Passport Information

The Prothonotary's Office accepts passport applications at both its Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton Offices between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Special arrangements (including onsite applications at your school, church, or group meeting place) can be made for groups traveling together by calling the passport division of the office at (570) 825-1770.

For the most up-to-date information on traveling abroad and applying for a U.S. passport, please visit the U.S. Department of State at http://travel.state.gov/.

TO APPLY FOR A PASSPORT:

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship - Certified birth certificate (will contain an impressed or mulitcolored seal) from the State where you were born, a previous U.S. Passport or your Naturalization Certificate.
   - Please note that a Birth Notification or a Hospital Certificate will not satisfy this requirement. A child under 16 years of age submitting an expired Passport or certificate of citizenship as their citizenship document also must submit a long form birth certificate providing child's name, date and place of birth, and the names of the parents.
   - Certified birth certificates for Pennsylvania residents (born in PA) are available at the Pennsylvania Bureau of Vital Statistics in Scranton, PA. For more information, call the Pennsylvania Bureau of Vital Statistics at (570) 963-4595.
   - You may also obtain a Birth Certificate by utilizing the Department of State's website at http://www.health.state.pa.us and following the link to Birth and Death Certificates.
2. Proof  of Identity - Anyone over 16 years old should bring a photo ID (with signature) which may include a valid driver's license, Federal or State Employee ID with signature. For requirements for children under 16, please see US Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/passport and follow instructionson left side of page for "Get or Renew Passport" and "Minors Under 16". 
3. Social Security Number.
4. Two identical photographs - 2' X 2" in size, color photographs with a white or off-white background (NO School Photos). We take photographs in our office for a fee of $10.00.
5. Applications - Applications are available at the Prothonotary Office or online at http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html; applications should NOT be signed until you are in the presence of the passport agent in our office.
6. Fees:
   

   	Application Fee (Regular Service)	Application Fee (Expedited Service)	Execution Fee	Photos
   Passport Book (Age 16 or older)	$75.00 - Check or  money order made payable to "U.S. Department of State"	$149.85 - Check or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of State"	$25.00 - Cash, credit card, check, or money order made payable to "Prothonotary"	$10.00
   Passport Book (Under 16)	$60.00 - Check or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of State"	$134.85 - Check or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of State"	$25.00 - Cash, credit card, check, or money order made payable to "Prothonotary"	$10.00
   Renewals (Age 16 & older only	$75.00 - Check or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of State"	$149.85 - Check or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of State"	NO EXECUTION FEE	$10.00
   Passport Card	$25.00 - Check or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of State"	$96.25 - Check or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of State"	$25.00 - Cash, credit card, check, or money order made payable to "Prothonotary"	$10.00

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Children under 16: If an applicant is under the age of 16, both parents must appear in person and apply on the child's behalf. if you have full custody of your child, bring a certified copy of the order providing you with full custody. If a mother is remarried and has a different name from the child, a marriage license is required.

A consent form (DS-3053) must be completed when only one parent is present. A statement of consent by non-applying parent (DS-3053) may be completed but must be notarized.

Updated Processing Times: February-April is the busiest time of the year for Passport Services, with Americans planning spring break and summer trips. The best advice is to apply early.

If you apply for a passport, it will take approximately 4-6 weeks to receive your passport. If you expedite your application and choose overnight delivery of your application (additional fees apply), you should receive your passport in 3 weeks.

For the most current information on processing times, please check the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html under heading "Application Processing Time".

Emergency Passport: You must be traveling within 14 days and you may have to make an appointment at the Philadelphia Passport Agency (877) 487-2778. There is a $60.00 expedite fee for this execution. You will need Proof of Departure Date (such as airline tickets, itinerary or a letter from your employer if it is a business trip).

Renewals: If your most recent Passport was issued within the past 15 years and after your 16^th birthday, you may renew by mail. The instructions are on the back of the form. You will need two recent professional identical 2" X 2" color photographs with a light background. (No School Photos). The fee is $75.00

Passport in a Different Name: You must bring proof of name change (marriage license, court order for a name change, Praecipe to Retake Prior Surname).

For Further Information: You can call the National Passport Information Center at (877) 487-2778 or you can visit their website at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for more information or to download forms.