Applications for passports are accepted from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Taxpayer Services located in the Courthouse; however, it is recommended that you arrive at the Taxpayer Services no later than 4:30 p.m. when applying for one or more passports.

You can download and fill out a passport application (DS-11) before visiting the Taxpayer Services. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the passport application.

The online passport application forms are double-sided. Although the second pages require no data from the applicant, they contain important information and official legal statements and are a required part of the application form. They should be read before completing the form and must be submitted with the completed first page. Your application will not be accepted without the second page. This form must be printed on 2 pages.

First-time Applicants

Passport Fees

 

Passcard Information (new type of passport for entry at U.S. land and sea ports)

Passport Amendment (name change)/Validation

Lost or Stolen Passports

Request for passport by mail - renewals only

Tips on getting a passport

Minor Consent

• All applicants MUST appear in person before a Passport Agent and submit a completed passport application. Proof of US citizenship, valid driver's license or state issued identification card (more information may be needed for state issued identification cards and out of state cards), Social Security Number, and two identical passport pictures.
• Minors, under 18, that do not possess their own identification will need a parent to present theirs.
• Download and fill out a passport application (DS-11) before visiting the Taxpayer Services.
• Minors, 15 yrs & under, must have both parents consent to apply for a passport.

Passport Fees

Blue Earth County now accepts credit card payment for the $25 filing fee and $12 photo fee for passports.

Fees for ages 16 and over (Valid for 10 years)

$110 - Check or money order. Payable to US Department of State

$25 - Filing fee. Payable to Blue Earth County

$12 - photo fee

Fees for ages 15 and under (Valid for 5 years)

$80 - Check or money order. Payable to US Department of State

$25 - Filing fee. Payable to Blue Earth County

$12 - photo fee

Allow 4 to 6 weeks for your passport to arrive. Expedited service is available for an additional fee of $60 plus postage (Expedited passports will be received in approximately 2 to 3 weeks).

You must complete a DS-5504 form (for passport validity of 1 year or less) in order to:

• to extend the validity of your passport

• whenever a change in the printed information (e.g., a name change) has occurred since your passport was printed

If your name has changed as the result of marriage or divorce, you will need:

• to use a DS-82 form (for passport validity of 1 year or more)
• certified documentation of your name change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree with your new name) and
• your current, valid passport

Your documentation will be returned to you with your amended passport. There is no fee for this service unless you require expedited service.

To add pages to your passport, you will need to fill out a DS-4085 form and pay a fee of $82.

Lost or stolen passports

If your passport is lost or stolen you will need to complete a DS-64 form in addition to a passport application (DS-11) form. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the passport applications.


Application for Passport by Mail - Renewals Only

To renew your passport you must fill out a DS-82 form. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the passport application. This form should be used for renewing a previously issued U.S. passport either by mail or in person. There are four criteria for using this form. Please use the following checklist to see if you are eligible to apply with a DSP-82 form:

1. I can submit my most recent passport.
2. I was at least 16 years old when my most recent passport was issued.
3. I was issued my most recent passport less than 15 years ago. NOTE: Instructions on the current application do not yet reflect this change. The form is scheduled to be replaced in the near future with one containing updated information, but, the old form may continue to be used.
4. I use the same name as on my most recent passport, OR, since my passport was issued, I have had my name changed by marriage or court order and can submit proper documentation to reflect my name change.

How to avoid a passport application hassle:

Apply months in advance. December through March is the busiest time of year, so plan ahead.

Find out what identification is required ahead of time.

Download the passport application form, or pick one up at the Taxpayer Services in advance. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the passport application. The form is long, and some of the questions may require a bit of research.

Choose an application center, such as the Blue Earth County Taxpayer Services, that takes passport photos.

Don't wait until the last minute -- expedited service costs extra.

Expedited passports can be processed. Please allow 2 -3 weeks for processing. For more information call the Taxpayer Services at 507-304-4251.

If you are trying to get a passport in a hurry, be sure to have your plane tickets or itinerary handy -- you'll need to show them.

Hang on to your expired passport; turning it in makes the renewal process easier.

Visit the U.S. Department of State website for more passport information.