Ernie Lee Magaha, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller of Escambia County Florida is pleased to announce that his office now accepts Passport Applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. United States citizens planning international travel may apply for their passports Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Official Records Division, Escambia County Government Complex, 221 Palafox Place, Suite 110, Pensacola, Florida, 32502.
For application forms, information on documentation required, fees, and a wealth of other passport and international travel information, visit the U. S. Department of State's website Travel.State.Gov, the only official website for passport information.
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document attesting to the identity and nationality of the bearer. In essence, it is a request on the part of the issuing government that officials of foreign governments permit the bearer to travel or sojourn in their territories and to afford them all lawful aid and protection.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller's Office is the local government agency that may accept applications for passports. That application is passed on to one of the passport services designated by the U.S. Secretary of State where it is reviewed and either issued or denied, and returned to the applicant by mail. During peak travel periods, this process may take ten to twelve weeks so allow plenty of time to receive your passport before you intend to travel.
IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
You will need to provide evidence of U.S. Citizenship by submitting one of the following documents:
- Your most recent passport
- A certified copy of your United States birth certificate with a raised seal. (Please note: hospital birth certificates are not acceptable.) Long form birth certificates required for minors listing both parents' names. Original foreign birth certificate translated into English.
- Your original United States Naturalization certificate.
You will need a form of personal identification from the following list:
- Current valid driver's license
- Government or military identification
- Valid aircraft pilot's license issued by the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- An affidavit signed by an identifying witness who is a United States citizen and who has known you for at least two (2) years. This witness must appear before the passport agent when you make application.
PASSPORT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
- If born in the United States, submit a previous U.S passport or certified birth certificate. A birth certificate must include your given name and surname, date and place of birth, date the birth record was filed, and the seal or other certification of the official custodian of such records.
- If born outside the United States, submit a previous U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
Proof of Identity
- You may submit items such as the following containing your signature AND physical description or photograph that is a good likeness of you: previous U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, driver's license, or a government (Federal, State or Municipal) employee identification card or pass. Temporary or altered documents are not acceptable.
Two Photographs
- Submit two (2) color photographs of you alone, sufficiently recent to be a good likeness of you (normally taken within the last six months ), and 2 x 2 inches in size. The image size measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head (including hair) should not be less than 1 inch and not more than 1 3/8 inches. The photographs must be color, clear, with a full front view of your face, and printed on thin paper with plain light (white or off-white) background. They must be capable of withstanding a mounting temperature of 225 degrees F (107 degrees C). The photographs must be taken in normal street attire, without a hat, head covering, or dark glasses unless a signed statement is submitted by the applicant verifying the item is worn daily for religious purposes or a signed doctor's statement is submitted verifying the item issued daily for medical purposes. Photographs retouched so that your appearance is changed are unacceptable. Snapshots, most vending machine prints, and magazine or full-length photographs are unacceptable. Digitized photos must meet the previously stated qualifications and will be accepted for use at the discretion of Passport Services.
Forms
The appropriate forms may be picked up in advance in our office (map), at a AAA office, or at most travel agencies. The form must be signed in the presence of a clerk at our office when it is filed. These forms are also available on the Travel.State.Gov website.
Citizenship
If there is no official record of your birth, you will need to contact the proper agency (Bureau of Vital Statistics or Health Department) of your birth state. A letter will be issued to this fact, then we can use other items for proof.
If you are a naturalized citizen, the original naturalization certificate must accompany the application for a passport. It will be returned by the passport agency. If you are not a U.S. citizen, but need a passport, you must contact the nearest consulate for your country.
Visas
A visa is permission granted by the government of a country to an alien to enter that country and to remain for a specific period of time. It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain necessary visas, if any, before proceeding abroad. Visas are obtained from the embassy or consulate of the countries to which the applicant wishes to travel. We can assist with information as to what countries require visas.
Replacement
If your passport has been lost, stolen or mutilated, you must complete a new application, with new pictures, birth certificate and affidavit of lost or stolen passport. The forms are available in this office. The cost will be the same as applying for a new passport.
Denial of Application
If you are behind in your child support payments in excess of $2,500, you are ineligible to receive a U.S. passport. If this applies to you, Passport Services strongly recommends that you contact the appropriate State child support enforcement agency to make payment arrangements before applying for a passport.
