Passport Information

How do I obtain a passport?

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

PLEASE NOTE: ALL PASSPORTS ARE PROCESSED AT OUR FACILITY LOCATED AT 34 GLENEIDA AVENUE

DS-11 PASSPORT APPLICATION (BROWN & WHITE FORM):  The following procedures do NOT apply if you have been issued a U.S. passport within the last 15 years, the passport was issued after your 16th birthday, and you are able to present your most recently issued passport as birth evidence with your application.  If you meet these requirements, please refer to the section entitled “RECENT RENEWAL APPLICANTS, DS-82 (PINK FORM)”.

I)          ADULT (AGE SIXTEEN AND OLDER) REQUIREMENTS:

A)        PROOF OF UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP

1)         A person born in the United States must submit United States birth certificate with raised impression seal; certificate must be issued by a municipality.  Birth date must be correct and stated thereon; filing date of birth must also be stated thereon.  The birth certificate must be filed within one year of birth.  Hospital birth records or baptismal certificates are not acceptable or

2)         A naturalized citizen must submit original certificate of naturalization or

3)         A previous United States passport can be submitted for proof of United States citizenship.

B)        PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION

1)         A valid driver’s license.

2)         If applicant does not have a driver’s license, they must present two forms of picture identification, and must appear with an identifying witness who has known them for two years and is a United States citizen.

3)         First time applicants and applicants with previous passport over fifteen years from date of issue must appear in person to process the passport application.

4)         Social security number, and parents’ information is mandatory for acceptance of passport application.

5)         All applicants need two identical color photographs, 2” x 2”, full-face view, white background, taken within the last six months. Applicant’s image must be centered in the photograph.

II)        CHILDREN (UNDER THE AGE OF SIXTEEN) REQUIREMENTS:

A)        PROOF OF UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP

1)         A child born in the United States must submit United States birth certificate with raised impression seal; certificate must be issued by a municipality.  Birth date must be correct and stated thereon; filing date of birth must also be stated thereon.  The birth certificate must be filed within one year of birth.  Hospital birth records or baptismal certificates are not acceptable.

2)         A naturalized citizen must present an original certificate of naturalization.

3)         A previous United States passport can be submitted for proof of United States citizenship, however, children under the age of 14 MUST submit birth certificate as well.

B)        PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION

1)         Parents must bring a valid driver’s license as proof of identification.

2)         FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 14 YEARS

(a)        Children under the age of fourteen must appear in person.

(b)        Both parents must appear together, sign application, and present their valid identification or

(c)        One parent appears, signs, and submits second parent’s written notarized statement consenting to passport issuance for child or

(d)        One parent appears, signs, and submits primary evidence of sole authority to apply or

(e)        One parent appears, signs, and submits a written notarized statement explaining why non-applying parent’s consent cannot be obtained.

3)         Applicants fourteen or fifteen years of age must appear in person with at least one parent or legal Guardian for identification purposes.

3)         Social security number, and parents’ information is mandatory for acceptance of passport application.

4)         All applicants need two identical color photographs, 2” x 2”, full-face view, against a white background, taken within the last six months.  Applicant’s image must be centered in the photograph.

RECENT RENEWAL APPLICANTS, DS-82 (PINK FORM), REQUIREMENTS:

A)        Most recently issued U.S. Passport

B)        Applicant must have been at least 16 years of age when passport was issued.

C)        Passport must be within 15 years of the issue date.

D)        Social Security number is mandatory on application.

E)         All applicants’ need two identical color photographs, 2”X 2”, full-face view, white background, taken within the past six months. Applicant’s image must be centered in the photograph.

F)         If name has changed since issuance of previous passport an original or certified copy of the legal document authorizing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court record of name change, etc.) is also required.

FEE REQUIREMENTS

A)        Adults sixteen years of age and older using DS-11: $67.00 personal check or money order made payable to U.S. Department of State.

B)        Children under the age of sixteen using DS-11: $52.00 personal check or money order made payable to U.S. Department of State.

C)        Adults using the DS-82 form: $67.00 personal check or money order made payable to U.S. Department of State.

D)        All applicants must pay a separate, additional $31.00 fee in cash or check for processing of a DS-11 form.  All applicants using the DS-82 form must pay a $1.00 processing fee if the application is processed by this office.  Checks for the processing fees can be made payable to Putnam County Clerk.

E)         In rare cases where urgent departure is required in at least 15 working days, or Visas are needed for departure, you may be eligible for Expedited Service.  For Expedited Service an additional fee of $60.00, personal check or money order made payable to U.S. Department of State., will ensure processing of the passport within 15 business days.  

ADULTS PASSPORTS ARE VALID FOR TEN (10) YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE.

CHILDREN’S PASSPORTS ARE VALID FOR FIVE (5) YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE.

REQUIREMENTS AND FEES ARE PER U.S. CITIZEN ONLY

AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

ALLOW AT LEAST THIRTY (30) BUSINESS DAYS

FOR EXECUTING PASSPORT APPLICATIONS.

If your travel plans change while you are waiting for your passport or if you need to inquire about the issuance of your passport contact the “Next Generation” Toll Free National Passport Information Center:

1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) TTY/TDD 1-888-874-7793

US State Department Passport Application Forms
The US State Department has downloadable passport application forms available on its Web site. Remember to read the special instructions below first!