Applicants must complete Form DS-11 before visiting the Madison County Clerk’s Office to apply.

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The U.S. Department of State provides an online Form Filler that allows you to complete the application electronically and print it on single-sided paper. Double-sided forms cannot be accepted. If you experience technical issues, a fillable PDF version of the form is also available through the U.S. Department of State.

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Please do not sign the application until instructed to do so by a passport acceptance agent.

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When completing the form, applicants may choose to apply for:

• A passport book

• A passport card

• Both a passport book and a passport card

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Applicants who travel internationally frequently may request a large passport book by selecting the appropriate option on the application.

Do not attach or staple your photo to the form. The acceptance agent or passport employee will review the photo and staple it for you.

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1. Submit one color photo

2. Submit a recent photo taken in last 6 months

3. Use a clear image of your face 

4. Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence 

5. Directly face the camera without tilting your head.

6. Take off your eyeglasses for your photo

7. Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines

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Submit a high-resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated.

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• The correct size of a passport photo is:

  • 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) 

  • Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

• Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper.

• Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence. 

• Do not submit photocopies or digitally-scanned photos.

• Do not submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.

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Pose and Expression:

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• Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. 

• Face the camera directly with full face in view. 

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Lighting and Shadows:

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• Have uniform lighting on your face.

  • Overhead lighting or lights too far off to the side can cast shadows on your face, obscuring your facial features.  

• Lighting that is too bright may cause your image to be overexposed, while lighting that is too dim may make it underexposed.

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​Attire, Hats, and Glasses 

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• Take off any eyeglasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses.

  • If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with your application.

• You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage clothing. 

• Take off your hat or head covering.

  • If you wear one for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that says it is religious attire worn daily in public.

  • If you wear one for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement that says you wear it for medical purposes.

  • If you must wear a hat or head covering:

    • Your full face must be visible 

    • There should be no shadows or parts of your face blocked

    • It should be one color    

    • The material should not have patterns or small holes  

• You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.

• You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. 

• Take off any face covering or medical mask so your full face is visible and the face covering or mask do not block portions of your face.

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Your evidence of U.S. citizenship must have the original, official seal or stamp of the government office which issued it. You must provide one of the following documents:

• U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:

  • Requirements include: Shows the seal or stamp from the city, county, or state of birth which issued it; the applicant’s full name, date of birth, place of birth; your parent(s)' full names; the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth); and the registrar's signature.​

​Or

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• Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport

  • Full validity means the passport was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.

• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or any birth document issued by the U.S. Department of State

• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship

  • If you have an Alien Registration Number (A-Number) from USCIS and you are applying for the first time, you may include the A-Number on your passport application. 

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If you cannot submit one of these documents, please visit the Citizenship Evidence page for more information.

 

Paper only: We do not accept digital evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a mobile or electronic birth certificate. You must submit physical evidence of U.S. citizenship. 

You must provide a: 

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• photocopy of your citizenship evidence (along with the original or replacement version that has the seal or stamp), and

• A photocopy of the front and back of your photo ID

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Photocopy requirements:

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• Use 8.5-inch by 11 inch paper

• Use a single side of the paper

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You must also provide more documents if:

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• Your current valid passport is lost or stolen

• Your valid passport is damaged 

  • Provide a signed statement explaining the damage and submit the damaged passport

  • Examples of passport damage include water damage, mold, stains, significant tears, unofficial markings, or missing pages. Normal wear such as folded pages or small bends does not count as a damaged passport.

• You are a sex offender covered under International Megan's Law

  • Provide a signed and dated statement that says you believe you are a covered sex offender under International Megan’s Law

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Your application will be delayed or denied if you do not resolve these issues before applying:

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• If you owe over $2500 in child support, you must pay your child support to your state. 

• If you have seriously delinquent tax debt, you must follow the guidance on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website. 

You must present a physical, photo identification (ID) at the time of your application. The most common photo ID we accept is a: 

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• Fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo.

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If your ID is from a different state than the state you are applying to, bring a second photo ID. 

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Go to the Identification page for the full list of acceptable photo IDs.

When you apply for a passport using Form DS-11, you will need to pay two fees: one to the U.S. Department of State and one to the facility where you submit your application.

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How to pay the passport application fee:

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• Use a check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of State."

• Write the applicant’s name and date of birth in the memo section.

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Optional application fees:

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• Add $60 to your application fee if you want faster expedited service.

• Add $22.05 to your application fee if you want your new passport in 1-2 days after we mail it.  

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How to pay the $35 facility acceptance fee:

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• Cash, Check, or Card (additonall fee)