The process of getting a passport in Maryland can seem difficult, but it’s quite straightforward once you know the steps.
To get a passport in Maryland, you need to provide,
- Proof of U.S. citizenship and identity,
- A passport photo
- The application fee, processing fee
- Your Social Security number
- Copy of your driver’s license.
Apply in person at a designated acceptance facility like the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Allegany County.
Now I’m going to share a little bit more about the process,
Determine Your Eligibility: You have to be a U.S. citizen to apply for a U.S. passport.
Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship: This can be your previous U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate (with a registrar’s raised, embossed, or multicolored seal), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Certificate of Citizenship.
Get a Suitable Passport Photo: This should be 2″ x 2″, taken by a certified photographer, and should withstand high temperatures. Vending machine photos aren’t acceptable.
Show Proof of Identity: This could be a previous U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, current valid driver’s license, government ID (city, state, or federal), military ID, work ID (if currently employed), student ID (if currently enrolled), Merchant Marines card, or a pilot/flight attendant ID.
Fill Out the Application: Forms are available at the Clerk’s Office or can be downloaded from the U.S. State Department’s website. Sign the application before an agent (a Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court).
Pay the Fees: For a Passport Book, it’s $130.00 (16 and older) or $100.00 (15 and younger); for a Passport Card, $30.00 (16 and older) or $15.00 (15 and younger), payable to the U.S. Department of State. A separate processing fee of $35.00, payable to the Clerk’s Office, is also required.
Provide Your Social Security Number: This is a requirement under Section 6039E of the IRS Code of 1986.
Copy Your Driver’s License: A copy of the front and back of your driver’s license is needed.
Submit the Application: Do this in person at a designated acceptance facility.
Wait for Processing: Check the current processing times on travel.state.gov. Your passport will be mailed to the address provided on your application.
So these are the processes you need to keep in mind while applying for a passport in Maryland.
