Applying for a Passport

To apply for your passport, you will need to present two physical forms of acceptable documents.

Accepted Identification Documents

You must present one of the following identification documents (IDs) to the acceptance agent. The ID must readily identify you.

• Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card 
• In-state, fully valid driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license with photo
• Certificate of Naturalization 
• Certificate of Citizenship 
• Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
• U.S. military or military dependent ID
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
• Other documents: In-state, fully valid learner’s permit with photo, In-state, fully valid non-driver ID with photo, and temporary driver’s license with photo. Note: you may be asked to present an additional ID when presenting one of these 3 documents. 

If you cannot present one of the IDs above, or for more information, please see Identification.

Please note:

• Some states now issue digital ID documents (also known as mobile driver’s licenses or mobile IDs). We cannot accept these digital IDs when you apply for your U.S. passport. You must continue to submit your physical, photo ID and a photocopy of the ID.  
• If you present an out-of-state ID, you must present an additional ID.
• If you are changing the sex marker in your U.S. passport, please see these additional requirements.
  
  

Accepted Certified Documents

You must also submit one of the following. Your evidence must be an original or certified, physical copy. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

• Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
• U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements: 
  • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
  • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
  • Lists your parent(s)’ full names
  • Has the date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth)
  • Has the registrar’s signature
  • Has the seal of the issuing authority
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization 
• Certificate of Citizenship

If you cannot submit one of the above acceptable documents, or for more information, please see Citizenship Evidence.

Please note you cannot submit digital evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a mobile or electronic birth certificate. You must submit physical evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the document. 

Minnesota Birth Certificates

Minnesota Birth Certificates may be obtained from the Mille Lacs County Administrative Services Office for $26. Applicants will need to complete the birth certificate application and provide a valid photo identification card to obtain. Find additional information on the Administrative Services Office Vital Statistics web page.

You must provide one photograph with your application. To avoid processing delays, be sure your photo meets all photo requirements. Photos may also be taken at the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office for a fee of $15.

If taken elsewhere, photos must meet many requirements; here are some highlights to look over prior to arriving:

• Photos should be 2 inches by 2 inches.
• Photos should be clear and crisp, not fuzzy or grainy.
• Photos must be against a white background.
• Occasionally photos will get a blue/yellow/orange hue to them, even though the background mat was white. This can be caused by lighting and flash. If this happens, they will have to be re-taken.
• Photos should not have flash burn (white spots). If this happens, they will have to be re-taken.
• Head/face must meet template size.

Required Payments

Two payments per application are needed:

• A check or money order goes with the application and will be made out to the Department of State. Do not make this check out ahead of time.
• The second payment is for the execution fee. Since this fee is payable to the county, acceptable methods of payment are:
  • Cash
  • Certified checks
  • Credit/debit card (Note: there is a 2.35% (or $1.95 minimum) fee for using a credit/debit card)
  • Money order
  • Personal checks

Fees

Download the passport fees list (PDF).

Additional Fees

The passport process can be expedited for additional fees. Contact the Auditor/Treasurer’s Office at 320-983-8310 with additional questions.

Note: all returned checks are subject to a $30 charge.

Tips for Fast Processing

• Fill out the passport application ahead of time download application forms from the Passport Services website.
• Avoid the lunch hour or the end of the day.
• Avoid days right before or after holidays.
• Be aware that we may be busier during school breaks (passport season).

Passports for Minors (Ages 17 & Under)

• For children under age 16, it is required that both parents are present, as well as the child.
• For children ages 16 and 17, only one parent need be present.

Other Requirements & Information

• All applicants must be ready to apply in person at least 1/2 hour prior to closing to assure enough processing time.
• For picture identification for ages 16 and up, there are other forms that are potentially acceptable, but they may require multiple forms to satisfy.
• Visit the official website for passport information. This site also provides beneficial information about traveling in other countries.
• To apply at the Minneapolis Passport Agency, you must schedule an appointment by calling toll-free at 877-487-2778, open 24 hours a day. When you make the appointment, you must let them know you are planning on applying at the Minneapolis Passport Agency.
• As of June 1, 2009, U. S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry are required to have documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, most commonly a U. S. Passport or a Passport Card.
• Passports take approximately four to eight weeks to process. If your travel plans require a passport sooner than that, there are other options available to you to expedite your passport. Please note that this will also increase the overall price of the passport.
• Please be advised that the Passport Processing Facility is the final adjudicator of your passport. While we strive to ensure you are submitting all of the required and appropriate documentation, you may be asked to submit additional or different documentation to support your passport application. Please respond promptly and directly to the Passport Processing Facility for all requests for additional documentation.