Apply for a U.S. Passport

1. Complete the DS-11 checklist
2. Book an appointment (no walk-ins, no exceptions)

Reminders
• Bring at least one check/money order/cashier's check to pay the U.S. Department of State fee (required)
• Passport photo services are available for a fee of $25. If you are providing your own photo, follow the U.S. Department of State guidelines.

Passport appointments are available Monday through Thursday.  Please note the U.S. Department of State passport processing times are 2 to 3 weeks for expedited and 4 to 6 weeks for routine.  If you need your passport sooner, please contact the U.S. Department of State (877-487-2778 or NPIC@state.gov).  Appointment bookings are limited to 30 calendar days in advance.  If fully booked, please continue checking as appointments will become available. 

NEW

Step 1.Fill Out An Application

You must apply in person using Form DS-11 if at least one of the following is true:

  • You are applying for your first U.S. passport
  • You are under age 16
  • Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16
  • Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
  • Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago

If none of the above statements apply to you, you may be eligible to renew by mail.

Step 2.Provide Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

You must submit one of the following. Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable.

  • Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
  • U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
  • Issued by the city, county, or State of birth
  • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
  • Lists your parent(s)' full names
  • Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
  • Has the registrar's signature
  • Has the seal of the issuing authority
  • Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth 
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship 

If you cannot submit one of the above acceptable documents, or for more information, please see the U.S. Department of State website on Citizenship Evidence.

Present Identification

You must present one of the following identification documents (IDs) to the acceptance agent. The ID must readily identify you.

  • California fully-valid driver's license
  • Fully-valid, undamaged US passport (may be expired)
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  • Government employee ID (city, county, State or federal)
  • US military ID or military dependent ID
  • Valid foreign passport
  • Matrícula Consular (Mexican Consular Identification, commonly used by the parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant)

If you cannot present one of the IDs above, or for more information, please see the U.S. Department of State webpage on Photo Identification.

Please note: If you present an out-of-state ID, you must present an additional ID. If you have undergone or are going through gender transition, please review information on the U.S. Department of State website about sex markers.

Step 3.Book an appointment and visit City Hall to submit your paperwork

Please note the U.S. Department of State passport processing times are 2 to 3 weeks for expedited and 4 to 6 weeks for routine.  If you need your passport sooner, please contact the U.S. Department of State (877-487-2778 or NPIC@state.gov).  Appointments are Monday through Thursday and must be booked using the online appointment booking system.  Appointments bookings are limited to 30 calendar days in advance.  If fully booked, please continue checking as appointments will become available.

At your appointment, you must submit your completed application, identification, evidence of citizenship, photo (can be done during appointment), fees, and checklist(PDF, 353KB).  U.S. Department of State fees can ONLY be paid by check or money order.  Please arrive at your appointment on time.  Appointments are at the City of Alameda City Clerk's Office, City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, 3rd Floor, Room 380.  

RENEWAL

You MUST renew by mail using Form DS-82 if your most recent passport meets all five of these requirements: 

  1. Passport is submitted with your application
  2. Passport is undamaged (other than normal wear and tear)
  3. Passport was issued when you were age 16 or older
  4. Passport was issued within the last 15 years
  5. Passport is in your current name (or you can document your name change with an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)

The City Clerk's Office cannot accept the Form DS-82.  An appointment should not be booked if you are using a Form DS-82.  You are welcome to drop by the City Clerk's Office to have your photo taken or your application reviewed if you are using a Form DS-82, but an appointment is not needed.  

MINOR

Please note: In addition to the requirements for a new passport application, minor applicants need to have the following:

You must submit documentation that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child applying for a passport.  

The following may be used to show parental relationship:

  • U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
  • Foreign birth certificate
  • Adoption decree
  • Divorce/Custody decree

Please note: Some documents, like a U.S. birth certificate, show both U.S. citizenship and parental relationship. These documents must be originals or certified copies (not photocopies).

 

FEES

Payment Instructions:

Please note, two separate payments are required.  Application Fees are paid directly to the Department of State. Execution Fees are paid directly to the City of Alameda. Information on fees is available on the U.S. Department of State website.

 

 

 

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The U.S. Department of State processing times are 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service and 4 to 6 weeks for routine service.

If you need your passport quickly, please visit to the U.S. Department of State webpage for available options.  Expedited service is the fastest option available in the City Clerk's Office.   

Yes, the old, cancelled passport will be returned to you from the U.S. Department of State. It is typically sent separately from your new passport. Your old passport should be kept in a safe place since it is considered proof of U.S. citizenship.

No, you cannot. Applicants in need of additional pages in valid passports must obtain a new passport by mail only using the DS-82 form. Either 28-page or 52-page passport books are available.

Contact the Vital Records Office in the State where you were born.

Appointment bookings are limited to 30 calendar days in advance. If fully booked, please continue checking as appointments will become available.  If you need an appointment sooner, please contact the U.S. Department of State (877-487-2778 or NPIC@state.gov). 

Contact Information

Phone: 510-747-4804

Email: clerk@alamedaca.gov

 

Passport Photo Services

The City Clerk's Office offers same day passport photos for a fee of $25. If you are providing your own photo, please follow the U.S. Department of State guidelines.

Processing Times

Expedited                

2-3 weeks

Routine            

4-6 weeks

 

Additional Information

SPANISH CHECKLIST - LISTA DE REQUISITOS PARA LA SOLICITUD DE PASAPORTE(PDF, 361KB)

For more information on documentation required or other passport and international travel information, visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Back to top