The Bergenfield Public Library is designated to accept and execute passport applications on behalf of the Department of State. We verify the information of applicants using Form DS-11,
which includes all first-time applicants and minors. We then send these verified applications for processing and issuance of passports.
We are able to process U.S. DS-11 applications only at this time. We are not able to renew passports from any other foreign country. You may find complete instructions and the form on www.travel.state.gov. Passport services require an appointment made in advance through our online calendar.
If you are fifteen minutes late to your appointment, it will be automatically cancelled. If you fail to bring the required paperwork, identification or payment to your appointment, library staff reserve the right to cancel the appointment and you will need to reschedule for a new date/time.
First Time Applicants
YOU MUST APPLY IN PERSON IF:
- You are applying for your first U.S. passport
- You are under age 16
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16
- Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years age
YOU NEED TO BRING THE FOLLOWING:
- DS-11 Application – fill out the appropriate sections in advance for a faster appointment using the State Department’s form filler.
- Proof of citizenship
- Proof of identity
- One 2″ by 2″ color passport photo
- Checks or money orders. You will need a check for each DS-11 form and one for the execution fee which is paid to the library. The execution fee is set by the department of state and is currently $35.
Renewing a Passport
A previous passport book holder, eligible to use Form DS-82, may apply for a passport card as a renewal. First time applicants for a U.S. Passport, and those not eligible to use Form DS-82, should apply for a passport card using Form DS-11.
YOU CAN RENEW YOUR PASSPORT BY MAIL USING A DS-82 FORM IF YOU ANSWER “YES” TO ALL 5 OF THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS:
- You have your passport to submit with your application
- Your passport is undamaged other than normal wear and tear
- Your passport was issued when you were age 16 or older
- Your passport was issued within the last 15 years
- Your passport was issued in your current name or you can document your name change
If you answer no to any of these questions you must apply in person. Any applicant with a 5 year passport must renew in person. You can learn more about passport renewals from the U.S. Department of State
Proof of Citizenship
Please be prepared to surrender these documents. They will be returned to you by the Department of State approximately one week after you receive your passport.
U.S.-BORN
- U.S. born persons need an original birth certificate, listing both parent’s names, with a raised seal and filing date from the Bureau of Vital Statistics or city of birth.
- Hospital-issued birth certificates and birth certificates issued by the Hudson County Clerk’s Office or the City of Jersey City are not acceptable.
- If your birth certificate was issued by the Hudson County Clerk’s Office or the City of Jersey City, you must obtain a birth certificate from the New Jersey Bureau of Vital Statistics in Trenton (609-292-4087 or 609-633-2860).
FOREIGN-BORN
- Foreign-born persons must submit a naturalization certificate.
- Foreign-born children of naturalized parents may apply for a U.S. passport, provided the child was under the age of 18 when the parents became naturalized.
- In that case the child must submit their foreign birth certificate with the parents’ names alongside the parents’ naturalization certificate.
Proof of Identity
ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE ORIGINALS. COPIES ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
These are acceptable forms of identification*:
- Valid State driver’s license
- Naturalization Certificate
- Prior U.S. passport
- Government employee ID
- Official military card
- *IDs issued less than six months prior require additional proof of identity.
Photographs
PRESENT ONE PASSPORT PHOTO TAKEN WITHIN THE PAST 6 MONTHS.
- Photo must be 2″ by 2″ in size (no exceptions). Bergenfield Walgreens and CVS pharmacies offer this service.
- It should be front view with a white or off-white, plain background.
- The applicant must be the only person in the photo.
New! – Starting in May 2023, Bergenfield Library will offer passport photo services. You will be able to get two photos for up to two individuals for $15 each.
Minors
CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 16
- All minors must be present. Both parents must execute the application and provide ID.
- Children under 16 must submit a long form birth certificate, which includes both parents’ names. This is required even if the child has previously had a passport. Birth certificates are required for children who have had previous passports to establish parental relationship.
- If one of the parents cannot be present for the application’s execution, that parent must fill out a Form DS-3053 in front of a Notary. The applying parent must show this form, as well as a copy of the front and back of the non-applying parent’s valid ID.
- Other acceptable documents for a non-appearing parent are death certificates, court orders granting sole custody or a Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances (Form DS-5525).
You must submit documentation that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child applying for a passport.
The following may be used to show parental relationship:
- U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
- Foreign birth certificate
- Adoption decree
- Divorce/Custody decree
Parents/guardians must present one of the following identification documents to the acceptance agent:
- In-state, fully-valid driver’s license
- Valid or expired, undamaged, U.S. passport
- Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- Government employee ID (city, county, state or federal)
- U.S. military ID or military dependent ID
- Valid foreign passport
- Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular Identification, commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant)
CHILDREN AGES 16 OR 17
- One parent should accompany minors ages 16 or 17 unless the minor has a valid driver’s license (not a learner’s permit).
- If the child’s ID was issued less than six months prior, the parent may show ID and co-sign the application.
The applicant or parent/guardian must present one of the following identification documents to the acceptance agent:
- In-state, fully-valid driver’s license
- Valid or expired, undamaged, U.S. passport
- Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- Government employee ID (city, county, state or federal)
- U.S. military ID or military dependent ID
- Valid foreign passport
- Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular Identification, commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant)
Fees & Processing Time
You will need to make two payments: one to the U.S. Department of State (separate check per applicant) and one to Bergenfield Public Library. All fees are set by the Department of State and are non-refundable. All passport acceptance facilities charge the same fees.
PASSPORT BOOK FEE
- This fee must be paid by check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of State.” One check/money order per application.
- Routine processing (6-8 weeks) is $130 for applicants aged 16 and older, and $100 for those under 16.
- Expedited processing (2-3 weeks) is an additional $60 per application.
- For express mail to receive your new passport (for expedited service), it is an additional $21.36.
US PASSPORT CARD FEE
The Department of State began offering a U.S. Passport Card in 2008 in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. The card has the same period of validity as a passport book: 10 years for an adult, five years for children 15 and younger.
The card facilities entry and expedites document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the passport book and is adjudicated to the exact same standards.
- This fee must be paid by check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of State.” One check/money order per application.
- Routine processing (8-11 weeks) is $30 for applicants aged 16 and older, and $15 for those under 16.
- Expedited processing (5-7 weeks) is an additional $60 per application.
- Express mail is not available for passport cards.
EXECUTION FEE
- Credit card, cash, check or money order payable to “Bergenfield Public Library” for $35 per application. You may combine this payment on one check/money order if there is more than one application.
MISCELLANEOUS FEES
- Express overnight delivery of an application from the library to the Department of State is available for $26.35. Payment by cash only.
More Information
See the Passports section of the U.S. Department of State website for further information about travel restrictions and obtaining a passport.
Once the Library has executed your application, it will not be able to track its status. Instead, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s website to check on your application.