Passport Information

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 February 6, 2023 notice was given from the Passport Agency that routine passports are taking eight to eleven (8-11) weeks to process. If you expedite you will receive your passport in approximately five to seven (5-7) weeks.  There are additional fees 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