Passports

How to Apply for Passport

Follow this guide to prepare for first-time passport applications. Renewals cannot be completed in the office. Visit the  U.S. Department of State's website for renewal information. It is important to read the entire guide so that you are properly prepared for your application visit. Not having all of the necessary items may result in multiple office visits.

Print the checklist to help you prepare.

1. Passport Book versus Passport Card

• Passport Book: A passport book is required for all international air travel. It is valid for all destinations and for travel by air, land, or sea.
• Passport Card: A passport card is valid for international travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda only. It is only valid for land or sea travel.

2. Application

• Appear in Person:  Each applicant must appear in person and complete an application. Appointments are not available.
• Optional: You can complete an application (Form DS-11) prior to your visit to make it quicker. Use black ink only. Don’t use whiteout or strike out mistakes.
• Children:
  • All children, even infants, must appear in person
  • Kids under 16: both parents or guardians must appear in person, or you must have a consent form signed by the absent parent (Form DS-3053)
  • Kids ages 16 and 17: one parent or guardian may appear in person.
  • For children born outside the U.S. or for other special circumstances,  call our office or visit Travel.State.Gov

3. Required Documentation - 2 Types + Copies

• 1. Proof of Citizenship: Documents must be an original or a certified copy. You MUST submit one. Circle the one you are submitting. 
  • U.S. Birth Certificate 
  • Undamaged U.S. Passport (expired accepted) 
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  •  Certificate of Citizenship 
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
    
    
• 2. Government-issued ID: You MUST submit one. 
  • Fully valid Florida driver’s license. If you present an out-of-state ID, you must present an additional ID
  • Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport
  • U.S. military or military dependent ID
  • Government employee ID
  • Current (valid) foreign passport
  • U.S. permanent resident card
• Copies: A copy of the Proof of Citizenship document AND the Government-issued ID is required. Copies must include the front and back of each document if there is printed information. Copies must be in black and white and single-sided only. Skip the hassle! Copies are available in our office for $0.15 per page (cash or credit/debit card only). 

4. Costs - 2 Separate Payments Required 

Incorrect payment methods result in the inability to complete the application and will require additional office visits. Please note! A check or money order really is the only accepted payment method for the application fee because it is mailed to the Department of State. 

1. Acceptance Fee: Cash or credit/debit card only.

• Execution of passport book or card: $35
• Photo service (optional): $15
• Copy service (per page): $0.15

2. Application Fee: Check or money order only made payable to the U.S. Department of State.

• Passport book 16 and older: $130
• Passport book 15 and younger: $100
• Passport card 16 and older: $30
• Passport card 15 and younger: $15
• Expedited service (additional, optional service): $60
• 1-2 day delivery (book only, additional, optional fee): $22.05

5. Photo

Submit one photo with each application. Photos are available at the Clerk's office for $15. 
Requirements:

• 2" x 2" in size Color (not over/under exposed) 
• NO filters or retouching tools 
• Taken within the last 6 months 
• Taken with a white background 
• NO eyeglasses

Two forms of payment are needed for two separate passport fees.  You must bring a check or money order AND cash or credit card.

Fee 1 = Clerk Fee (Cash or Credit Card Only):

Accepted payment methods: cash or credit card.

• Execution fee: $35
• Passport photos (optional): $15

Fee 2 = Application Fee (Check or Money Order Only):

Accepted payment methods: check or money order made payable to the U.S. Department of State. 

Routine Passport Applications

• Age 16 and older: $130
• Age 15 and younger: $100

Expedited Passport Applications

If you wish to overnight a passport application, you must bring one express mail stamp with you at the time of application.

• Age 16 and older: $190
• Age 15 and younger: $160

Passport Card Applications

• Age 16 and older: $30
• Age 15 and younger: $15

Passport Renewals

The Clerk’s office cannot process renewals unless the passport is mutilated or damaged (see below for more information). Passport renewals are processed by mail or online by visiting the Renew or Replace a Passport Homepage to complete the renewal process.

If your passport is mutilated or damaged, you must:

• Use the DS-11 application form.
• Apply in person at one of the acceptance agencies with a certified copy of your birth certificate (must have the names of both parents on it). Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller offices are acceptance agencies.

According to the federal U.S. Department of State, mail delays are impacting when they receive passport applications for processing. Their processing times begin the day they receive an application, not the day it is mailed. With this in mind, their service times are as follows:

• Routine service can take up to 4 to 6 weeks from the day an application is submitted at an acceptance facility or renewed through the mail to the day the customer receives their new passport. The 4- to 6-week timeframe includes up to 2 weeks for processing at the passport agency and up to 2 weeks for mailing times on both the front and back end.
• Expedited service (for an additional $60) can take up to 2 to 3 weeks from the day an application is submitted at an acceptance facility or renewed through the mail to the day a new passport is received by the customer. The 2- to 3-week timeframe includes up to 2 weeks for processing and the mailing times on both the front and back end. 
• For faster mailing times, customers may opt to pay for 1 to 2-day delivery service for applications mailed to Passport Services and for the mailing of their new passport.

Customers who have a life-or-death emergency or urgent travel within 3 business days should visit travel.state.gov for assistance. 

Passport photos are available for $15 at all three of our offices - Bartow, Lakeland, and Northeast in Lake Alfred.