How to Apply for a U.S. Passport

Do I have to apply in person or can I apply by mail?

You must apply in person for a U.S. passport if you meet any of the following descriptions: 

• You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time. 
• Your previous U.S. passport was lost or stolen. 
• Your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago. 
• You are the parent or guardian of a child 15 or under.  You and your child must appear in person.
• You are 16 or older. 

You may apply by mail for a U.S. passport if you meet all of the following requirements:

• You are able to submit your most recent passport.
• You were at least 16 years old when your most recent passport was issued.
• Your most recent passport was issued less than 15 years ago.
• You are using the same name OR you can submit documentation of a name change.

If you are required to apply in person, please come to the Modesto City Clerk's Office on the 6th floor of 10th Street Place, Suite 6600.  No appointment required.

If you are eligible to apply by mail, please drop by the City Clerk's Office to pick up a passport renewal application, or visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/get_renew.html to download the form.

How to Apply in Person for a U.S. Passport

To Apply for a U.S. passport the following steps must be completed:

 - Completed Application Form
 - Present Proof of U.S. Citizenship
 - Proof of Identity
 - Two Passport Photographs
 - The Applicable Fee (Payable by check)

1. Completed Application Form
Application forms can be obtained at Tenth Street Place, or the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html

Please do not sign the application form until instructed to do so.
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2. Present Proof of U.S. Citizenship (one of these)

• Previous U.S. Passport
• Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state (A certified birth certificate has a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office.) Online order on the Internet is available at http://www.vitalchek.com
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Naturalization Certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship
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3. Proof of Identity (one of these)

• Previous U.S. passport
• Naturalization Certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Current, valid driver's license
• Government ID: city, state or federal
• Military ID: military and dependents
• Work ID: must be currently employed by the company 
• Merchant Marines card: also known as a "Seamen's" or "Z" card
• Pilot or flight attendant ID
• Student ID: must be currently enrolled.  (Please note that Student ID is not a legal form of identification. Passport agents reserve the right to require other documentation if circumstances so indicate.)
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4. Two Passport Photographs
Photographs must be 2x2 inches in size, identical, taken within the past 6 months. The image size from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches. They may be in color or black and white. They must be full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background. Photographs should be taken in normal street attire, without a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline. Uniforms should not be worn in photographs with the exception of religious attire which is worn daily. If prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles are normally and consistently worn, they should be worn when the picture is taken. Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required to support the wearing of such glasses in photographs. Vending machine photos are not generally acceptable.
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5. The Applicable Fees
Application/Security Fees:

Check or money order only
Payable to U.S. Department of State
16 and older $75.00 
Under 16 years $60.00 

Expedite Fee (if you are scheduled to depart in the upcoming 2-6 weeks):

additional $60 check or money order
Payable to U.S. Department of State
Optional: Additional $16.25 for USPS Overnight Express for returned service.

Execution Fee:

$25.00 Payable to the City of Modesto City Clerk
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For more information http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html