Passport

Passport Information

General Information
Application Requirements
New U. S. Passport Requirement
Frequently Asked Questions

The Osceola County Clerk's office serves as an Official Passport Acceptance Agent for the United States Government. The closest federal office is located in Miami, Florida. All necessary forms to complete as well as instructional information can be obtained through this office. You may contact us by telephone at (407) 742-3530, or visit our office at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, Florida. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Passport applications are processed until 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

When applying for a passport please allow four to six weeks for processing. After the execution of the application, your paperwork will be forwarded to the Passport Agency and processed there. The federal office will determine whether a passport can be issued. You may be contacted by them if further information is required. Allowing extra time may avoid having to make a change in travel plans. In the event you must travel due to an emergency, please contact the toll free number 1-877-487-2778 or TTY/TDD 1-888-874-7793 or visit http://travel.state.gov.

The applicable fees are as follows:

   Adults Age 16 & up       $30.00 cash or credit card collected by the Clerk's office plus
                                           $67.00 check or money order made
                                            payable to the U.S. Department of State

   Child 15 & under            $30.00 cash or credit card collected by the Clerk's office plus
                                            $52.00 check or money order made
                                             payable to the U.S. Department of State

Checks may be combined when applying for more than one passport.

IMPORTANT: Any certified copies provided must not be duplicated. Certified copies as well as original documents will be returned by the Miami Passport Agency.

RENEWALS BY MAIL: Only adult passports can be renewed by mail. This applies only if no more than five years have passed since expiration, and only if you were not under age 16 at the time of the most recent application.

PLEASE DO NOT SIGN THE APPLICATION!

AN OATH MUST BE ADMINISTERED BEFORE SIGNATURES ARE TAKEN.

U.S. PASSPORT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. An expired U. S. Passport OR certified copy of a birth certificate or an
ORIGINAL Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate.

2.      If a name change has occurred as a result of marriage, divorce or court order
         since your last passport was issued, a certified copy of your legal document
         is required.

3. Two IDENTICAL 2" x 2" passport photos from a passport photo shop or
photographer. Self service machine photos not accepted.

4.      A valid drivers license or military I.D. for each adult. State I.D. cards are
         acceptable ONLY when another U. S. citizen completes an affidavit of identifying
         witness, attesting to the identity of the person making the application.

5.      All applicants must appear in person. Minor age children must appear with a parent
         or legal guardian - See Important Notice Below. Children under 14 must have
         both parents present when applying.

6. For additional information on passport requirements, please visit www.travel.state.gov.

Important Notice

U. S. Department of State

Bureau of Consular Affairs

Passport Services

New

U. S. Passport Requirement

All minors Must Appear in Person

On February 1, 2004, Passport Services will begin requiring the personal appearance of all minors applying for U.S. passports. This new requirement is being implemented to enhance the accurate identification of applicants and aid in the prevention of international child abduction and substitution.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is a passport?

                 A passport is an internationally recognized travel document
                attesting to the identity and nationality of the bearer. In essence,
                it is a request on the part of the issuing government that officials of
                foreign governments permit the bearer to travel within their
                territories and to afford them all lawful aid and protection.

2. Who can process passport applications?

                Only Passport Services, Passport Agencies, passport Agents of
                the Department of State and Foreign Service posts designated by
                the U.S. Secretary of State have authority to grant, issue or verify
                passports.

3. What do I need to bring to the Clerk's Passport Division when I
apply for a passport?

                You will need two passport photographs of yourself, a certified
                copy of your birth certificate and a valid form of photo
                identification, such as a driver's license or naturalization papers or
                an expired passport. If presenting an expired passport and a
                name change has taken place as a result of marriage, divorce,
                or court order a certified copy of the legal document will be required.

4. How much is the fee for a passport?

                The processing fee is $67.00 for adults 16 or older and $52.00 for
                applicants through 15 years of age.   No partial payments are
                accepted. Payment may be made by personal check or by money
                order made payable to the U.S. Department of State.   As the
                acceptance agent, the Clerk's office collects a $30.00 fee for each
                application. This payment cannot be combined with the
                processing fee which goes directly to the Federal Passport
                Office. The Clerk's fee can be paid by cash or money order. No
                personal checks are accepted

5. What are the requirements for a passport photograph?

                Passport photographs can be black and white or color; must be
                two inches by two inches in overall size with a head image size of
                no less than one inch or larger than 1 3/8 inches; must be a frontal,
                portrait type view without dark glasses or a hat. The background
                should be white. The photographic paper must be able to
                undergo a temperature of 225 degrees for processing.
                Photographs obtained from vending machines, newspapers or
                magazine prints are not acceptable.

