Passport Information

How to Apply for a Passport

For a successful appointment, please have the following items ready to bring to our office:
(For a more complete list see Quick Links.)

1. Passport Application – filled out in black ink only but not signed. Fill out online or download forms from travel.state.gov. Print and bring the application pages to your appointment.
   **Please double check your form. You may be required to fill out a new form if there are any mistakes**
   PLEASE NOTE: The most common application error is item #10 Last Name (at Parent's Birth). It's asking for the parent name at the time the parent was born. 
2. Fees - Fees are paid separately to the US Department of State and to the acceptance facility. Application fees are paid to the US Department of State - they accept Checks Only: personal, cashier's checks, or money orders.
   Acceptance fees are paid to the City of Saratoga Springs - credit/debit preferred. 
   Calculate your fees here.
   • Bring one check, money order or cashier's check made payable to the U.S. Department of State - one for each applicant. The U.S. Department of State may not accept Starter or Counter checks that your bank prints for you.
   • Credit/debit card preferred for fees payable to Saratoga Springs, including Acceptance Fees and/or photo or postage fees.
3. Valid Picture ID and a photocopy of front and back. For example:
   • Driver’s License
   • Official Government or Military ID card
   • See Photo Identification for details
4. Evidence of Citizenship and a photocopy. For example:
   • Certified birth certificate issued by the County Health Department 
   • Original Certificate of Naturalization
   • Original Certificate of Citizenship
   • Previous U.S. Passport book or card - undamaged
   • See Citizenship Evidence for details
5. One Passport Photo
   • You can have your photo taken in our office for $15 per person or bring one that meets U.S. Department of State requirements
   • Must have been taken within the last six (6) months
   • Must be in color and on a white background
   • Use a clear image of your face, no glasses, no filters, no selfies
   • Photo must be 2 x 2 inches square
   • See federal guidelines at travel.state.gov
6. All applicants (including children) must be present when applying for a passport
   If you are applying for a passport for a minor under the age of 16, both parents must be present unless the absent parent has filled out & had notarized a Statement of Consent (Form 3053).

Current passport processing times 

Please see the travel.state.gov for current times. Please note the time frames shown start from the day the Department of State receives your application, NOT from submission date.