International travel can be fun, exciting and adventurous but it’s also important to be prepared — especially if it’s the first time traveling out of the country.
One thing to prepare for is getting a passport, which has an extensive process especially for those who’re applying for the first time.
The process
Jackie McKinnon, senior deputy city clerk, said the City of Englewood Passport Office processes applications for new adult and minor U.S. passports and passport renewals for minors.
McKinnon said people must apply in person if they are applying for the first time; are under the age of 16; had a passport previously issued when they were under the age of 16; their passport was lost, stolen or damaged; they received a passport more than 15 years ago; or they changed their name since their passport was issued and weren’t able to document their name change legally.
Additionally, McKinnon said people need to book appointments online, which are open one month at a time.
“Applications are reviewed by appointment only and two applicants per appointment,” McKinnon said.
She said passport photo service is available at the city’s passport office.
The Arapahoe County Clerk website says high demand and staff shortages make passports extremely limited for residents in the county.
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However, people can still book appointments for the in-person services. The website states people need to use the county’s scheduling tool when booking appointments for in-person services. Appointments can’t be made by phone.
“Appointments are released 21 days from today’s date and book quickly,” the website reads. “If you do not see an open appointment slot, none are currently available. We recommend checking early in the morning as appointments are released on a daily basis, and cancellations may make more slots available.”
If there are no appointments available, people can also make appointments at their local post office by visiting www.usps.com/scheduler.
What to bring
McKinnon said people need to fill out their application before their appointment. Application forms can be accessed here.
She said people need to have payment for both the U.S. Department of State and city fees, which can be either a check or a money order.
Additionally, one needs proof of citizenship such as an original birth certificate or
a naturalization certificate, and proof of identity such as a driver’s license or school ID.
“Be on time,” McKinnon said. “If you need an emergency passport or you are traveling within 14 days, you will need to go directly to the Department of State.”
McKinnon said people can visit the following links for more helpful information: travel.state.gov/content/travel.html or www.englewoodco.gov/government/city-departments/city-clerk/passports.
Additionally, Arapahoe County said people should bring their passport application unsigned but completed in black ink only for each applicant, passport photo in color measuring 2 inches by 2 inches for each applicant, proof of citizenship, a valid permanent photo ID for each applicant, a check or money order payable to Arapahoe County Clerk for the processing fee of $35 and payment be it checks or money orders payable to the Department of State for those application fees.
For more information about applying for a passport in Arapahoe County, people can call 303-795-4520.
People can also check the status of their application at https://bit.ly/passports-status.