Passports
A passport is a government document. It shows who you are and that you are a U.S. citizen. If you are getting your first passport, you must apply in person at one of two county offices. However, there are also special requirements for minor applicants age 15 and younger.
Processing times
Passports take about 4-6 weeks with regular service. Expedited services takes 2-3 weeks. If you need a passport sooner, please refer to travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778. The call center is experiencing a high volume of calls, and wait times are longer than usual.
Locations & hours
At both locations, passport processing ends at 4 p.m.
Walk-ins available
Service and license centers are open for walk-ins. However, making an appointment is encouraged.
Application requirements
If you have been previously issued a passport, you may qualify for the renewal process. If you qualify to renew your passport, you must mail your application to the passport office. It cannot be turned in in person. Applicants who have been issued a passport age 15 and younger do not qualify for renewal. See renewal requirements.
To get a new passport, or to replace one that is lost or damaged, you must apply in person at one of the two county offices. Bring the following items with you:
- Completed
DS-11 Passport Application Form (with black ink) - Passport fees — Each person must bring two separate checks. One check must be made out to the U.S. Department of State. The other must be made out to Dakota County.
- Applicant’s Social Security number
- Proof of citizenship
- Proof of identity
- Passport photo — one 2 inch by 2 inch color photo with a solid white background. Photos available at Administration Center or Western Service Center only.
Payment options
For U.S. State Department fees: Check or money order only. A separate check or money order is required for each application.
For Dakota County fees: You may pay with a check, money order, cash, or a credit or debit card. Accepted cards are Discover, Visa and MasterCard.
Fees
* U.S. State Department and Dakota County fees must be paid separately.
| Fee Description | U.S. State Department Fee | Dakota County Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passport book | $130 | $35 |
| Passport card | $30 | $35 |
| Book/card combo | $160 | $35 |
| Passport photo | N/A | $14 |
| Expedite | $60 | N/A |
| Express mail | subject to postal rates | N/A |
| Overnight delivery return (books only) | subject to postal rates | N/A |
* U.S. State Department and Dakota County fees must be paid separately.
| Fee Description | U.S. State Department Fee | Dakota County Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passport book | $100 | $35 |
| Passport card | $15 | $35 |
| Book/card combo | $115 | $35 |
| Passport photo | N/A | $14 |
| Expedite | $60 | N/A |
| Express mail | subject to postal rates | N/A |
| Overnight delivery return (books only) | subject to postal rates | N/A |
Book vs. card
Passport books can be used for international travel by air, sea or land.
A passport card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda by land or sea.
Checking application status
Passports are processed and issued by the U.S. Department of State. Visit their website for current processing times.
If you already applied for a passport and want to check it, call 1-877-487-2778, or TDD/TTY 1-888-874-7793. You can also check online at the U.S. Department of State.