FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to receive my passport?

 Visit travel.state.gov or contact the Information Desk staff for current processing times.

Where can I get a copy of my birth certificate?

For births in Ohio, you may obtain a certified birth certificate from any county health department for $22. The two closest locations are the Kent Health Department, 414 E. Main Street, Kent (330-678-8109) and the Summit County Health Department, 1867 West Market Street, Akron (330-812-3845). Call for hours. You may also contact the Ohio Office of Vital Statistics.

For obtaining birth certificates from other states, consult the Centers for Disease Control list of Where to Write for Vital Records or go to www.vitalchek.com.

What if my name has changed?

The name on your passport should match your evidence of identity and citizenship. To change your name on a passport or as a proof of identity, you must submit a marriage certificate, or a certified copy of the court decree substantiating the change.

To have a replacement passport issued, submit this document with a completed Form DS-5504, following the Department of State instructions on the document.

If more than one year since the date of issue has passed, you must submit Form DS-82 (or DS-11, if appropriate) and pay the applicable fees.

Can I get a passport for my child?

For all children under age 16:

• Children must accompany you to apply for a passport.
• All applications for children under 16 require both parents or legal guardians to be present at the appointment. If a parent or guardian cannot be there, they must submit a notarized consent form.
• Birth certificates must be submitted for all children showing parental relationship (even if the child has had a previous passport).

For all children age 16 to 17:

• The minor must appear in person.
• One parent or legal guardian should accompany the minor to the appointment, present identification and co-sign the application.

For security reasons, parental consent is required. Consent may be implied by a parent’s signature on the fee payment check; in some cases, an affidavit of consent may be requested.

I have an expired passport. Can I renew it by mail?

If the passport is an adult passport, is not damaged, was issued within the last 15 years and was issued in the same name (or the name change can be documented), you can renew it by mail. 

How can I get a replacement for a lost or stolen passport?

You can report your passport lost or stolen at this link on the State Department's website. To replace a lost or stolen passport, complete Form DS-11 (and Form DS-64 if you didn't report the loss online), following the instructions on the Department of State webpage.

Where can I get information about the status of my application?

Status information is available by checking the Application Status Page on the Department of State webpage.

I have a family emergency and need a passport immediately. What can I do?

Contact the National Passport Information Center and the staff there will advise you. There is no charge for this call. 

What if the name on my passport doesn’t match the name in which I’ve purchased my airline tickets?

Airlines strongly encourage you to buy tickets with the exact name listed on your passport.

If you have purchased international flight tickets, be sure the name you use on your passport application will match the name on your airline tickets.

To change your name on a passport or as a proof of identity, you must submit a marriage certificate, or certified copy of the court decree substantiating the change.

To have a replacement passport issued, submit this document with a completed Form DS-5504, following the Department of State instructions on the document.

Visas

Passport application acceptance facilities and agencies do not handle visas. A visa is an endorsement or stamp placed by officials of a foreign country on a U.S. passport that allows the bearer to visit that foreign country. Foreign entry requirements vary by country.

Visas are obtained through consular offices. Some travel agents handle visa requirements.

Travel to Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada or Mexico

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States.

See the Department of State’s website for more on foreign entry requirements.  Those traveling by land or sea can use the Passport Card; those traveling by air must use the Passport Book.

OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY

The U.S. Department of State regularly issues travel advisories and information on U.S. Embassies that may be helpful for travelers who are planning travel to countries that are unstable or high-risk. The State Department offers Tips for Traveling Abroad to ensure safety when abroad.

Additional passport information is available at the U.S. Department of State Passport Services website.