Passport FAQ

Understanding when to get a passport depends on two major factors: the date of your planned trip and the time of the year. 

In general, you’d want to avoid peak holiday times that could cause passport applications to surge. Think of all the major travel times to get an idea:

• Spring break: April, May, June
• Summer vacations: May, June, July,
• Labor Day
• Winter holidays: November and December

There’s a good chance you might apply during these times and run into no issues regarding waiting time for your passport. It really depends on the influx of applications and the staff working to process them.

But do you really want to take any chances? Probably not. So, if you’re trying to decide when to get a passport, do it before you even plan a trip – preferably, several months out.

Apply for a passport when you don’t need it and you’ll be glad you have it ready to go.

Please complete this questionnaire on the U.S. Department of State's website to determine which form you need.

To receive a new passport or replace a lost or damaged passport, you must come in person to our office and bring the following:

1. Completed Form DS-11 printed (Single-Sided) and completed in black ink. Forms are also available in our office.
2. Applicant's full social security number required on the form.
3. Submit proof of citizenship (For a complete list of acceptable proof, visit the U.S. Department of State)
   1. Please bring the original and a front and back copy with you.
4. Submit proof of identity (For a complete list of acceptable proof, visit the U.S. Department of State)
   1. Please bring the original and a front and back copy with you.
   2. Both parents must present their proof of identity for any child under 16. 
   3. Applicants ages 16 and 17 must have one parent present to sign the application and show a valid ID.
5. A passport photo. (For a detailed explanation of acceptable passport photos visit the U.S. Department of State) New Brighton passport office can take passport-approved photos for $15. 
6. Application Fees:
   1. U.S. Department of State fee: Check or money order only. Credit/debit cards NOT accepted.
      • A separate check is required for each application
   2. City of New Brighton fee: Check, money order, or cash. Credit/debit cards NOT accepted.
      • All returned checks payable to the City of New Brighton are subject to a $30.00 charge

Helpful Videos

Applying for a child's passport  

Applying in person for a U.S. passport    

No. If you are renewing your passport with Form DS-82, we will not take your application. You can, however, set up an appointment to have your application reviewed and a new picture taken to go along with it before it is mailed.

You must mail in your renewal application (Form DS-82) yourself. We recommend you ask USPS to send your Form DS-82 and supporting documents using a trackable delivery method. Do not use UPS, FedEx, or DHL since the address you need to send your Form DS-82 and supporting documents to is a Post Office (PO) Box. 

Visit the U.S. Department of State online to complete the paperwork and confirm what documents should be mailed in together. 

Renew your passport approximately nine months before it expires. Check the expiration date because certain countries require passports to remain valid for up to 6 months after travel. Also, some airlines do not allow you to board if you don't meet this requirement.

Every situation is different however you'll need to complete a DS:82, submit your certified court order, marriage certificate or divorce decree, submit a new photo, and repay the fees for the passport and/or card you would like in the new name. 

More information is available at the U.S. Department of State website.

Both the passport book and card are good for 10 years from the time they are issued for adults. A minor's passport book and card is only good for 5 years. 

Yes! For the purpose of getting on a flight within the United States you will be able to board a flight with your passport book or card instead of a getting Minnesota's REAL ID or Enhanced ID.

Yes, we take passport photos! For an additional $15 you will received two U.S. Department of State approved photos.

You must provide one photo with your passport application. For detailed information visit the U.S. Department of State's website.

Photo Basics

1. Submit a color photo, taken in last 6 months
2. Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
3. Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
4. Take off your eyeglasses for your photo.
5. Use a plain white or off-white background

Resolution, Print Size, and Quality

• Submit a high resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated.

• The correct size of a passport photo is:
  • 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) 
  • Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

• Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper

• Do not digitally change the photo

• You cannot submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.

Pose and Expression

• Have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open. 

• Face the camera directly with full face in view. 

• Note to parents of young children: we have sample photos in the Photo Examples section below with tips for submitting a baby's passport photo. We realize that an infant's pose and expression are challenging to maintain for a photo. 

Attire

• You cannot wear glasses.
  • If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.

• Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis.  

• You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage attire. 

• You cannot wear a hat or head covering.
  • If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of traditional religious attire  worn continuously in public.
  • If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes.
  • Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face.

• You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.

• You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. Permanent tattoos are acceptable for passport purposes as well. 

Yes, you can bring your own passport photo, however, unless it is taken at a passport agency it may not meet U.S. Department of State requirements.

Acceptance fee paid separately to the City of New Brighton:

• Checks (personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's) and money orders payable to "City of New Brighton"
• Cash
• Credit and debit cards CANNOT be accepted

Application fee and any additional service fees to the U.S. Department of State. A separate check is required for each application:

• Checks (personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's) and money orders payable to "U.S. Department of State"
• Credit and debit cards CANNOT be accepted

The best time to book an appointment is between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm. The best day of the week to book an appointment is Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

Routine processing time for passports are taking 6-8 weeks.

Yes, for an additional $60 you can expedite your passport and receive it in 2-3 weeks. 

For emergencies that require your passport be rushed sooner than 2-3 weeks contact the Minneapolis Passport Agency. To apply at the agency, you must schedule an appointment by calling toll-free at 877-487-2778, 24 hours a day. When you make the appointment you must let them know you are planning on applying at the Minneapolis Passport Agency. For additional information visit the U.S. Department of State Website. 

Check Online! Access the Online Passport Status System to check your application status. It takes 7-10 business days for applications to be trackable online. Additionally, you may call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or TDD/TTY at 1-888-874-7793.

All passport applications must be completed with black ink only. 

Yes! Notary services are an additional $5 each. 

Yes, regardless of age every applicant is required to appear in person in order to apply for a passport.