Passport Information Guide

Yes, if…

• You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time.
• Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Your previous passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago.
• Your previous passport has expired and was issued when you were under 16.
• Your name has changed since your passport was issued and you do not have a legal document formally changing your name.

NOTE: If your passport has been lost, mutilated, or violated in any manner you may not apply by mail. All persons must have their own passports, including infants.

All persons including newborns are required to obtain passports in their own names. All minors must appear in person with both parents or legal guardians to execute the passport application. Children under age 16 require both parents’ signatures (as provided by Public Law 106–113, Sect. 236).

Normal Processing: Allow 4–6 weeks from the time you submit an application to the time you receive your passport (subject to change).

Expedited Processing: An expedited passport is guaranteed by the U.S. Passport Agency to be processed and received within 2–3 weeks (subject to change).

If you are leaving on an emergency trip in less than two weeks, apply in person to the nearest passport agency with your completed application and all necessary paperwork. You may also apply at the title office for an expedited passport. Hand carry is also an option.

Hand Carry option: A hand carry is when an executed application package is given to the applicant in a sealed envelope to be delivered to a Passport Agency or Center by a third party (courier, Member of Congress, family/friend, or other designee). A Letter of Authorization for Third Party Form is required. Executed applications may be returned to an applicant in a sealed envelope to hand carry to a Regional Passport Agency only if the applicant demonstrates imminent travel (in less than 14 calendar days), or demonstrates that one or more visas are needed and is travelling within four weeks. Proof of travel is required; a letter from your Member of Congress may be accepted in place of evidence of travel. Fairfield County residents may contact Congressman Troy Balderson at 614-523-2555 to request this letter.

Congressional Expedited Service: If you need a passport sooner than 2–3 weeks or in an emergency, you may request expedited service from your Member of Congress (Congressman Troy Balderson, 614-523-2555). You must still complete your application at one of the two Fairfield County Clerk of Courts title offices. There is no additional fee for this service.

Current U.S. Department of State Passport Fees (external link; leaving this website; opens in a new tab)

Passport Book Application Fees: Check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Submit one check per application if applying for more than one passport.

Acceptance / Execution Fee: Cash, debit/credit card (additional convenience fee applies), personal check, or money order payable to “Fairfield County Clerk of Courts.” A combined payment for the execution fee may be used for more than one passport.

Optional — Expedited Service: An expedited service fee is required for each application, in addition to the required fees, and may be combined with the application payment.

Optional — 1–2 Day Delivery (return service): Strongly recommended to return your newly issued passport book. Not available for passport cards (delivered via First Class Mail only). Pay the delivery fee for each application.

Optional — Overnight Delivery (to Agency): Charged by the U.S. Postal Service; may be paid in cash or check payable to “U.S. Postal Service.”

The U.S. Passport Card may only be used for international travel by land or by sea between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It cannot be used for air travel — even in the case of emergency.