To Obtain a Passport You Will Need:
- Two (2) identical passport photos that must be:
- In color
- 2 x 2 inches in size
- Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
- Full face, front view with a plain white background
- Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- Taken in normal street attire:
- Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily
- Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline
- If you normally wear a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture. NO GLASSES MAY BE WORN IN PASSPORT PHOTOS as of November 1, 2016.
- A check, money order or bank draft made payable to the “U.S. Department of State” in the amount of $130.00 for anyone sixteen (16) years of age and older, or $100.00 for anyone fifteen (15) years of age and under. Please provide separate checks for each application.
- A $35.00 fee per passport for Power County Clerk’s Office. This can be paid with cash, money order, or a check. The Clerk’s Office will accept one (1) check for several applications.
- State certified copy of your Birth Certificate. This must have a raised State Seal on it. Hospital Certificates and Birth Abstracts are not acceptable. If you are a Naturalized Citizen you must present us with your original Naturalization Papers.
All original documents that are sent with your application are returned with your passport.
- We have to identify ALL APPLICANTS and you must present your CURRENT DRIVER’S LICENSE. Everyone needs to come in-person to apply. All minors must also appear in-person to apply, regardless of age.
- If a child is 15 years of age we must have one (1) parent’s signature, along with the child’s signature. If a child is under fourteen (15) years of age, both parents need to be present to sign. If the second parent is not available to sign, the appearing parent must:
- Present evidence of sole legal custody, or;
- Have written consent of the other parent, or;
- A written statement explaining why the other parent’s consent cannot be obtained.
As of March 2020, the U.S. Department of State is processing passport applications in approximately eighteen (18) weeks from the time of application . These can be expedited for an additional fee if necessary. A regular expedited service, takes approximately twelve weeks (12) weeks. You are also able to check your application status online with the U.S. Department of State by clicking here.
If leaving, or needing a passport for a foreign visa, within fourteen (14) days, you need to make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency, and call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. For special circumstances where an applicant cannot go in person to a Regional Passport Agency to apply – contact our office for guidance.
Applications should be filled out by the applicant, unless the application is for a small child.
Fees for Applying for a Passport:
(Make check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of State”)
Passport Book
Age 16 & Over: $130.00 Regular Fee, $60.00 Expedite Fee
Age 15 & Under: $100.00 Regular Fee, $60.00 Expedite Fee
$18.32 for 1-2 day delivery mail for the return of your passport from the U.S. Department of State.
For Each Passport Book Application: $35.00 Acceptance Fee (Cash, check or money order made out to the “Power County Clerk”)
Passport Card
Age 16 & Over: $30.00 Regular Fee
Age 15 & Under: $15.00 Regular Fee
For Each Passport Card Application: $35.00 Acceptance Fee (Cash, check or money order made out to the “Power County Clerk”)
Passport Renewal: (Click here to review renewal by mail qualifications) $130.00 Regular Fee
File Search Fee: $150.00 (applies for the verification of previous U.S. passport or Report of Birth files)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If I send my original Birth Certificate along with my Passport Application, is it returned? Yes.
Is a hospital Birth Certificate acceptable? No. Only a state-issued certified copy.
How long does it take to receive my passport? As of March 2020, the U.S. Department of State is processing passport applications in approximately up to eighteen (18) weeks from the time of application . These can be expedited for an additional fee if necessary. A regular expedited service, takes approximately twelve weeks (12) weeks. You are also able to check your application status online with the U.S. Department of State by clicking here.
How many years is my passport valid? If you are under the age of sixteen (16), your passport will be valid for five (5) years. Sixteen (16) years and older, your passport is valid for ten (10) years.
Does your office do renewals? Power County does supply renewal applications; however, we do not process them.
Does your your facility take photographs? Photo services are not provided.
How long do I have to renew my passport after it expires? There is a five (5) year period that renewal by mail is accepted. After that time period, you must reapply.
Can I sign my application before I bring it in? No. The application must be signed in the presence of an authorized passport clerk.
If my children are applying for a passport, what must they do? All children, regardless of age, must come in person to apply. If the child is under age fifteen (15), both parents or the child’s legal guardian(s) must appear with the child to present identification, and sign in front of an authorized passport clerk. If only one (1) parent appears, the appearing parent must present: second parent’s notarized written statement consenting to passport issuance for the child, or primary evidence of sole authority to apply, or a written statement explaining the second parent’s unavailability. If a child is sixteen (16) years of age or older, he or she must sign the application in the presence of an authorized passport clerk. One (1) parent is required to appear with the child, present identification, and sign in front of an authorized passport clerk.
If you have any questions please contact the Recorder’s Office.
Related Links U.S. Department of State http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