Passports and Confidentiality
Information obtained from or in connection with a passport application is privileged under the Privacy Act of 1974 and under Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 51.33, and must not be divulged to any person or organization inquiring about such records. Requests for information concerning an applicant's personal background, address, travel plans, etc. should be referred to: Passport Services Washington, D.C. 20524.
Statistical data concerning passport applications handled by the Clerk's office, not including any information about specific applications, may be released. (i.e.: How many passport applications have been handled in a certain period, etc.)
What is a passport?
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document attesting to the identity and nationality of the bearer. In essence, it is a request on the part of the issuing government that officials of foreign governments permit the bearer to travel or sojourn in their territories and to afford them all lawful aid and protection.
Who can process passport applications?
Only Passport Services, Passport Agencies, Passport Agents of the Department of State, and Foreign Service posts designated by the U.S. Secretary of State have authority to grant, issue or verify passports.
How do I get a passport? What materials do I need to have with me when I apply for a passport?
You need to come to the Clerk's Office with a certified copy of your birth certificate and a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver's license, or original naturalization papers.
Do I need a passport for travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean region?
Yes
What is a passport card and what are its uses?
As of February 1, 2008, a passport card will permit the holder to travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean Region by land or by sea. These cards cannot be utilized for any air travel. A passport book is still required to fly between the United States and these countries. Please see a comparison at Travel Documents.
Is the same material required to apply for the passport card as for the passport book?
Yes. See details above for identification requirements.
How much is the fee for a passport?
Methods of Payment
For each passport application or passport renewal application, you will need to make separate payments to the "U.S. Department of State" and to the "Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller."
The payment to the "U.S. Department of State" must be by check or money order (temporary, starter or counter checks can NOT be accepted). The payment to the "Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller" may be paid by cash, check, money order, Mastercard, or Visa.
Passport Applications
Passport Book
Age 16 and older: The passport application fee is $110 payable to the "U.S. Department of State." Execution fees, postage and fees for photographs are paid by separate check to the "Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller."
Under Age 16: The passport application fee is $80 payable to the "U.S. Department of State." Execution fees, postage and fees for photographs are paid by separate check to the "Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller."
Passport Card
Age 16 and older: The passport application fee is $30 payable to the "U.S. Department of State." Execution fees, postage and fees for photographs are paid by separate check to the "Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller."
Under Age 16: The passport application fee is $15 payable to the "U.S. Department of State." Execution fees, postage and fees for photographs are paid by separate check to the "Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller."
Passport Renewal
You may apply for a passport renewal if your previous passport meets the following criteria:
- Was issued when you were age 16 years or older.
- Was issued within the past 15 years.
- Is not mutilated, altered or damaged.
- You still have the same name as listed in the passport or you can legally document your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree, or court order).
- Is submitted with your application.
The passport renewal application fee is $110 payable to the "U.S. Department of State" for the passport book and $30 for renewal of the passport card. Renewal application meeting the above requirements should be mailed directly to the U.S. Department of State. No execution fee is due in connection with these applications.
Expedited Service
Expedited service is only available on applications for passport books. Add $74.96 for each application payable to the "U.S. Department of State" and $18.30 payable to the "Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller." The additional total cost is $93.26.
Passport Photos
The Clerk's Office provides passport photo services. The charge for one (1) set of passport photos is $15.00 payable to the "Escambia County Florida Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller."
Record Search
The Passport Agency can research their records to locate your previous passport information. The charge for this service is $150.00 per name payable to the "U.S. Department of State."
All fees paid for the above-described services are NON-REFUNDABLE.
How do I get certified copies of my Naturalization papers in order to obtain a passport?
It could take up to eight (8) months to obtain copies of your naturalization papers through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) formerly known as Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). However, if you obtain the copies from National Archives Northeast Region, 380 Trapelo Rd., Waltham, MA 02452, it could take as little as four days.
What are the requirements for a passport photograph?
Passport photographs must be in color; must be two-inches by two-inches in overall size with a head image size of no less than one inch nor larger than 1 3/8-inch; must be a frontal, portrait-type view without dark glasses or a hat. A white background is required for a digital photograph and the photographic paper must be able to undergo a temperature of 225 degrees for laminating. The Clerk's Office offers passport photo service for an additional $15.00.
