Apply for your US Passport and/or Passport Card at the Mahwah Library, an officially-designated passport application acceptance facility!
Do You Qualify to Renew Through Us?
Most folks are only eligible to renew their passport online or by mail directly through the U.S. Department of State. There are only certain situations where you may renew a passport in person through a passport application acceptance facility like ours.
You qualify to apply for or renew with our passport facility ONLY if you answer YES to any of the below conditions:
- You have never been issued a US passport, or,
- You are replacing a lost or stolen passport, or,
- You are replacing a passport that was damaged beyond normal wear and tear, or,
- You were under age 16 when your previous passport was issued, or,
- Your most recent US passport was issued more than 15 years ago, or,
- Your most recent US passport was lost or stolen, or,
- Your name has changed since your previous US passport was issued and you are unable to
legally document your name change.
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you must apply or renew in person. Continue reading through the following guidance and click the button below to book your appointment.
What You Need to Bring
Fees
Two payments are required for all passports – one made payable to the U.S. DEPT OF STATE and one made payable to the Mahwah Public Library.
State Department Fees
Each passport requires a separate check or money order with the name and date of birth of applicant in the memo line of the payment. Checks or money orders for application fees must be made payable to US Department of State. Cash and credit card are NOT accepted.
Passport Book
- Adults (age 16 & older): $130
- Children (under 16): $100
- For expedited passports: add $60 per application
Passport Card:
- Adults (age 16 & older): $30
- Children (under 16): $15
- For expedited passport cards: add $60 per application
Mahwah Library Fees
Passport Application Processing: $35 per passport
Passport Photograph (optional): $12
These fees may be paid by cash, credit card, check, or money order payable to the Mahwah Public Library.
Documents & Forms
Please remember to use black ink only and check the U.S. Department of State website for the latest information, forms online, etc.
Adults (18 yrs +)
First Time Passports
What you need to bring:
- DS-11 Application Form (complete in black ink only)
- Proof of Citizenship (ex. original Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate)
- Valid Government Issued Photo ID (ex. Driver’s License, State-Issued ID, Foreign Passport)
- Passport Photo (taken in the last 6 months)
- Check or Money Order (for payment to the U.S. Dept. of State)
Passport Renewals
- You need to bring ALL of the ABOVE, plus:
- Your expired U.S. Passport, which can serve as your proof of citizenship.
*Reminder: The Library can only process adult renewals for passports that have expired MORE THAN 5 years. If your passport is not expired or expired less than 5 years ago, please use the DS-82 to renew by mail.*
Young Adults (16-17 yrs)
First Time Passports
What you need to bring:
- DS-11 Application Form (complete in black ink only)
- Proof of Citizenship (ex. original Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate)
- Valid Government Issued Photo ID (ex. Driver’s License, State-Issued ID, Foreign Passport)
- Passport Photo (taken in the last 6 months)
- Check or Money Order (for payment to the U.S. Dept. of State)
- Proof of Consent from one parent or
guardian (ex. a parent’s check or parent’s
information in the emergency contact field
of the application)
Passport Renewals
- You need to bring ALL of the ABOVE, plus:
- Your expired U.S. Passport, which can serve as your proof of citizenship.
If you are RENEWING A PASSPORT ISSUED WHEN YOU WERE A MINOR (under 16), you cannot renew by mail and you must see a Passport Agent.
*If you do not have valid photo ID, a parent or guardian must be present with valid photo ID and you must bring your birth certificate. We also suggest bringing something with your photo, such as a school ID.*
Minors (Under 16 yrs)
First Time Passports
What you need to bring:
- DS-11 Application Form (complete in black ink only)
- Proof of Citizenship (ex. original Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate)
- Valid Government Issued Photo ID (ex. Driver’s License, State-Issued ID, Foreign Passport)
- Passport Photo (taken in the last 6 months)
- Check or Money Order (for payment to the U.S. Dept. of State)
- BOTH parents must be present with valid
photo ID.
Passport Renewals
- You need to bring ALL of the ABOVE, plus:
- Your expired U.S. Passport, which can serve as your proof of citizenship.
- BOTH parents must be present with valid
photo ID.
Yes, We Can Take Your Passport Photo!
Passports photos have very specific requirements. The Library can provide photos for $12.
No appointment is required if all you need is a passport photo, but please keep in mind that you may be asked to wait or return to the Library on a different day if no passport staff are immediately available.
If you are supplying your own photo, remember:
- Use a clear image of your face
- Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence
- Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
- Take off your eyeglasses for your photo
- Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. (While charming, this photo would not be accepted.)
- Face the camera directly with full face in view.
- Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines.
- The correct size of a passport photo is 2″ x 2″ and your head must be between 1 – 1 3/8″from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
More information on photo guidelines can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.
