United States Passports-

Application process is approximately 6 weeks.

                A passport is an official document identifying you as a United States citizen.  The City of Mount Vernon has agreed to act as a passport acceptance facility for the United States Department of State.  The new passport cards can be issued to a current passport holder, in place of a passport, or a person may choose to apply for both.

Washington State issues Enhanced Driver's License or ID cards - for more information see the Washington State Department of Licensing Website.

Passport Processing Hours:

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

9:00 am–4:00 pm.  (360) 419-3252

How to apply

You must apply in person if:

1.      This is your 1st passport.

2.      Your previous passport expired more than 5 years ago.

3.      Your previous passport was lost or stolen.

4.      You were under 16 years old when your previous passport was issued.

Renewals must be processed by mail if: 

1.      The passport was issued less than 15 years ago

2.      You can submit your most recent passport.

3.      You were at least 16 years old when the most recent passport was issued.

4.      You have the same name, or can submit proper documentation to reflect name changes, i.e. marriage certificate or court order.

                     (as of 7/13/10 the renewal fee is $110.00)

For detailed information and forms visit

The U.S. Department of State home page at

http://www.travel.state.gov

Applying in person

Bring the following with you to apply for a passport:

·         Proof of citizenship:  This can be one of the following:  Certified Birth Certificate (no photo copies); previous US Passport; Naturalization Certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad; or Certificate of Citizenship.

·         Proof of identity:  Previous US Passport; Certificate of Citizenship; Naturalization Certificate; current & valid driver's license; or current military, government, ID.

·         Two passport photos.  These must be identical 2"x2" color photos. No snap shots.  No School pictures.

·         The application fee:  effective 7/13/2010

Fee Type	Passport Fee (payable in CHECK only to Seattle Passport Agency)	Execution fee (Payable in cash, check or Credit to City of Mount Vernon)	Total Cost
Passport Book Age 16 and over	$110	$25	$135
Passport Book  Age 15 and under	$80	$25	$105
Passport Card Age 16 and Over	$30	$25	$55
Passport Card Age 15 and under	$15	$25	$40

     

      Passport Book: Is a traditional passport valid throughout the world

      Passport Card:  The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.  The card may not be used to travel by air.  It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and will be adjudicated to the exact same standards (see US State Dept web site for more details.)

Save $25.00 by applying for both at the same time!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Passport Processing Hours:

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

9:00 am–4:00 pm.

Ø      Can I use a birth certificate issued by the hospital where I was born?  No, you must submit a birth certificate issued by the state where you were born and it must have an original state seal.

Ø      What if I don't have a state issued birth certificate?  You will need to apply for a birth certificate at the vital records department in the state where you were born.  The web site: www.vitalchek.com is an easy way to obtain a birth certificate— fees could vary. 

Ø      What if I was never issued a birth certificate? Check with the vital records office in the state where you were born.  If they have no record, you will need to obtain a letter from them stating there is no record of your birth.  You will also need to provide three pieces of secondary birth evidence or early school records.  In addition, an affidavit of identifying witness may be submitted.

Ø      Where can I purchase passport photos?  Passport photos may be purchased at any photo-finishing store.

Ø      How long will it take to receive my passport?  The Passport Agency will have your passport processed within six weeks.  If you need your passport earlier, you may expedite for an additional $60.

Ø      Where can I obtain information regarding naturalization?  The office of Immigration and Naturalization can be reached 206-553-5956.

Ø      What if I make a mistake on my application?  Draw a line through the error and write the correct information above or start over with a new application.  All applications must be legible; DO NOT use white out.

US Passport Applications for Children Under Age 16

Require Both Parents Signatures

Both parents or child's legal guardian must:

1.      Present evidence of child's U.S. citizenship and

2.      Present evidence that they are the parents or guardian and

3.      Show valid personal identification and

4.      Sign and take oath before an authorized passport acceptance agent.

If the second parent is not available to sign, the appearing parent must:

1.      Do the above and

2.      Present evidence that he/she has:

·         Sole legal custody of the child or

·         Written consent of the other parent for the issuance of the passport or

·         Written statement explaining why non-applying parent's consent cannot be obtained.

If no parent is available to sign, the third-party in loco parentis must:

1.      Appear with a notarized written statement or affidavit from both parents, or custodial parent(s), authorizing the third-party to apply for passport.  When the statement or affidavit is from only one parent, the third-party must present evidence of sole custody of the authorizing parent.

The most efficient way to apply for a child under age 16 is to present the required documentation and

·         For both parents to appear at the time of application, or

·         If only one parent can apply, that applying parent/guardian has the additional documentation required for a single-signature application at the time of application.

Incomplete submissions will delay passport issuance.