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Passports

Current Processing Time
As of July 2010, the Department of State is processing routine applicaitons approximately 4-6 weeks from the time the application is received. Expedited service takes about 2-3 weeks. For updates on current processing times, please visit the State Department's travel website.

New Passports
To obtain a passport for the first time, you must go in person to one of 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located in the United States.  Locate a local facility through the U.S. Department of State Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page.


You will need to bring:

  •   two photographs of yourself (most facilities can do this for you for a fee) 
  •   proof of citizenship (usually a certified birth certificate)
  •   a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license (a back and front copy)

Renewing Passports

You can renew by mail if: 

  •  your most recent passport is not damaged and is available to submit  
  •  you received the passport within the past 15 years 
  •  you were over age 16 when it was issued
  •  you still have the same name or can legally document your name change 

You can download a passport renewal application from the U.S. Department of State Passports Home Page. If your passport has been altered or damaged, you must apply in person. For a renewal, you will need 2 new passport photos to submit.

Passport Fees
Current passport fees (as of July 2010):

First-Time Applicants

  • Passport Book (age 16 & older): $135
  • Passport Book (under age 16): $105
  • Passport Card (age 16 & older): $55
  • Passport Card (under age 16): $40
Renewals
  • Passport Book (age 16 & older): $110
  • Passport Card (age 16 & older): $30

For the most up-to-date fee information, please visit the State Department's website.

Obviously, there are exceptions and many details and intricacies of the system. The Department of State's website has a wealth of information. If that doesn’t answer your question, feel free to call one of my three state offices -- Charleston: (843) 727-4525, Columbia: (803) 771-6112, or Greenville: (864) 233-5366 -- and ask to speak with the staffer who handles passports.