Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is needed when applying for a passport (including fees)?

Q. Do minors applying for passports need to be present?

Q. How do I get my passport in a hurry?

Q. What is the new Passport Card & how does it differ from the Passport Book?

Q. What is needed when applying for a passport?

A. Evidence of Citizenship, Two Identical Passport Photos, Personal Identification, Payment and a Completed Application.

See below for more details:

1. Evidence of Citizenship:

   One of the following three (3) documents must be submitted with your Application. These documents will be returned to you with your new passport:

   1. Birth Certificate:

      A certified copy of a Birth Certificate issued by the county or state. It must show the birth record was filed within one year after the date of birth and must have the Registrar's signature and the raised, impressed, embossed or multi-colored seal of the Registrar's office. A notarized copy or a hospital birth certificate is NOT acceptable.

   2. Naturalization Certificate:

      A person who claims US Citizenship by naturalization must submit the original Certificate of Naturalization with the application.

   3. Expired Passport:

      This is acceptable; However, if the child was under 14 when the passport was issued, you must submit a certified copy of the birth certificate along with the expired passport.

2. Two (2) Identical Passport Photos:

   Photos must be (2" X 2"), and be a front view of the applicant, taken within the last six months. The photo's must be in color (black and white are no longer accepted). Vending machine prints are NOT accepted.
   
   *As of May 1, 2009 our office is also able to take Passport Photos for new applicants or for renewals. The fee for the photos is $8.00.
   

3. Personal Identification:

   A valid driver's license (not driver's permit), or a photo from school, bank or employment. Expired ID is not accepted.
   
   Minor under age 16: Each minor child shall appear in person. Both parents or legal guardians must present evidence of identity when they apply for a minor under the age of 16.
   
   Minors 16 & 17: Your child MUST appear in person.
   For security reasons, parental consent may be requested.
   If your child does not have identification of his/her own, you need to accompany your child, present identification and co-sign the application.
   

4. Payment:

   Each passport should be paid by two (2) checks or money orders as indicated below (debit or credit cards are not accepted):

   Amount/Age	Payable to:	Valid:
   $25 Fee applies to all ages *If also getting passport photos taken at Recorder's Office can add the $8.00 onto above $25 fee for a total of $33.00.	Des Moines County Recorder	-
   Passport Book $75 Fee for 16 yrs & over	U.S.Department of State	10 yrs
   Passport Book $60 Fee for under 16 yrs.	U.S. Department of State	5 yrs
   Passport Card $20 Fee for 16 yrs & over	U.S. Department of State	10 yrs
   Passport Card $10 Fee for under 16 yrs.	U.S. Department of State	5 yrs
   $60 + overnight delivery costs Expedited Service Fee	U.S. Department of State	-
   Fees Effective: February 1, 2008



5. Completed Application:

   Application form will be provided on site. Please do not sign until requested to do so. Signature must be witnessed by the Clerk processing the form.

Q. Do minors applying for passports need to be present?

A. Each minor child that is applying for a passport shall appear in person.

Q. How do I get my passport in a hurry?

A. Expedited Service allows you to rush your passport application. It requires the following:

1. Cost, in addition to regular application fees, is $60 per application, payable to the U.S. Department of State plus overnight delivery costs
2. Two-way overnight delivery is strongly suggested
3. If you mail in - clearly mark Expedited on the envelope
4. Anyone may request expedited service for any type of application (ie. first-time applications, renewals, amendments of existing passports, etc.)

Q. What is the new Passport Card & how does it differ from the Passport Book?

A. U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card beginning February 1, 2008, in anticipation of land border travel document requirements.

We expect cards will be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008.

The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

The card may not be used to travel by air.


Difference between Passport Card & Passport Book