Lt. Gov. Gregory R. Francis

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Frequently Asked Questions
 
Why do I have to submit original documents (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, marriage certificate, adoption decrees, etc.)?
 
Must both parents be present when submitting an application for minors under 14?
 
Why do children have to be present when applying for a passport?
 
Can applications be submitted online?
 
Can I mail in the passport application myself?
 
How do I check the status of my application?
 
How long do I have to wait before receiving my passport?
 
Can the process be expedited?
 
Do you offer senior citizen discounts?
 
How can I add visa pages or amend my passport if it is still valid?
 
 
 
Why do I have to submit original documents (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, marriage certificate, adoption decrees, etc.)?
The agency must receive these documents in its original format or a certified copy bearing a seal from the agency from which it was issued in order to authenticate the document.  These documents will be returned when the passport is issued.
 
Must both parents be present when submitting an application for minors under 14?
Yes, the law requires that both parents give consent to the issuance of a passport for minors under the age of 14.
 
Why do children have to be present when applying for a passport?
The law requires all children be present and identified by an acceptance agent in order to enhance the accurate identification of applicants and aid in the prevention of child abduction and substitution. 
 
Can applications be submitted online?
No, but applications can be filled out online, printed with a barcode, and submitted to any U.S. Passport Office.
 
Can I mail in the passport application myself?
Only adults utilizing the DS-82 "Passport Renewal Application" can mail out applications. However, it is strongly encouraged to submit renewal applications at any U.S. Passport Office. All other applicants must submit their applications in person.
 
How do I check the status of my application?
There are three options for doing status checks.
  • 877-487-2778 or (TDD/TTY 1-888-874-7793)
  • email at NPIC@state.gov            or
  • online at www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html
 
How long do I have to wait before receiving my passport?
Generally passports take about six-eight weeks to process, but can vary depending on the time of year and the increasing workload of the issuing agency.
 
Can the process be expedited?
Yes, with an extra fee of $60.00 per application and two express mail stamps, the process usually takes about two-three weeks but can also vary depending on the season and the workload.
 
Do you offer senior citizen discounts?
No, at this time the Department of State does not offer senior discounts.
 
How can I add visa pages or amend my passport if it is still valid?
Passport bearers can fill out and submit DS-4085 and their valid passport to place additional pages inside the passport if they run out of pages at any time during the life of the book. 
 
To amend a name, bearers must fill out DS-5504 and submit original/certified copy of marriage certificate/divorce decree/court order and the passport if it is less than one year old at no cost, or if it is over one year, submit the above documents and the passport will be renewed by filling out form DS-82 along with a fee of $67.00.
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
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