Passport Information

General Information
New Requirements for Travelers
Application Requirements
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 forms, as well as instructional information can be obtained from the Clerk's office or via www.travel.state.gov. You may contact us by telephone at (407) 742-3530, or visit our office at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, Florida. PASSPORT APPLICATIONS ARE PROCESSED MONDAY - FRIDAY FROM 8:30 a.m. UNTIL 4:00 p.m.

THE PASSPORT CARD

Effective 02/1/2008, Customers will now have the option to apply for a passport Book, a Passport Card, or BOTH on the new DS-11, DS-82 and DS-5504 forms. The Passport Card may ONLY be used for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. the Passport Card will provide a less expensive, smaller and more convenient alternative for those who travel to these destinations. Production will begin in Spring, 2008.

All Applicants, Adults & Minors Must Appear in Person

NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELERS

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 required that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, acceptable document to enter or re-enter the United States.

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

Effective 02/01/2008 Two parent consents are required for minors under the age of 16 to apply for the Passport Card. You are required to use the DS-11 form and pay the $25.00 execution fee for a Passport Card even if they already have a fully valid Passport Book.

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 has changed as a result of marriage, divorce or court order,
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, Military I.D.; a recently issued U. S. Naturalization Certificate
or a State issued I.D. card.

5. All applicants must appear in person.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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

The normal processing time is six to eight weeks.

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

                Yes. You must pay an additional $74.85 surcharge, and provide one (1)
                Overnight/Express mail postage stamped envelope to receive your
                passport in 14 - 18 days.

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

                You must make an appointment with the Miami Passport Agency by calling
                (877) 487-2778. You must provide an itinerary or proof of tickets or a letter from
                an employer on company letterhead, and you must travel to the Miami Passport
                Agency.

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

                Yes, If it was issued within the past 15 years, and if you were 16 years or older
                when the passport was issued. You must also be able to submit the expired
                passport. Form DS-82 is available via www.travel.state.gov for renewals.

5. Can I get passport forms online?

Yes, you can obtain forms by visiting www.travel.state.gov.

6. What countries require a Visa?

You may contact the Clerk's office to obtain that information or
visit www.travel.state.gov.

7. Can I get a U.S. Passport if I am not a U.S. Citizen?

No. You must contact the nearest consulate for your country or contact
Immigration & Naturalization Services.

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

                You must complete a new application, with new pictures, birth certificate and complete
                an "Affidavit of lost or stolen" passport. The forms are available in the Clerk's office
                 or via www.travel.state.gov.

9. I am a convicted felon. Can I get a passport?

The Federal Passport Agency will determine if you are eligible. Contact the
passport agency at 877-487-2778.

10. If I owe money for Child Support, am I eligible to get a passport?

                Public Law 104-193 stipulates that a person being in arrears on child support by
                an amount exceeding $2,500 is ineligible; however, you should contact the
                passport agency at 877-487-2778.

11. How much is the fee for a passport Book (For: Air, Land, or Sea Travel)?

                Age 16 and older: $75.00 - personal check or money order only
                Age 15 and under: $60.00 - personal check or money order only

                Each applicant will also be charged a $25.00 processing fee. This fee is separate
                from the passport fee. It must be paid by cash, credit card or money order.

12. How much is the fee for a passport Card (For: Land or Sea Travel between the U.S.,
Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean)

Age 16 and older: $20.00 - personal check or money order only
Age 15 and under: $10.00 - personal check or money order only

Each applicant will also be charged a $25.00 processing fee. This fee is separate
from the passport fee. It must be paid by cash, credit card or money order.

13. What are the requirements for a passport photograph?

                You must provide two 2 x 2 passport photos, they must be colored photos, must be
                identical with a full frontal view with a white or off-white background. They must show
                your current appearance (no uniforms, hats, head gear or dark colored glasses).
                Photos must have been taken within the past six (6) months.

                If you normally wear prescription glasses, they should be worn when you take your
                photos. However, dark colored glasses should not be worn, unless you need them
                or medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required.

14. Can I sign my application in advance?

No. An oath must be administered before signatures are taken.

15. Because of identity theft, I don't want to list my Social Security number.
        Do I have to list it?

                Yes. Social Security numbers are mandatory.

16. If I don't have a certified copy of my birth certificate, how can I get one?

You must contact the Office of Vital Statistics where you were born or
visit www.vitalchek.com to order your birth certificate on-line.

17. Once issued, how long will my passport be good for?

An Adult passport Book/Card is valid for ten (10) years.
A child's passport Book/Card is valid for five (5) years.

Downloadable Passport application for first-time applicants.

Downloadable Passport application for renewals only

Revised 02/06/08