Passports in North Dakota
When you submit an ND passport application, you take the first step towards becoming an international traveler. A passport is a valuable document that allows you to travel abroad with ease.
Depending on your travel plans, you can choose the passport card or book format. Either way, you need to submit the proper documents along with your application to receive your passport.
Once you have your passport, it is important to protect it. These documents are valid for up to 10 years, but only if they remain undamaged. Otherwise, you must apply for a replacement.
Furthermore, you must report stolen or lost passport documents to avoid identity theft. Whether you need to update, renew or apply for your first passport, all the information you need to get started is available below.
Where to Get a Passport in North Dakota
An ND passport application is accepted at a variety of locations throughout the state for your convenience. In fact, the US Department of State designates several acceptance facilities in each county for this purpose, including post offices, municipal offices and libraries.
These facilities review and approve your application before it is submitted for final processing. You must apply in person at an acceptance facility if this is your first application, or if your current passport is:
- More than 15 years old.
- Lost, damaged or stolen.
- A child passport, issued when you were 16 or younger.
You are also able to apply for an expedited passport at an acceptance facility. Doing so will allow you to receive your passport sooner than the average four to six weeks.
However, you may need to apply at a passport agency for expedited processing in some cases. This generally depends on how quickly you need your documents. You can find more information on this topic in a subsequent section.
North Dakota Passport Books vs Cards
During the application process, you need to choose between the passport card and book option. While both of these formats serve as travel and identification documents, they have several differences. Which document you need depends on your travel plans as well as your budget.
To make your decision, you need to answer the question “What is a passport book?” This option is considered the traditional passport, and allows you to travel abroad by air, land or sea. As such, the book is your best option if you plan to take an international flight.
Conversely, the card option is only accepted at official US border crossings or seaports. The passport card cost is also significantly lower than the book option due to its limited nature. Therefore, the card may be the best option if it suits your travel needs.
If you are still unsure of which type of document you want, you also have the option to apply for both. Simply include the fee payments for the card and the book with your application.
How to Get a Passport in North Dakota
To begin the process of getting a new passport, it is important to prepare your documents ahead of time. Otherwise, you may arrive at the acceptance facility without the items you need. You can avoid this by using the following checklist to prepare your application:
- Your completed application form, unsigned. You must sign the document in front of an agent just prior to submission.
- A photo. Some acceptance facilities take your passport photo for an additional fee. You can also visit a third party photo center that offers this service and bring a photo with you.
- Proof of citizenship. This can be an old adult passport, birth certificate or a naturalization document.
- Valid photo identification.
- Photocopies of the citizenship document and photo ID.
- Fee payment. Expect to pay two separate fees, including the processing fee and application fee. The application fee payment must be in the form of a money order or check addressed to the US Department of State.
Children younger than 16 need to have both parents accompany them to apply. If both parents are not present, a notarized letter of consent is usually required. It is important to note that passport replacement and renewal processes involve different requirements, as outlined in the following sections.
US Passport Renewals in North Dakota
It is important to renew a US passport in order to continue using it past the 10 year expiration date. While it is possible to renew through the mail, your passport cannot be a child passport or more than 15 years old to qualify. Otherwise, you are required to apply for a new document instead.
If you are eligible for US passport renewal, make sure to collect the following documents:
- Your current, undamaged passport.
- A renewal application.
- A new photo.
- Fee payment.
Concerning the question “How much does it cost to renew your passport?” it depends on a few different factors. In general, renewal costs the same as your initial passport. However, it you choose expedited processing or express shipping, additional fees are added. Once your documents are ready, you need to mail them to the National Passport Processing Center, located in Philadelphia, PA.
How to Replace a Lost Passport in North Dakota
Since your passport is valid for 10 years, it is important to protect it from damage or loss. As a safety precaution, damaged passport documents are not accepted as proper identification or for travel.
As a result, it is important to apply for a replacement as needed. This process involves the same requirements as a new passport, and must be completed in person.
However, a lost or stolen passport requires one additional step. A missing document is a serious matter, as your passport can be used to steal your identity. In order to avoid this, you need to report your missing document as soon as possible. Reports are accepted online, through the mail or over the phone.
To complete your report, you must submit a lost passport form before applying for a new document. If you choose the phone option, you can complete the form and submit it in person with your application for a new passport.
How to Complete a Passport Update in North Dakota
In certain situations, it is necessary to update your passport with new information. Otherwise, you may encounter issues when trying to use your document. The requirements to update vary slightly, depending on the nature of the change.
In general, you will need the following items to apply for an update:
- An application. Make sure to state the reason for the change and provide all of the necessary details.
- A new photo. This is required for name and sex designation changes and must reflect your most current appearance.
- Your current passport. If it is lost or damaged, you must apply for a new passport entirely.
- The supporting document. This depends on the reason for update. Name changes require a certified name change document, while sex marker changes require a signed medical certification.
- The fee payment. This is waived for name changes on passports under a year old as well as corrections.
You must visit one of the nearby US passport locations in order to update the sex designation on your passport. Alternatively, corrections and name changes are made by mail, as long as you submit your current passport.
North Dakota Expedited Passport Service
Most passport applications are processed within four to six weeks of submission. Alternatively, expedited processing speeds up this process to under four weeks.
Keep in mind that expedited applications include additional US passport fees, which you must include with your application. If you choose to expedite your renewal, make sure to write “expedite” on the envelope before mailing it to the processing center.
In certain cases, it is possible to receive your passport in less than two weeks. To access this option, you must schedule an appointment at a passport agency, and provide proof of travel urgency.
The nearest location is the Minneapolis Passport Agency, located in Minnesota. It is important that your appointment is made within two weeks of your urgent travel plans.