6. How long does it take to get a passport?

                During peak travel periods, the normal processing time ranges
                from four to six weeks. Depending on the time of year you submit
                your application and because of the seasonal nature of travel, it
                could take more than six weeks. It is wise to apply well in
                advance, allowing time to solve any problems that may arise.

7. I need to get my passport as quickly as possible. Is special,
expedited processing available?

                Yes. Those who meet certain criteria can pay an additional surcharge
                of $60.00 for expedited processing that will guarantee completion by
                the Passport Agency in 14-18 days after the passport application
                is received. Renewals may also take 14-18 days processing with the
                special $60.00 surcharge payment. The applicant is responsible for
                providing stamps for Overnight/Express Mail delivery charges.

8. What if I need a passport in less than 14 days?

                You must make an appointment with the Miami Passport Agency
                by calling (305) 539-3600. Expedited processing is available to
                applicants who meet the following travel criteria:

                        a) have a travel date within14 working days, or
                        b) have a confirmed appointment with the Passport office
                              and hand carry their application to the Miami Passport
                              Services Office, or
                        c)   travel to a country that required more than three weeks to
                              process a visa.

                In addition, you must establish your eligibility for expedited
                processing by documenting your proposed travel plans with at
                least one of the following:

                        a) a photocopy or facsimile of airline tickets.
                        b) an itinerary from either a travel agent or airline.
                        c) a letter from an employer on company letterhead.
                        d) a Congressional transmittal letter verifying urgent need.

9. I had a passport before, but it has expired. Can I simply renew
it?

                If it was issued within the past 15 years, and if you were 16 years
                or older when the passport was issued, you may apply with a
                renewal application, available in the Clerk's office. You will need
                two new photos, your old passport, and a check for $67.00 made
                payable to the U.S. Department of State. You will mail all of the
                above to the passport Agency. (Note: This is not available if the
                individual was under 16 when the original passport was issued.
                Passports issued to minors are valid for five years.)

10. Can the application forms be mailed to me?

                Yes, but it is not recommended as you must personally present the
                completed passport application. (Note: If you obtain your form
                from the Internet, you must complete both sides of the application
                form--Pages 1 through 4).

11. What if I don't have a certified copy of my birth certificate?

Contact the State/County Vital Statistics Office where you were born.

12. What do I do if there is no official record of my birth?

                You will need to contact the proper agency (Bureau of Vital
                Statistics or Health Department) of your birth state. A letter will be
                issued to this fact allowing us to then use other items for proof.

13. What if I am a naturalized citizen?

                The original naturalization certificate must accompany the
                application for a passport. It will be returned to you by the
                passport agency.

14. Do I have to personally come into the Clerk's office to apply for a
passport?

Yes, unless you are applying for a renewal.
(See questions #11 & 12)

15. Does my child have to come with me when I apply for his/her
passport?

                Yes, as of 02/01/2004 ALL applicants must appear in person.
                Children ages 14 & 15 are required to sign their application in
                our office. Children under 14 need both parents signatures or
                a statement (form DS 3053) of the non appearing parent.

                Children 16 & older can apply independently as long as they have
                a valid drivers license and a written parental permission or paying the
                processing fee with parents personal check

16. When is a passport required?

                With rapidly changing travel requirements, please check with your
                travel agent or visit www.travel.state.gov for the most up-to-date
                travel information.

17. What countries require a VISA?

We have a complete list and will be glad to answer your questions.

18. I am not a U.S. Citizen, but I need a passport. What must I do?

You must contact the nearest consulate for your country
or Immigration Services.

19. My passport has been lost, stolen, or mutilated. What must I do?

                You must complete a new application, with new pictures, birth
                certificates and an affidavit of lost or stolen passport. The forms
                are available in the Clerk's office.

20. I am a convicted felon. Can I apply for and be issued a
passport?

The Federal Passport Agency will determine if you are eligible.

Passport