Library Services

Passport Frequently Asked Questions

Who provides the U.S. Passport Acceptance Service?

Library staff have been designated by the U. S. State Department as U. S. Passport Acceptance Officers.  In this capacity we are required to follow all Federal rules and regulations and there are no exceptions.  We provide the same service as the U.S. Post Office, and library staff have the same authority as U. S. Postal Service employees.

You will be denied service if you do not supply the required documentation or adhere to U.S. Passport Acceptance rules and regulations. 

What is acceptable proof of U.S. Citizenship?

You must provide an ORIGINAL copy of your CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE (no photocopies).

Note that the CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED ABSTRACT OF BIRTH and the TEXAS CERTIFIED ABSTRACT OF BIRTH are NOT ACCEPTED by the U. S. State Department.  You also may not submit a Hospital Birth Record.

Your CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE will be mailed with your passport application and will be returned with your new passport.

If you are a naturalized U. S. Citizen you must provide your original CERTIFICATE OF NATURALIZATION.  This certificate will be mailed with your passport application and will be returned with your new passport.

OR:

You may submit your expired U. S. Passport.  Your old passport will be returned with your new passport.

Where can I obtain a CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE?

Depending upon where you were born, you need to contact the County Recorder or Registrar of Birth. 

You can also find this information using VitalChek at (800) 255-2414 or on the web at www.vitalchek.com.

What is acceptable proof of identification?

Adults may submit their current valid Driver’s License or government issued ID Card.  Adults may also submit a current U. S. passport or current Military ID card when identifying themselves for children's passports only.  Parents will be asked to show proof of their identification for their children.

Are the passport forms available for download?

Passport forms are available for download in PDF format via the State Department Web pages at Passport Application Forms.

Where do I get the photographs?

You must submit an official passport photograph, which is in color and 2 inches by 2 inches in size. The background must be light colored, and school photographs may not be used

The Mission Viejo Library now offers fast and convenient Passport photo service - right here at the library! The fee for 2 digital 2 inch by 2 inch color photos is $10 which is accepted by cash, check or credit card.

If you decide to purchase your photos elsewhere, check the yellow pages under "Passport Photos and Visa Services" for a photo studio near you.

What do I do if I have lost my Passport?

If you have lost your current U. S. Passport, you must apply for a new passport and you must submit all original documentation.  You must also submit the Form DSP-64, "Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport."

If you have lost your expired U. S. Passport, you must apply for a new passport and you must submit all original documentation. 

All I need to do is renew my Passport.  How do I do that?

Citizens wishing to renew their U.S. Passports which are less than 15 years old from the date of issue may pick up the renewal form at the library and they may submit them through the mail.  Restrictions may apply so check the Passport Information Line before mailing your renewal  You can also Passport Renewal Form.

How long will it take to get my Passport?

The U. S. Passport Office guarantees delivery as follows:

Routine Service:  10 to 12 weeks from receipt of application at the processing center.
Expedite Service:  2-3 weeks from receipt of application at the processing center.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE MISSION VIEJO LIBRARY HAS NO AUTHORITY TO MODIFY THESE TIME FRAMES!

You may also request and pay extra for OVERNIGHT MAIL DELIVERY FROM THE PROCESSING CENTER TO YOUR RESIDENCE FOR AN ADDITIONAL $16.25.

What if I need my Passport sooner than the Expedite Service delivery date?

You must make an appointment by telephone for acceptance service if you are traveling within 2 weeks. You must show proof of travel (i.e. airline tickets). Call (310) 575-5700  to make an appointment at the Los Angeles Passport Office, located at: 

Los Angeles Passport Agency
11000 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1000
Los Angeles, CA  90024

How much does it cost to get a Passport at the Library?

Fees are payable by check or money order only. Fees are payable to "Passport Services" as follows:

New or Replacement Passport, or Renewal of Passport:
$67.00 for persons age 16 and older
$52.00 for persons under the age of 16

Expedite Service: $60.00 per application

Overnight Mail Delivery:  $16.25

PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE FEES ARE PAYABLE BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY - NO CASH ACCEPTED. 

What is the Acceptance Fee?

The Acceptance Fee of $30.00 is paid to any Acceptance Agency, including the Mission Viejo Library. The fee is per application. The Mission Viejo Library accepts cash, check, or credit card for this fee. 

Do I need to bring my children when applying for their passports?

All applicants, including children, must be present when applying for a U.S. Passport.

Both parents must be present and show identification when applying for their child's passport if the child is under the age of 14.  If one parent cannot be present when applying for their child's passport, their consent must be notarized on either a "Statement of Consent" form (DS-3053), or in a separate letter.  Passport Acceptance Service agents will not be able to process U.S. Passport Applications unless this document is notarized.  Notary Public service is available at the library.

Also, please note that a Birth Certificate must also be presented when renewing a child's passport if the child is under the age of 14.  Passport patrons aged 16 and 17 who have their own Driver's License are still considered minors an must have at least one parent present, with ID.

What if I have been divorced and have remarried since I last applied for my passport?

If your current married name is shown on your current identification, you will submit your application, birth certificate or expired passport. 

If your current married name is not shown on your current identification, you will submit your application, birth certificate or expired passport, and your original marriage certificate.

Are there any other important changes to passport policies I should know about?

Click here to check on our latest Passport News.  Plus, take a look at the information below:

Passport Services will no longer accept amendments to U.S. Passports.  If you need a name change, a correction to descriptive information on passport, or an extension for a limited passport, submit Form DS-5504, U.S. Passport Re-Application Form, along with the passport that needs the change.

There is no charge for this service if the passport and DS-5504 is submitted within the first year of the passport’s validity.  After the first year, customers requesting any of these services must submit Form DS-82 and pay the $67 for a new passport.

Customers adding extra visa pages to their passport should submit Form DS-4085, Application for Additional Visa Pages.  This service is free of charge.

If expedited service is requested for any of the changes described above, there is an additional charge of $60 per application.  The purchase of two-way overnight delivery remains optional.

Forms DS-5504 and DS-4085, as well as updated forms DS-11 and DS-82 are available at Passport Application Forms.  After March 8, 2005 form DS-19 will no longer be valid.

My question has not been asked and answered here, where can I go for more information?

For more information or to track your passport application call the National Passport Information Center at their TOLL FREE number: (877) 487-2778 or email NPIC@state.gov.