Student FAQ about passports

How do I know if I need a passport?

The U. S. Department of State website gives valuable information to help answer this question.

How and where do I apply for a passport?

Students must apply in person to a U. S. post office that is authorized to accept passport applications; a passport agency, or county or superior court.

How much does it cost?

Fees can be found at the U.S. State Department website.

When should I apply for a passport?

Applying for a passport is a lengthy process. Students need to apply at least three months in advance of the travel. Once students have all of the information in, the actual processing time for a routine passport is usually four to six weeks.

What might cause a passport application to be denied?

One of the most common reasons passport applications are denied is due students not having all the required information for proof of citizenship. So, it really does help to be prepared by making sure you have all the required information before going to get a passport. (See Student Passport Information Sheet.)

Where can I get a passport photo?

Passport photos can be taken at the post office where you apply for your passport. However, many people will have their photos taken at Kinkos or other Copier Companies, Office Max and Office Depots, or local drugstores like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, etc. You can always Google for businesses that take passport pictures in your local area.