Enjoy your visit to the wonderful City of Washington D.C. ! Gooner

Definitely NOT allowed to bring ANY food or drink inside. We had to pour out our water and toss any snacks that we had in our bags.