Q: How much does a passport cost?
A: The adult passport (age 16 and older) fee is $130, and it is valid for 10 years. The child passport fee is $100 and it is valid for 5 years. 
There is a $35 processing fee and a photo fee of $14.

Q: How long will it take to get my passport?
A: Effective 12/18/23 - Per the US Dept of State, routine service estimated time frame is 6-8 weeks. Expedited service (which costs an additional $60) estimated time frame is 2-3 weeks.

Q: Do I need to make an appointment to renew my passport?
A: No. You can pick up the renewal form (DS-82) at the courthouse, or find it online at travel.state.gov; Fill it out and submit the form, along with your current passport, a new photo, and a check made out to the US Dept. of State for $130 for routine service, or $190 for expedited service, to the address specified on the renewal form.

Q: If I am getting a passport for my child (under the age of 16), do my spouse and I both need to come to the appointment or can I bring my child to the appointment by myself?
A: The easiest option is for both parents to come to the appointment, with valid photo ID. If that's not possible, the parent who is unable to come must sign and date form DS-3053 in the presence of a certified notary public and submit a photocopy of the front and back of the photo ID that they provided to the notary public.

Q: What if I have sole legal custody of my child?
A: You must submit evidence of sole legal custody with the application such as a complete court order granting you sole legal custody, or a certified copy of your child's birth certificate (or adoption decree) listing you as the only parent, or a certified copy of the death certificate of the other parent.

Q: What if I cannot locate the other parent?
A: You must submit form DS-5525 "Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances". This form requires additional evidence such as a custody order, an incarceration order, a restraining order, etc. If the non-applying parent is deployed by the military, that parent should provide a notarized form DS-3053 in most cases. If they cannot be contacted because they are on special assignment for more than 30 days outside of their duty station, you must provide either military orders or a signed statement from their commanding officer along with the form DS-5525.

Q: Where can I find the forms that I need to fill out?
A: All of the forms are at the passport office (at the Mahady Courthouse) and you can come during normal business hours to pick up any forms you need to fill out prior to your scheduled appointment. All forms are also available at www.travel.state.gov where you can download and print them or fill them out online and print them to bring with you to your appointment.