Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Passport Center does not take credit or debit cards for payment.  You MUST pay for the U.S Department of State Fees by check or money order.  A separate fee to the Acceptance Facility (Anoka County) can be paid by cash or check.  For more info on fees and payments of your passport application, please visit travel.state.gov.  

Yes!  The passport book and card are Real ID compliant.  They can both be used to fly domestically and enter federal facilities.  If you already have a passport book/card you are not required to obtain a Real ID compliant Driver's License/ID or Enhanced Driver's License/ID.  

No, if you are eligible to "renew by mail" using form DS-82, acceptance facilities are prohibited from accepting your application in office.  However, if you make an appointment for your renewal, acceptance agents can review applications for completion/accuracy, take required passport photo ($20), and advise proper mailing procedure.  Please note the DS-82 does not require a visit to our office.  

The Department of State does not currently have an option for an online application process.  To determine whether you will be applying in office at an acceptance facility using a DS-11 or renewing by mail using a DS-82 at travel.state.gov. 

Passport Services requires that you list your Social Security Number on your Passport application. The physical Social Security Card is not required but may serve as secondary identification if you are unable to provide primary identification. Please see Passport Services secondary ID page for more information. 

No, Enhanced Driver's Licenses and Enhanced Identification Cards are state issued by Driver and Vehicle Services. For Information on how to obtain an EDL or EID please visit DVS's

You will need to bring with one of the following forms of primary identification in addition to your proof of U.S. Citizenship: Valid Minnesota Driver's License/Clipped Minnesota Driver's License with renewal papers
Naturalization Certificate
Current Government ID (city, state or federal)

Minnesota State ID, Learners Permit, and out of state ID may be acceptable if accompanied by secondary identification.
For more information on Primary or Secondary Identification, please visit travel.state.gov. 

Yes, we will take your passport photo at the time of your appointment. Our Passport Photos are guaranteed to be accepted by Passport Services or we will re-take them for free. The cost for these photos is $20.00 and can be paid for with cash, check or money order.

Routine processing time is up to 6 weeks.  Expedited processing time is up to 3 weeks (not including mail time please allow an additional 4 weeks to mail), and is an additional $60 per applicant. *Passport Services reserves the right to change processing times without notice.* For the most up to date processing times or to track your passport, please visit the US Dept of State.

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No, Passport Services requires all documents that accompany your application be originals or certified.  We must send your Birth Certificate with your application and Passport Services will return it to you VIA mail. If you need a certified copy of your Birth Certificate (born in MN) please visit Anoka County  If you were born out of state please visit VitalChek.

Acceptable citizenship can be one of the following; Certified U.S. Birth Certificate (issued by your City, County or State of birth), Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or previous U.S Passport. Please visit Travel.State.Gov for more information. 

Yes, if you need your passport in less than 6 weeks you can pay the expedited processing fee of $60.  If you have immediate travel plans or an emergency please visit travel.state.gov for information on receiving a passport in 14 days or less.

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A Passport Book is valid for all international travel (by air, sea or land). A Passport Card is valid when entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. The Passport Card is NOT valid for international travel by air. For more differences, visit travel.state.gov

Yes, when applying for children ages 15 and younger, both parents must be present at the time of appointment.  Children ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by only one parent.  If one parent is unable to appear while the Passport Application is being accepted, please review travel.state.gov (Section 7).