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Passports

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1. How do I apply for a passport?

Passport application services are offered by appointment only on Monday, Thursday, and Friday, 12:00 - 4:00 pm, and Saturday, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. (The passport desk is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.)  Please check our web page or call 206-957-2834 for details regarding fees and documents to bring with you.

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

Passports are sent directly to your mailing address within 8-11 weeks. Please check www.travel.state.gov for the most up-to-date processing times.

3. What if I need a passport in a hurry?

Passport applications can be expedited for an additional fee. Expedited passports are received in 5-7 weeks.  If you are leaving in less than 14 days, you will need to call the Seattle Passport Agency Office at 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment.

4. Can I track my passport application online?

Yes!  You can track the status of your application online by visiting Travel.State.Gov, however it may take up to 2 weeks from the day you submit your application until your status is "In Process." During these 2 weeks, your application is delivered to a mail facility, your payment is processed, and your application is entered into the State Department system.  Even if your passport status update says, "Not Available," your application and supporting documents are safely on their way to the State Department.

5. Can I renew my passport by mail?

Yes, you may renew by mail under the following circumstances:

• You already have a passport that is not damaged; and
• It was issued within the past 15 years; and
• You were at least age 16 when it was issued; and
• You still have the same name as in passport (or you can legally document your name change)

6. What if I don’t have a state-certified birth certificate?

You can obtain a state-certified birth certificate by contacting the city or town where you were born, or you can order one at VitalChek, or by phone: 1-800-255-2414.

7. Do I need to bring my social security card?

No, the Passport Agent does not need to see your social security card.  However, you must know your social security number as it is required on all applications.  Applicants who do not provide their social security number will experience delays in the processing, or possibly the denial, of their application.  If a child applicant has never been issued a social security number, a statement to that effect must be submitted along with the application.

8. If my parents are deceased do I still need to provide their information on the application?

Yes, applicants should fill in all of the boxes on the application form.  If an applicant is unsure of their parent's dates or places of birth, check your birth certificate to see if the information is listed there.

9. Do children or infants need passports?

Yes, there is no age minimum.

10. For passport renewals for minors, what do I need to bring?

You will need to bring the expired passport and a certified copy of the birth certificate, the minor, and both parents (if under the age of 16). The minor's social security number also needs to be on the application.

11. Do I need to put a social security number on the application form?

Yes, social security numbers are required on all applications.  Applicants who do not provide their social security number will experience delays in the processing, or possibly the denial, of their application.  If a child applicant has never been issued a social security number, a statement to that effect must be submitted along with the application.

12. What if my passport has been lost or stolen?

Call the U.S. Department of State toll-free at 1-877-487-2778 (TTY 1-888-874-7793), or report it online. If you want to apply for a new passport, you’ll also have to fill out the paper Form DS-64 to turn in with your application.  If you are traveling abroad, immediately report the loss to local police authorities and the nearest embassy or consulate.

13. What if my name changed?

If your most recent U.S. passport was issued less than one year ago, use form DS-5504 (Name Change Form). Include certified evidence of name change or other change in descriptive data and one new passport photo and mail it to address on form to get a new passport free of charge.

If your valid U.S. passport was issued more than one year ago, use form DS-82 (Renewal Form). Include certified evidence of name change or other change in descriptive data, one new photo and a check, and mail it to address on form.

14. Where can I get additional information and passport forms?

You can get additional information or download forms online at Travel.State.Gov. You can also call the Lake Forest Park Passport Office: 206-957-2834.

15. What is acceptable for U.S. citizenship evidence?

You must submit one of the following. Your evidence must be an original or certified, physical copy. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

• Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
• U.S. birth certificatethat meets the following requirements:
  • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
  • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
  • Lists your parent(s)’ full names
  • Has the date the birth was filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth)
  • Has the registrar’s signature
  • Has the seal of the issuing authority
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

16. What is valid identification?

You must present one of the following identification documents (IDs) to the acceptance agent. The ID must readily identify you.

• Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card
• In-state, fully valid driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license with photo
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
• U.S. military or military dependent ID
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
• Other documents: In-state, fully valid learner’s permit with photo, In-state, fully valid non-driver ID with photo, and temporary driver’s license with photo. Note: you may be asked to present an additional ID when presenting one of these 3 documents.

Please note:

• If you present an out-of-state ID, you must present an additional ID.
• Some states now issue digital ID documents (also known as mobile driver’s licenses or mobile IDs). We cannot accept these digital IDs when you apply for your U.S. passport. You must continue to submit your physical, photo ID and a photocopy of the ID.

17. What documents show proof of parental relationship?

You must submit documentation that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child applying for a passport. The following may be used to show parental relationship:

• U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Foreign birth certificate (must include English translation, if not already in English)
• Adoption decree
• Divorce/Custody decree (Parenting Plan)

Please note: Some documents, like a U.S. birth certificate, show both U.S. citizenship and parental relationship. These documents must be originals or certified copies (not photocopies).

18. What if both parents cannot be present for a minor application?

All children under age 16 must apply for a passport in person with two parents or guardians using Form DS-11.

Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of the child’s passport. The best way to do this is for both parents/guardians to go with the child in person to apply for the passport.

What if both parents/guardians cannot appear in person?

If...	Then...
You have sole legal authority	You must submit evidence of this with the application. Examples include: Complete court order granting you sole legal custody of the child, such as a divorce decree or other custody order Complete court order specifically permitting you to apply for your child’s passport (photocopy is acceptable) Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate listing you as the only parent Certified copy of an adoption decree listing you as the only parent Certified copy of the judicial declaration of incompetence of the parent that cannot appear in person Certified copy of the death certificate of the parent that cannot appear in person
One parent unable to appear	If one parent/guardian cannot go with the child to apply for the passport, they can give permission by completing Form DS-3053 “Statement of Consent." You must submit the completed form with the child’s passport application. The parent that cannot go with the child must: Sign and date Form DS-3053 in the presence of a certified notary public, and Submit a photocopy of the front and back side of the ID that they present to the notary public with Form DS-3053. Please note: In certain countries, a DS-3053 must be notarized at a U.S. embassy or consulate and cannot be notarized by a local notary public.
You cannot locate the other parent	You must submit Form DS-5525 “Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances." Please complete the form with as much detail as possible. We will ask for additional evidence. Examples include: a custody order, an incarceration order, or a restraining order to protect against international parental child abduction. If the non-applying parent is deployed by the military, he or she should be able to provide a notarized Form DS-3053 in most cases. In the rare case that the non-applying parent cannot be contacted, you must provide either military orders with a Form DS-5525 showing the non-applying parent can’t be contacted because they are on a special assignment for more than 30 days outside of their duty station OR a signed statement from the non-applying parent’s commanding officer that they can’t be reached.
Neither parent able to appear	A third party may apply for the child’s passport with a notarized statement from both parents/guardians giving that third party permission to apply for the child. The statement must include a photocopy of the parents/guardians’ identification. When the statement is from only one parent/guardian, the third party must present evidence of sole custody of the consenting parent/guardian.

Please Note: Written authorization from the parent that cannot appear in person must be less than three months old.