Passports

Apply for your US Passport and/or Passport Card at the Mahwah Library, an officially-designated passport application acceptance facility. 

How to Apply or Renew

In-person or via mail?  Which option is right for you.

Apply or Renew In-Person

You must apply in person if any of the following are true:

  • You have never been issued a US passport, 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. Click the button below to book your appointment.

Renew via Mail

You must renew by mail if all of the following are true:

  • You have your passport in your possession to submit with your application;
  • Your passport is undamaged other than normal wear and tear;
  • Your passport was issued when you were age 16 or older;
  • Your passport was issued within the last 15 years;
  • Your passport was issued in your current name.
If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, then you may renew via mail.
 
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, then you must renew in person. Click the button below to book your appointment.

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 review the information below 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
Request a Passport Appointment

FAQs

Two payments are required for all passports – one made payable to the US DEPT OF STATE and one made payable to the Mahwah Public Library.  

Passport Application 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. 

Passport Book
  • Adults (age 16 & older): $130
  • Children (under 16): $100
  • For expedited passports: add $60 per application
  • Passport application fees must be paid by check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State – the Department of State does not accept cash or credit card.
Passport Card:
  • Adults (age 16 & older): $30
  • Children (under 16): $15
  • For expedited passport cards: add $60 per application
  • Passport application fees must be paid by check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State – the Department of State does not accept cash or credit card.

Passport Execution (Processing) Fee:

There is a $35 execution (processing) fee per passport.  The execution fee may be paid by cash, credit card, check or money order payable to the Mahwah Public Library.

Passport Photograph Fee:

The Passport Agent will take one set of photographs for a fee of $12.  The fee for photographs may be paid by cash, credit card, check or money order payable to the Mahwah Public Library.

You must apply in person using Form DS-11 if any of the following are true:

  • You have never been issued a US passport, 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.

The Mahwah Library has copies of the DS-11 available to complete, or you can download the application from the the passport section at travel.state.gov.  The DS-11 form must be filled out completely in black ink in order for your documents to be reviewed, but please do not sign the form until the Passport Agent instructs you to do so.

Additional Documents

Submit your form with the following additional documents:

  • Proof of US Citizenship – visit travel.state.gov for all acceptable forms of citizenship. 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.
  • Proof of Identity – visit travel.state.gov for all acceptable forms of identification.
  • Photograph – one photograph, 2”x2”, taken within the past 6 months. The Mahwah Library offers photo services during passport center hours for an additional $12 per application.

For more information about acceptable identification and proof of citizenship, visit travel.state.gov

In many cases, you can apply for a renewal by mail and do not need to come in person.  You can renew by mail if you answer “yes” to the following:

  • You have your passport in your possession to submit with your application;
  • Your passport is undamaged other than normal wear and tear;
  • Your passport was issued when you were age 16 or older;
  • Your passport was issued within the last 15 years;
  • Your passport was issued in your current name.

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, then you must renew in person.

You will need Form DS-82, available online at travel.state.gov. 

If you can renew by mail, the Mahwah Library can provide photograph services for $12 per application. An agent can look at your renewal form for accuracy.

Under 16

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.

Ages 16 and 17

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.

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.

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?

Generally, if you have all of your paperwork in order and it’s a simple application process, it should only take about 10-15 minutes. Please refer to the “First Time Passports” section to see what you need to bring with you.
 

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.