Are vending machine photos or published pictures acceptable for passports?
Most vending machine photographs are not able to withstand the mounting temperatures and/or will not adhere properly to the passport page. Therefore, they are not acceptable. Newspaper and magazine prints also are not acceptable.
How long does it take to get a passport?
That depends on the time of year submitted, because of the seasonal nature of travel. During peak travel periods, the normal processing time ranges from four to six weeks.
Is special, expedited processing available?
Yes. Those who meet certain criteria can pay a surcharge for expedited processing that will guarantee completion by the Passport Agency in seven to ten working days after it receives the application. Renewals may also receive this seven to ten working day processing with an expedite fee. Please see also the Passport Renewal questions under PASSPORT FEES above.
I had a passport before, but it has expired. Can I simply renew it?
If it was issued within the past 15 years, and if you were 16 years or older when the passport was issued, you may apply with a renewal application, available from this office. You will need two new photos, your old passport and a fee. You will mail all of the above to the Passport Agency. (Note: This is not available if the individual was a minor when issued the most recent passport.) Please refer back to a previous question addressing passport renewals meeting certain criteria.
What if I don't have a copy of my birth certificate?
If you need a copy of your birth certificate you can contact Vital Statistics at (321)690-3435 or visit the VitalChek website at www.vitalchek.com . If you have any further questions, we can instruct you about how to obtain a copy of your birth certificate from any state.
But there is no official record of my birth. What can I do?
You will need to contact the proper agency (Bureau of Vital Statistics or Health Department) of your birth state. A letter will be issued to this fact, then we can use other items for proof. Call us. We will be glad to assist you.
What if I am a naturalized citizen?
The original naturalization certificate must accompany the application for a passport. It will be returned by the passport agency.
Do I have to personally come into the office to apply for a passport?
Yes. Unless you are filing for a renewal. (See question above on renewals).
Do I have to bring my child in with me for his/her passport?
Yes. Passport Services requires the personal appearance of all minors (a minor is a person 15 years old or younger) applying for U.S. passports. Additionally, a minor must have the consent of both parents when making an application for a passport. This requirement is implemented to enhance the accurate identification of applicants and aid in the preventing of international child abduction and substitution.
I need to get my passport as quickly as possible. May I go directly to the regional passport agency in Miami?
If you are traveling within 14 days, you may make an appointment with the Miami office by dialing toll free (877) 487-2778. You must have your ticket or proof of purchase from your travel agent. A check or money order payable to the "U.S. Department of State" is required. You might wish to come to the Clerk's office first for determination of accurate documentation prior to your trip to the federal Passport Office.
What is the difference between a passport and a visa?
A visa is permission granted by the government of a country to an alien to enter that country and to remain for a specific period of time. It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain necessary visas, if any, before proceeding abroad. Visas are obtained from the embassy or consulate of the countries to which the applicant wishes to travel. We can give information as to what countries require visas.
I am not a U.S. citizen, but I need a passport. What must I do?
You must contact the nearest consulate for your country.
I am leaving, but my passport is not here; or I didn't know it had expired; or I can't get to Miami. Is there some kind of waiver?
No.
I don't have a birth certificate, but I have my military papers. Will that suffice?
No.
My passport has been lost, stolen or mutilated. What must I do to replace it?
You must complete a new application, with new pictures, birth certificate and affidavit of lost or stolen passport. The forms are available in this office.
Who do I report a lost or stolen passport to?
The National Passport Information Center (NPIC); will accept reports of lost or stolen passports. You can call them toll-free at (877) 487-2778. A customer service representative will ask a number of questions, record the answers and guide you through the reporting process. The completed report will then be forwarded electronically to Passport Service Headquarters. Spanish speaking representatives are also available to accept reports.
I am a convicted felon. Can I get a passport?
That is entirely up to the discretion of the Passport Agency in Miami.
Helpful Information
The Passport Agency will not issue a passport if the applicant is in arrears of child support payments in excess of $2,500. The applicant will be required to have payment arrangements and the child support agency must contact the U S Department of Health and Human Services prior to the processing of an application.
- National Passport Information Center: 877-487-2778
- National Passport InformationCenter (credit card users) 888-362-8668
- Toll-free for Passport Services: 800-688-9889