Apply for a U.S. Passport

Passport acceptance is by appointment only.  Please note the US Department of State passport processing times are 10 weeks for expedited and 14 weeks for routine.  If you need your passport sooner, please contact the US Department of State (877-487-2778 or NPIC@state.gov).  Appointments must be booked online here.  Walk-ins will NOT be served, no exceptions.

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 Citizenship Evidence.

 

Step 3.Present Identification

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

  • In-state, fully-valid driver's license
  • Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  • Government employee ID (city, county, state or federal)
  • U.S. 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 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 see these additional requirements.

 

Step 4.Book an appointment and visit City Hall to submit your paperwork

Please note the US Department of State passport processing times are 12 weeks for expedited and 18 weeks for routine.  If you need your passport sooner, please contact the US Department of State (877-487-2778 or NPIC@state.gov).  Appointments must be booked online here.  Masks are required while in City Hall.  At your appointment, you must submit your completed application (including evidence of citizenship), identification (ID), photo (can be done during appointment), fees, and checklist(PDF, 132KB).  Department of State fees can be paid by check or money order only.  Please arrive at your appointment on time.  Appointments are at the Alameda City Clerks Office, City Hall 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. Is submitted with your application
  2. Is undamaged (other than normal "wear and tear")
  3. Was issued when you were age 16 or older
  4. Was issued within the last 15 years
  5. Was issued 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.  Please do not make an appointment if using the Form DS-82.  

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:

*The application fee is paid directly to the Department of State. **The Execution Fee is paid directly to the City of Alameda. Two Separate payments are required.  

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The US Department of State processing times are 10 weeks for expedited service and 14 weeks for routine service.

If you need your passport quickly, please refer to the US Department of State information here

Yes, the old, cancelled passport will be returned to you from the US Department of State. It may be sent separately from your new passport. Keeping your old passport in a safe place is a good idea as it is considered proof of your U.S. citizenship.

No, you cannot. Applicants in need of additional pages in their valid passports must obtain a new passport by mail. Applicants within the United States may choose a 28-page or 52-page book.

Contact the Vital Statistics office in the state where you were born.

Contact Information

Phone: 510-747-4804

Email: clerk@alamedaca.gov

 

Passport Photo Services

We offer same day passport photos for a fee of $25. If you are providing your own photo please follow these guidelines.

Processing Times

Expedited                

10 weeks

Routine            

14 weeks

 

Additional Information

For more information on documentation required and a wealth of other passport and international travel information, visit the Department of State’s website at www.travel.state.gov

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