FAQs
What is REAL ID?
Getting Your REAL ID?
What specifics do I need to know if my child is younger than 16 yrs?
All children, regardless of age including newborns and infants, must have their own passport.
All passport applicants under 16 must apply in person using Form DS-11. Applicants under 16 must appear with both parents/guardians in most cases and both parents must sign Form DS-11 in front of the Acceptance Agent and must be able to show parental relationship with any of the following:
- US Birth Certificate
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Foreign Birth Certificate
- Adoption Decree
- Divorce/Custody Decree
Some documents, like a US Birth Certificate, show both US citizenship and parental relationship.
You must submit one of the following US citizenship documents for your child. Your document must be an original or certified, physical copy. Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable. Be prepared to surrender these documents. After your passport is printed, the Department of State will send the new passport to you and return your supporting documents in a separate mailing:
- Certified US Birth Certificate
- Previously issued US Passport (may be expired)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
The parents/guardians must also present proof of identity (valid, in-state driver’s license, for example). Please visit travel.state.gov for all acceptable forms of identification.
Passports issued to those under age 16 are valid for five (5) years.
What specifics do I need to know if my child is 16 or 17 yrs?
Applicants who are 16 and 17 years old must fill out Form DS-11 and apply in person.
You must submit one of the following US citizenship documents. Your document must be an original or certified, physical copy. Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable. Be prepared to surrender these documents. After your passport is printed, the Department of State will send the new passport to you and return your supporting documents in a separate mailing:
- Certified US Birth Certificate
- Previously issued US Passport (may be expired)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
If you have your own current identification document, you may apply for a passport, but you must show that at least one parent or guardian knows that you are applying for a passport. Your passport application may be denied if we have received written objection from one of your parents or legal guardians. For more information, please refer to the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program.
How to show parental awareness:
- A parent or legal guardian appearing with you in person when you apply for your passport. The passport agent may ask for them to sign Form DS-11.
- A signed, notarized statement consenting to issuance of a passport from at least one parent or legal guardian. This statement should be accompanied by a photocopy of that parent or guardian’s ID.
- Additionally, parent consent may be indicated if the payment for a passport fee is by a check from and signed by a parent or if a parent’s information is listed under the Emergency Contact section on the Form DS-11.
To prevent delay and assist the passport agent, it is recommended that parental consent be submitted if the minor is applying without at least one parent or guardian present.
After your passport is printed, the Department of State will send the new passport to you and return your supporting documents in a separate mailing.
What should I do if my passport was lost or stolen?
Reporting a Lost or Stolen Passport
If your passport is lost or stolen, you should report it immediately to protect yourself from identity theft. You can report a lost or stolen passport online, via mail, or telephone:
- Online: visit pptform.state.gov and navigate to the “Report Lost or Stolen” tab
- Mail: complete Form DS-64, sign and mail via USPS
- Telephone: call toll-free 1.877.487.2778
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Passsport
To replace a lost or stolen passport, you must fill out a Form DS-11 and apply in person.
More
How do I make an appointment to have my passport application processed?
Please make an appointment online or call the passport office at 201.429.7400.
How long does the process take?
Can I use a credit or debit card?
The US Department of State only accepts checks or money orders. Remember to bring a separate check or money order made out to the US Department of State for each application, and a separate check or money order made out to the Mahwah Public Library for the execution (processing) fee. Please refer to the “Passport Fees” section to see the various costs.
Where can I find out the latest information about passports?
For the latest information on processing times, restrictions, expedited service fees, accepted forms of documentation, and general questions, please visit travel.state.gov.
What is the difference between a passport book and a passport card?
The passport book is the standard passport document, allowing travel by any means (air, land, sea) to any destination, and in addition to establishing the citizenship and identity of the bearer, is able to hold international visas of countries with visa requirements.
The passport card is less expensive than the passport book, and was designed to be a more convenient option for applicants. However, the passport card can only be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel. It can, however, be used as an acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel.
How long will it take to receive my passport from the Department of State?
Please refer to travel.state.gov to get the most up-to-date and current processing times. The State Department currently estimates a passport takes ten to twelve weeks for routine processing, from the time you turn in your application, including how long it takes for them to mail it to you. Please allow yourself plenty of time, especially in spring, when many people are preparing vacations for the busy summer months.
Expedited service is available if you need a passport to be issued more quickly. However, there are additional fees required when using expedited service.
Request a Passport Appointment Online
Passports are processed by appointment only. Appointments can be made online or by calling the Library's Passport Hotline at 201.429.7400. Please allow one hour for a passport appointment.
Please review the information above prior to requesting an appointment to renew your passport. In many cases, you can renew your passport by mail.
Passport appointments are available:Monday - Thursday: 10am to 8pm
Friday - Saturday: 10am to 4pm
