Passports

• New passport for those age 16 & over -- $100, includes $25 execution fee
• New passport for those under age 16 -- $85, includes $25 execution fee
• Passport card for those age 16 & over -- $45
• Passport card for those under age 16 -- $35
• Application to renew a passport -- $75
• Application to renew a passport card -- $20
• Children under the age of 16 are not eligible to use form DS-82, the application to renew, if the passport/passport card was issued before the child was 16 years of age.  It would be necessary for them to apply as an adult if over the age of 15, or a new passport/passport card if they are still under the age of 16
• Expedite fee -- $60 per passport/passport card
• Return overnight delivery fee --$14.85  per passport/passport card
• Affidavit of Lost or Stolen Passport – no fee for the affidavit, however it will be necessary for the individual to apply for a new passport, with all applicable fees, along with the affidavit.  

Processing Times:

According to the State Department, the current processing time for a new U.S. Passport is 4-6 weeks.  For expedited handling it is currently 2-4 weeks.  This time fluctuates; therefore I would recommend you check the processing times on the State Department website at www.travel.state.gov

Rules that apply for travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean:

The second phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative took effect on June 1, 2009.  It is now necessary to have a passport book, passport card, or WHTI compliant documents for any of the above locations.  Please note that with a passport card you will not be allowed to fly, even in emergency situations.

Land and Sea Travel:

All persons traveling by land or sea outside of the United States are now required to present a passport book or passport card.  Children under the age of 16 will be able to continue crossing land and sea borders using only a U.S. birth certificate or other forms of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate.  The original birth certificate or a copy may be used.  See the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready, Set, Go! at www.dhs.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.  This passport requirement does not apply to U.S. Citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. Territory.

How does a passport card differ from a passport book?

A passport card is a wallet-size travel document that can only be used to re-enter the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.  You cannot use a passport card to fly to the U.S. from these locations, even with a medical or family emergency.  The card provides a less expensive, smaller, and more convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea, so it might be ideal for a constituent who often visits Canada by car or boat.  The passport card and a passport book are valid for the same amount of time: 10 years for an adult and 5 years for minors under age 16. The card costs $45 for a first-time adult passport applicant and $35 for all minor applicants under age 16, regardless of whether they are previous passport book or card holders. Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card as a passport renewal by mail for a cost of $20.

How do I check the status of a passport application?

The State Department says you should be able to track the status of their passport application online about seven to 10 days after an application is submitted.  To check the status of your application, please visit this site:  www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html  or call 877-487-2778 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays to speak with a representative.

How do I obtain my first passport?

To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to apply in person at a passport acceptance facility. In our area this is usually a post office or a county clerk of court.  You will need two photographs, proof of U.S. citizenship (Certified Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate), and valid photo identification such as a driver’s license. A photocopy of your driver’s license is now required to accompany your application. For minors under the age of 14, the child must appear in person.  Also, all applications for children under 14 require both parents’ or legal guardians’ consent or one parent must appear to sign and submit the second parent’s NOTARIZED statement of consent authorizing passport issuance, or provide evidence of a court order granting sole custody.

Can I renew a passport by mail?

If your passport has been altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail and must apply in person. You can renew a passport by mail if:
• Your most recent passport is available to submit and is not damaged
• You received the passport within the past 15 years
• You were over age 16 when it was issued
• You still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.

How my office can help with passport problems:

My district office will be happy to assist you if you are having a problem obtaining a passport. You should call my office at 440-352-3939 and be prepared to share the following information:  name; DOB; Social Security Number; address; date and location of travel; date and location of passport application (i.e., local post office); home, office and cell numbers; and a locator number which can be found on the State Department web site.  My office will be happy to make a congressional inquiry about the status of your application, and you should call us as early as possible.  

For complete information about passports, travel warnings and tips for traveling to foreign countries: www.travel.state.gov