Application:

Print or type with black ink only.

Click Here for passport applications that can be downloaded.

Do not sign the application until requested to do so by a Passport Acceptance Agent.

Required Documents:

1. Proof of Citizenship

• Full name of the applicant
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal of issuing authority
• Registrar's signature
• The date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office (must be within one year)

The U.S. Department of State requires the full names of the applicant's parent(s) to be listed on all certified birth certificates to be considered as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship for all passport applicants, regardless of age. Certified birth certificates missing this information will not be acceptable as evidence of citizenship. (California Abstract of Birth is not an acceptable document)

If you cannot obtain a birth certificate that meets these requirements, please see www.travel.state.gov.

Or: Immigration and Naturalization Certificate, for Naturalized citizens.

Or: Previous U.S. Passport

If you claim citizenship through birth abroad, please visit the following website for instructions: travel.state.gov

• Foreign language documents should be accompanied by an informal or formal English translation.

2. Proof of Identity

Photo Identification and copy of front and back, i.e. Current Driver's License (Expired license or temporary license is not acceptable), State or Government Identification, Passport. There is a $1.00 fee to make copies of your ID here in the office. If you are presenting out-of-state US identification you are now required to present a second form of identification, as well as a photocopy of the front and back of that ID. It should contain as much of the following information as possible: Your photo, full name, date of birth and document issuance date. Additional information is available on-line at: www.Travel.State.Gov.

3. One Passport Photo

Color photo, 2 x 2 inches in size, taken within the last 6 months, full face, front view, with white or off-white background. Do not wear a uniform, nor a hat or headgear that obscures the hairline.

4. Prior Marriages?

If there have been previous marriages you will need to provide the following information: former spouse's full name, date and place of birth; whether or not a U.S. citizen; date of the marriage; date of termination and reason. You may complete a form in the office at the time of application or provide this information on a separate sheet of paper.

Fees - Applicants Age 16 years and older

There are two separate fees that must be paid:

1. U.S. Dept. of State = $110.00 (Check or Money Order). If more than one applicant, this fee can be combined on one check. (Individual checks are required for expedited service).

2. County Clerk = $25.00 (Cash, Check or Money Order). If more than one applicant, this fee can be totaled for all applicants.

Please note: Credit cards may not be used to pay either fee.

Fees - Applicants Age 15 and younger

There are two separate fees that must be paid:

1. U.S. Dept. of State = $80.00 (Check or Money Order). If more than one applicant, this fee can be totaled on one check. (Individual checks are required for expedited service).

2. County Clerk = $25.00 (Cash, Check or Money Order). If more than one applicant, this fee can be totaled for all applicants.

Please note: Credit cards may not be used to pay either fee.

Every Minor Child Must Appear in Person with a Certified Copy of their birth certificate

Applicants under the age of 16 must appear with both natural parents or Legal Guardian. Legal Guardian must bring a Certified Copy of Legal Guardianship. Applicants age 16 or 17 must appear with one parent or legal guardian.

If a parent cannot be present a signed, notarized consent form must be submitted with the minor's passport application, as well as a copy of the absent parent's identification, front and back. For additional requirements when applying for a minor's passport go to: www.Travel.State.Gov.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Children under the age of 16 traveling to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean region and returning to the US by land or sea, may travel with a certified copy of their birth certificate - no passport book or card needed. If they are returning by air they will need the passport book.

Processing Time

Typically 4-6 weeks for standard processing, and 3 weeks for expedited processing, plus time for mail transport. Times vary depending on workload. Inquire at the County Clerk's Office or U.S. Dept. of State for processing times.

Expedited Service

Plus Express Mail Envelopes

The U.S. Department of State will expedite the processing of your passport for an additional fee of $60. Delivery time will be between 3-4 weeks. Total fees:

• Adult (Age 16 & Older): $110 + $60 = $170, plus $25 to the County Clerk

• Age 15 & Younger: $80 + $60 = $140, plus $25 to the County Clerk

Applicants can pay for express mail envelopes to reduce mailing time. The express envelope fee for mailing to the U.S. Dept. of State is $18.95, and the return express envelope fee is $12.72. Delivery time will be between 2-3 weeks. Total fees:

• Adult (Age 16 & Older): $110 + $60 + $12.72= $182.72, plus $43.95 to the County Clerk

• Age 15 & Younger: $80+ $60 + $12.72= $152.72, plus $43.95 to the County Clerk

Online Application Status Check

You can check the status of your passport application by clicking here.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs from the U.S. Department of State

Foreign Entry Requirements

Tips for Traveling Abroad from the U.S. Department of State

Traveling within 14 Days?

If you are leaving, or you need your passport or a foreign visa, within 14 days you may make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency. For the Bay Area, that agency is located in San Francisco.

San Francisco Passport Agency
95 Hawthorne Street 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105-3901

Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., local time, M-F, excluding Federal holidays
Automated Appointment Number: 1-877-487-2778

There is no charge for an appointment at a passport agency. Customers should not pay anyone or any business making such a charge.

Commercial Services

There are commercial passport services that, for a fee, will "hand carry" your passport application to a passport processing facility. To find a service check online or in the phone book. The Santa Cruz County Clerk's Office cannot recommend any service.

Additional information may be found on the back of the passport application, or online at www.travel.state.gov. For more information please call the County Clerk's Office at 831-454-2060, or visit us online at www.sccoclerk.com.