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 DS-11 Passport Application Form (single-sided with black ink)
2. Applicant’s full Social Security number required on form
3. Proof of citizenship (copy and original required) 
4. Proof of identity (front and back copy and original required)
5. Passport photo—one 2 inch by 2 inch color photo with a solid white background. Photos can be taken at the New Brighton Passport Office for $15.
6. Passport fees—each applicant should have separate checks payable to the U.S. Department of State and the City of New Brighton. 
   • U.S. Department of State fee: Check or money order only. Credit/debit cards NOT accepted.
     • A separate check is required for each application
   • City of New Brighton fee: Check, money order, or cash only. 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. However, Schedule Your Appointment and we can assist you with a new photo for your passport renewal. The cost is $15 for two photos payable by cash or check only to the City of New Brighton.  

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. 

Still not sure if you can renew your passport? John's story summarizes the requirements on how to renew your passport.

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 either form DS-82 or form DS-5504, then submit your certified court order, marriage certificate or divorce decree, submit a new photo, and possibly 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 domestic flight within the United States you will be able to board the flight with your passport book or card instead of a getting Minnesota's REAL ID or Enhanced ID.

*Minnesota has an extension for REAL ID enforcement, allowing Federal agencies to accept driver’s licenses and identification cards from Minnesota at Federal facilities, nuclear power plants and federally regulated commercial aircraft until October 1, 2021. Also, Gov. Walz​ signed a bill into law March 28 that provides an extension for Minnesotans whose driver's licenses or ID cards expire during the peacetime emergency. The expiration dates for these licenses will be extended for two months after the month the peacetime emergency ends.

Yes, we take passport photos! For a fee of $15 you will received two passport photos. Payment for this service it by cash or check only to the City of New Brighton.

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, be mindful unless it is taken at a passport agency it may not meet U.S. Department of State requirements.

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

Acceptance fee paid separately to the City of New Brighton. Can be combined for multiple applicants:

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

Current routine service times set by the U.S. Department of State are 10-12 weeks. 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. Please note once the application is sent to the state we are prohibited from inquiring on it for you.

For an additional $60 you can Expedite your passport and receive it within 4-6 weeks from the date of application.

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. 

If you select Expedited Service, we recommend you send your application using USPS' Priority Mail Express. 

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. Please note once the application is sent to the state we are prohibited from inquiring on it.

All passport applications must be completed with black ink only. 

Yes! Notary services are an additional $5 each time the notary signs a document. This service is payable by cash or check only. Check should be made out to the City of New Brighton. All returned checks payable to the City of New Brighton are subject to a $30.00 charge.    

Yes, regardless of age every applicant is required to appear in person in order to apply for a passport. Please visit the US Department of State website for more information.

Helpful Videos

Applying for a child's passport  

Applying in person for a U.S. passport   

For passport questions or concerns please visit travel.state.gov or contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or TDD/TTY at 1-888-874-7793.

The New Brighton USPS and Cub Foods both sell money orders in the New Brighton area. Please contact them directly for hours and cost.