Q Passport Information

Who needs a Passport?

A U.S. Citizen needs a passport to depart and/or enter the United States and most foreign countries. Exceptions may include short-term travel between Mexico, Canada and some countries in the Caribbean where a U.S. birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship may be accepted. Your travel agent or airline can provide you with this information.

Where to apply for a Passport?

If you have never had a passport, you must appear in person with a completed form DSP-11, available at the County Clerk’s Office or download www.travel.state.gov/

If you have never had a passport, you will need to bring with you:

1. A certified copy of your birth certificate – this must have a State or County raised seal and must include the date it was filed. Naturalization papers are also accepted.

2. Two passport pictures (2” x 2”)*

3. Your Driver’s License or State ID.

4. A check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State for $67.00.

5. A check, money order or cash in the amount of $30.00 for the County Clerk’s fee.

6. All applicants over the age of 16 must execute their own application.

Fees:

Age 16 years and over (passport is good for 10 years)

$67.00 Check or Money Order to the U.S. Department of State

$30.00 to Alpena County Clerk

Age 15 years and under (passport is good for 5 years)

$52.00 Check of Money Order to the U.S. Department of State

$30.00 to Alpena County Clerk

Children 14 years and older must sign their own applications along with one parent. Both parents must be present with ID to execute a passport for children under the age of 14.

Special Requirements for children under age 14:

Both parents and/or child’s legal guardian's must appear with the child.
If only one parent appears, you must submit one of the following:

Second parent’s notarized written statement (form DS 3053) consenting to passport issuance for the child.

Primary evidence of sole authority to apply OR

A written statement (made under penalty of perjury) explaining the second parent’s unavailability.

If the child has a previous passport, please bring it with you along with a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate.

Renewal of Passports

Passports are renewable up to 15 years beyond the date of issue for adults only. Applications are available at the County Clerk’s Office or download http://travel.state.gov/.

If the following criteria applies, you may renew your passport by mail:

1. Your previous passport must have been issued on or after your 16^th birthday.

2. Your passport must have been issued within the last 15 years.

3. If your name has been changed due to marriage or by court order, you must submit proof of the name change.

4. It is undamaged.

If you have had a passport before, you will need:

1. Your old passport (if you do not have this anymore, you will have to fill out a DSP-64).

2. Two passport pictures (2” x 2”).

3. A check or money order payable to U.S. Department of State for $67.00.

You can obtain forms and information from Department Passport Services http://travel.state.gov/

Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport
Form DS-82, Application for Passport by Mail
Form DS-19, Application for Amendment/Validation of Passport
Form DS-64, Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport
Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent; Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under the Age of 14

You should receive your passport within 8-10 weeks.

FOR EXPEDITED PASSPORT SERVICE (Received within 2 weeks):

Mailing options: (depending on how soon you need your passport)

Express Mail is suggested if passport is needed within 6-8 weeks.
Express Mail is generally overnight delivery - $14.40
Priority Mail is within 3 days delivery - $4.05
You will need ONE prepaid Priority Mail envelope with a label. These envelopes along with proper postage are available at the County Clerk's Office. If you choose to use EXPRESS MAIL, you need TWO prepaid envelopes with labels. These envelopes along with the proper postage are also available at the County Clerk's Office.
You will also need: your completed, BUT NOT SIGNED application, 2 passport quality photos (Clerk's office can provide these for a $10.00 fee or you can go to any photographer that takes passport photos), a certified copy of your birth certificate OR previous passport, a valid drivers license or photo I.D. card and a check or money order for $127.00 payable to Department of State and cash, ch3ck or money order payable to the Alpena County Clerk for $60.00. For applicants age 15 and under, the cost is $112.00 to Department of State and $60.00 to the Alpena County Clerk.
Passports for age 16 and over are valid for age 16 and over are valid for 10 years. Passports for age 15 and under are valid for 5 years.
If you need your passport in LESS than 14 days, you will need to contact the Passport Agency directly to schedule a personal appointment. 1-877-487-2778.
For further information you can visit http://travel.state.gov or email NPIC@state.gov.

If you are traveling within (2) weeks of application, it is recommended that you drive to the nearest passport agency to apply which is:

Department of State Passport Agency

Kluczynski Federal Bldg.

230 S. Dearborn St.

Chicago, Il 60604

The agency is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Central Time and will only offer service by appointment. Customers may schedule an automated appointment 24 hours a day, seven days a week by call 1-877-487-2778.

When customers arrive at the Chicago Passport Agency, they will go to the intake window to have their appointment verified. Customers must present acceptable evidence of their U.S. citizenship such as Certified Birth Certificate, Previous U.S. Passport or Naturalization Certificate.

Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Closed all legal holidays.

For more information call the Alpena County Clerk’s office at (989) 354-9520.