Passport FAQ

Option 1: Apply via the U.S. Department of State

Option 1 is for customers who want a direct pathway to completing the passport application or renewal process on their own. If you aren’t sure how to proceed with the process, you should use Option 2, below, and apply in-person at the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office.

• Step 1. Obtain the form(s) you need at the U.S. Department of State website:
  • Apply for a new passport for an adult, teen, or minor child
  • Renew a passport
• Step 2. Follow the instructions* for each type of passport you are applying for, including additional forms and supporting documents, and obtain the required photo, as described by the Department of State.
  
  
• Step 3. If you have all the supporting documents, mail your passport application form(s), photo, and supporting document(s) to the address provided by the Department of State.

NOTE: if you do not have the required photo, you can visit one of the two Clerk’s office locations in Sarasota or Venice:

Historic Courthouse 
2000 Main Street 
Sarasota, FL 34237

South County Courthouse
4004 Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34293

*If the instructions for your type of passport direct you to go to a Passport Application Acceptance Facility, you must bring your documents to the Clerk’s Office location in either Venice or Sarasota.

You must apply in person and complete form DS-11 if any of the following are true:

• You have never had a U.S. passport
• You are under age 16
• Your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago, or was lost or stolen

Option 2: Apply In-person at the Clerk’s Office

Option 2 is for customers who are unsure about applying for or completing other passport requests directly through the Department of State website. The Clerk and Comptroller’s Office is a Passport Application Acceptance Facility. Our agents can assist you with the process.

You must come to your scheduled appointment prepared with the following items:

• Download the Passport Form that you need from the Department of State website.*
  • Fill it out and bring it to your scheduled appointment. You must print clearly in blue or black ink.
  • The form must be error-free (no crossing out or use white-out).
• Call (941) 861-7400, option 3, then option 1. Applications are accepted by appointment at the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office locations:

Historic Courthouse
2000 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237

South County Court House
4004 Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34293

* If you do not know which form you need, if you have questions about how to complete a form, please call our office to schedule an appointment: (941) 861-7400, option 3, then option 1

For detailed information on the documents, you are required to submit for a new passport, go to the U.S Department of State website. If you are coming to the Clerk’s Office, you will need:

Proof of Citizenship

• Original or certified copy of your birth certificate (must include parents’ full names)
• Certificate of naturalization (if applicable)
• Previous Passport
• A black and white photocopy of your proof of citizenship. We can provide this service for you at a charge of $1.00 per page.

Proof of Identity (one or more of the following):

• Valid driver's license
• State identification card (temporary ID is not accepted)
• Previous Passport
• A photocopy of the front and back of your proof of identity. We can provide this service for you at a charge of $1.00 per page.

Yes. Additional evidence of U.S. citizenship information can be found at the U.S. Department of State website.

Evidence of citizenship

There are unique purposes for a passport card versus a book—and which one you need depends on your travel destination and other factors. Compare a passport card and book.

• Adult Passports (16 and older) are valid for 10 years.
• Minor Passports (15 and younger) are valid for 5 years.

No. A passport application must be sent to the U.S. Department of State for processing and issuance. Visit the Department of State website for Information on Expediting a Passport when travel is urgent or due to and life and death emergency.

The Department of State provides current processing times for passports.

Monitor your passport status.

Learn more about expedited processing.

Yes. There are specific application requirements for a child aged 16-17 to get a passport for the first time or to apply for their first adult passport.

Yes. There are specific requirements and forms for getting a passport for a minor under age 16. You must schedule an appointment at the Clerk’s Office to apply in person for this type of passport.

Read the information on Passports for Minors at the U.S. State Department website. 

When applying for a passport for a newborn, the parents must provide proof that they have applied for a Social Security Number for the child.

U.S. Department of State passport photo details and examples.

A photo that does not meet the government requirements is the primary reason applications are delayed or rejected.

To be sure your photo meets the requirements, have your passport photo taken at the Clerk’s Office for a fee of $16.05.

Learn how to Change or Correct a Passport at the US Department of State website.

Review the passport renewal requirements to be certain that you do not need to submit a new application for a passport.

Review instructions for reporting as lost or stolen or for replacing a passport.