Passports

A passport is a document, issued by the U.S. government, which certifies the identity and nationality of its holder. To apply for a first-time passport, applicants must appear in person at one of two county locations. However, there are also special requirements for minor applicants age 15 and younger.​​​​​

Processing times

Passports are currently taking 8-11 weeks for routine service and up to 5-7​ weeks for expedited service. 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.

Please be aware, citizenship documentation will be mailed in with your passport application and will not be returned until the passport is processed and mailed. If you have a current passport, please check the renewal requirements below prior to reserving an appointment.

Locations & hours

• Administration Center - Walk-ins will be helped as staff are available. Making an appointment is encouraged.
  
• Western Service Center - Walk-ins will be helped as staff are available. Making an appointment is encouraged.​

​ ​Reserve your appointment 

Precautions for staff and visitors

If you have had a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore throat, or a new or increased cough in the last seven days OR if you have had close contact with someone who was diagnosed or suspected to have COVID-19 within the last 14 days, do not visit a county facility for an appointment. If you display these symptoms during your appointment, you will be required to leave the facility.

Book vs. card

Passport books can be used for international travel by air, sea or land.

Passport cards allow entry into the U.S. at land border crossings and sea ports – Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. It can't be used for international air travel.

Renewal requirements

If you have been previously issued a passport, you may qualify for the renewal process. Applicants who have been issued a passport age 15 and younger do not qualify for renewal. See renewal requirements.

New application requirements

To receive a new passport or replace a lost or damaged passport, you must come in person to one of the two county locations, bringing the following:

• Completed DS-11 Passport Application Form (with black ink)
• Passport fees — each applicant should have separate checks payable to the U.S. Department of State and 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 all locations for a fee.

In person photo guidelines

• No camouflage clothing
• Glasses must be removed at the time of photo
• For infant photos, bring a solid, white blanket — no design

Adult fees (Age 16 & older)

* U.S. State Department and Dakota County fees must be paid separately.

Child fees (Age 15 & younger)

* U.S. State Department and Dakota County fees must be paid separately.

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:  Check, money order, cash, or credit or debit cards (Discover, Visa and MasterCard)​.

Checking application status

Passports are processed and issued by the U.S. Department of State.  Visit their website for current processing times.

If you have already applied and would like to check the status of your application, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or TDD/TTY at 1-888-874-7793 or visit their website at U.S. Department of State.