***Appointments are required as we practice social distancing.*** 

How To Obtain A Passport

GENERAL INFORMATION
Elmore County Recorder’s Office
Elmore County Courthouse
150 South 4th East Suite 3
Mountain Home, Idaho 83647
208-587-2130 Extension 500

Office Hours to obtain a passport application:
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
An appointment is required.

REQUIREMENTS

The following items are necessary for obtaining a passport:

  • Passport applications are processed between 9:00am and 4:30pm. 
  • Visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html for an application, we also provide applications in the office.
  • Driver’s License, or proof of identification
  • Original Birth Certificate, State Certified Copy of Birth Certificate, and a photocopy of this document or original passport.  If applicant is under 18 you must submit proof of relationship of Guardian.  Birth Certificate and expired Passport if they have one.
  • Original naturalization papers, if naturalized citizen.
  • All applicants must appear in person.  Children under 16 years of age must appear with both parents. Children that are 16 or 17 years of age must appear with one parent.
  • One recent color photograph
    • cannot be Polaroid
    • must be 2″ x 2″ in size
    • for digitized photos, visit (www.travel.state.gov) for additional information.
    • must have white or off-white background
    • please DO NOT take your own photo and have it printed
  • Two separate payments as follows: CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY – NO CREDIT CARDS!
  • Note:  For Expedite Passports, please provide an overnight envelope with postage from the U.S. Post Office. DO NOT put anything on the envelope, the agent will do that for you.

APPLICATIONS

Passport Applications are available at both locations below:
Elmore County Recorder’s Office
Elmore County Courthouse
150 South 4 East Street
Mountain Home, Idaho 83647

Boise U.S. Post Office
13th and River Street
Boise, Idaho 83702
208-433-4306

For an application via the Internet, click here: Passport Application

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

If I send my original Birth Certificate along with my Passport Application, is it returned?

Yes

Is a hospital Birth Certificate acceptable?

No. Only a State-issued Certified Copy or original Birth Certificate is accepted.

How long does it take to receive my passport?

As of July 12, 2021 notice was given from the Passport Agency that routine passports can take up to eighteen (18) weeks, up to twelve (12) weeks for processing and up to six (6) weeks for mailing. If you expedite you will receive your passport in approximately twelve (12) weeks includes up to 6 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing.  There are additional fees of associated with this process.

How many years is my passport valid?

If you are fifteen (15) years or under, your passport will be valid for five (5) years.
Sixteen (16) years and older, the passport is valid for ten (10) years.

Does your office do renewals?

Elmore County supplies renewal application forms; however, the applicant is responsible to process their own application as per instructions on the back of the form.

Where can I get my picture taken?

Some suggestions are: Walmart in Mountain Home; or in Boise at these locations Boise Main Post Office (you can also summit your application there), American Automobile Association, Kinko’s ,Timeless Photo, Idaho Camera, or Costco. Please refer to the Yellow Pages under “Passport Photos” for a complete listing.

How long do I have to renew my passport after it expires?

There is a five (5) year period that renewal by mail is accepted. After that time period,
you must reapply.

Can I sign my application before I bring it in?

No. The application must be signed in the presence of an authorized passport agent.
If my children are applying for a passport, what must they do?
Children 15 years and under must have both parents* or legal guardian(s) appear with them and present the following:

  • evidence of the child’s US citizenship (i.e. birth certificate, naturalization papers, etc.)
  • evidence of the child’s relationship to parent/guardian(s), AND
  • parental identification.

*If only one parent appears, one of the following must be provided:

  • second parent’s notarized written statement consenting to passport issuance for the child (form DS-3053),
  • primary evidence of sole authority to apply, OR
  • a written statement (made under penalty of perjury) explaining the second parent’s unavailability.

Children 16-17 years must have one parent or legal guardian appear with the child and present the following:

  • evidence of the child’s US citizenship (i.e. birth certificate, naturalization papers, etc.)
  • evidence of the child’s relationship to parent/guardian(s), AND
  • parental identification.

For further information, visit www.travel.state.gov.
To Obtain a Passport Application