A passport is an internationally recognized travel document attesting to the identity and nationality of the bearer of the passport. The passport is a request on the part of the issuing government that officials of foreign governments permit the bearer to travel in their territories and to afford them all lawful aid and protection.
Anyone, including infants, departing from the United States and entering the United States from outside the United States needs a passport. The U.S. Department of State provides information regarding the passport and visa requirements of foreign countries and their respective fees. A passport is NOT required for travel by U.S. Citizens to any territory or waters, including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Proof of identity and citizenship is ALWAYS required.
Parents and guardians of minors who are applying for a passport for travel out of the country are advised as a best practice to apply for a passport as well even if the minor is planning to travel without the parent or guardian. In the event of an emergency while your child is outside of the country the parent or guardian will be able to travel immediately if necessary. Having a valid U.S. passport eliminates the stress of having to apply for a passport on an urgent basis in an emergency. For more information regarding passport and visa requirements, please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html.
The requirements for a U.S. passport are federal requirements and are not set or established by the Clerk’ Office. The following is required to apply for a passport:
- Proof of Identity – a current valid driver’s license, military identification, etc.
- Certified copy of birth record – The birth record must be certified by the state or U.S. Territory in which the birth took place. A raised or embossed seal must be affixed to the birth record.
- Proof of Citizenship – If you were born outside the U.S. a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship is required.
- Photo – a recent 2” x 2” photo is required. The Clerk’s Office can provide you with this photo. If you obtain this photo elsewhere, please visit this website for more information: travel.state.gov
- Completed Passport Application (DS-11 form) – Passport application forms can be found here: travel.state.gov
- Other documents MAY be required to process your passport application and these documents may not be known until you are in our presence.
Yes. All passport applicants, regardless of age, MUST personally appear in our office. Please note that for minors, Federal law requires BOTH parents or legal guardians’ signatures on a passport application for a child 15 years of age or younger, or documentation of the absence of the second parent. It is strongly encouraged for both parents or guardians to appear in person when applying for a child’s passport.
A minor, ages 16 and 17, may apply for a passport without a parent or guardian as long as they have an operator’s driver’s license and written consent from the parents or guardians or can submit a parent’s or guardian’s check for payment of the passport application. We recommend at least one parent be present to sign the passport application so as not to delay the passport application process.
The passport book and card are valid for ten (10) years if you are 16 years of age or older. The passport book and card are valid for five (5) years if you are 15 years of age or younger.
Yes, if your most recent passport was issued when you were at least 16 years old, was issued within the past 15 years, and you use the same name as on your most recent passport OR you have had your name changed by marriage or court order and you can submit proper documentation to reflect the name change. All passport renewals require the completion of DS-82 Form which can be obtained from the following website: travel.state.gov
Current processing times can be viewed at the following website: travel.state.gov.
If you need your passport sooner, you may request expedited services at an additional cost.
You can obtain any passport form from the Clerk’s Office or you can download them online from travel.state.gov.
When coming to the Clerk’s Office to apply for a passport you MUST have two separate forms of payment. There will be a fee paid to the passport agency and a separate fee paid to the Clerk’s Office. The passport agency fees can be reviewed at the following website: travel.state.gov.
The Clerk’s Office fees are as follows:
- $35.00 Execution Fee – This is a federally regulated fee and is not set by the Clerk’s Office.
- $15.00 Passport Photo Fee
- U.S. Postal Fees – the postal fees are set by the U.S. Postal Service, are subject to change, and may vary. Overnight fees MAY be required.
All children under age 16 must apply for a passport in person with two parents or guardians using Form DS-11. You cannot renew your child’s passport using Form DS-82. Passports for children under age 16 are only valid for 5 years.