How to Apply for a Passport
PASSPORT APPLICATIONS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The County Clerk’s Office is OPEN to the public for passport applications. Appointments are NOT required.
Effective September 28, 2020, Passport Services will resume processing times for routine and expedited services. The processing times are as follows (including mailing):
- ROUTINE SERVICE: 10 to 12 weeks
- EXPEDITED SERVICE: 7 to 9 weeks
Applicants with immediate travel need to contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778.
It may take up to 4 weeks from the day you apply until your application shows as “In Process” online.
Please visit the Department of State website here for the latest information.
An individual may apply for a passport at the local County Clerk’s office.
Applications and photo services are available in our office. Please bring the necessary documents with you (use your scrollbar to see below).
Click here for a chart of 2023 Passport Fees.
Average Requirements for a U.S. Passport
Adults (Persons 16 years of age and older) 10 year passport
- Birth Certificate with a raised seal or naturalization papers or old passport (a new passport will be needed if your previous passport is 15 years past the issue date or if you were under 16 years old when it was issued).
- One colored picture (2 inches by 2 inches) with a white or off white background.
- Valid driver’s license (not expired and cannot be temporary or out-of-state learner’s permit).
Check, cash or money order for $165.00 plus $10.00 for photo if needed. Credit/Debit cards not accepted.
PLEASE NOTE: Passport fees increased on December 27, 2021.
Children (Persons 15 years of age and under) 5 year passport
Please see the new rules for applying for children’s passports. In most circumstances, both parents must appear and sign the application form in front of agent for each child, 15 years old or younger.
For more information, please click here.
- Birth Certificate with a raised seal or naturalization papers.
- Birth certificate must state both parents names.
- One colored picture (2 inches by 2 inches) with a white or off white background.
- Valid driver’s license of both parents or guardians accompanying the child.
Check, cash or money order for $135.00 plus $10.00 for photo if needed. Credit/Debit cards not accepted.
U.S. Birth Certificate Instructions
A birth certificate is primary evidence of United States citizenship for an applicant born in the United States. To be acceptable, a birth certificate must show the following:
- Name of the child (including given name)
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- File date (should be within one year of the date of birth- if not within one year additional evidence needed)
- Authorized seal of the registrar’s office (seal may be raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored)
- Full name of applicants parents
Birth certificates presented must contain the characteristics listed above.
Secondary Evidence of Citizenship
- Hospital Certificates
- Baptismal Certificates
- Notification of Birth
- U.S. Census Records
- Medical Records
- Elementary school transcripts
- Insurance Records
- Family Bible Records
If circumstances are beyond these basic requirements call our office at (585) 268-9270 or visit the US Department of State Passport Services and Information web page
Helpful Links
For more information on passports, please visit the U.S. Department of State website. Click here.
Should you pay extra to expedite processing of your passport from the U.S. Department of State? Click here.
To check on the status of your submitted passport application, click here.