Although passports are mainly used for international travel, it’s useful to have one even if you do not plan to travel. Starting in October 2020, TSA will require a New Jersey enhanced driver’s license or passport to fly domestically. It is safer to apply in advance, but there are services to help in an emergency. So, to get a New Jersey passport, read here about the documents, processing options, and how much you will pay.

How to Apply In-person

To apply in New Jersey, visit your local Acceptance Facility. These sites include your local Post Office, County Clerk, or Public Library. Other resources approved by the U.S. Department of State may be senior or community centers. All official Acceptance Facilities will take and verify your documents. Also, check your signature and identity. All your information, including the official photo, is sealed in a legal “adjudicated envelope.” The envelope is then forwarded to the U.S. Department of State for processing. The routine service can take up to six weeks. However, you can get is quicker with other services.

To apply in New Jersey, make an appointment with your local acceptance facility.

Documents You Will Need to Apply

In New Jersey, contact your local acceptance facility for an appointment. You can complete the application form online or complete it in person at the facility. When you apply, have your original proof of citizenship. Any one of these documents will be suffice:

• U.S. Birth Certificate
• Naturalization Certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Expired Passport 

You will also need to present a valid form of ID, such as: 

• Valid Driver’s License
• Valid State-issued ID
• Military ID
• Expired Passport

The applicant must be present when applying. If applying for a minor’s passport, you will need consent from both parents/guardians. If one parent/guardian cannot be present, the non-applying parent must submit an original notarized consent form. Proper identification must be presented. A parent with sole custody must give the original court order. 

Most Acceptance Facilities take passport photos. Also, you can visit a CVS or Walgreens to take your photo as well. 

Allow 7-10 weeks for processing and receipt of your new passport. For an extra $60 fee, a 3-5 week expedited service is available. 

Getting a Passport in a Rush 

For emergency processing, U.S. Department of State has 26 locations issuing same-day passports. New Jersey does not have an agency, but there is a facility in New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.

To qualify, you must be traveling within fourteen days. You must present an official itinerary with your name, travel date, and destination. A plane ticket or hotel reservation (Canada/Mexico only) will suffice. To give your documents, you must get an appointment. Call the hotline phone number to get one. Once you get approval, you will get a new passport the same day.

To contact the Passport Agency, please call (877) 487-2778 or visit www.travel.state.gov

American Passport

Americanpassport.com is an online passport expeditor with many years of passport processing. Regardless of where you live, you can get a passport according to when you need it. This online expeditor offers rush processing so you can get a passport in a day. Also, you will have additional processing options that range from the same day and up to two weeks.

So, if you need a passport for the first time (adult or child), replace any expired, damaged, lost or stolen one, speak with the agent about the process of getting your new document. 

How Does it Work?

Select Your Passport Type

As a customer, you get to choose from a list of the passport you will apply for. For example, will you apply as a first-time applicant, for a child passport, for a passport renewal, or to replace a lost or stolen passport.

Select the Processing Option

Then, you get the processing options. Will you need the passport the same day, in 2-7 days, or 10-15 days. The choices you select will determine the price you will pay.  

Provide Your Documents

You must provide a complete application that includes the form, supporting documents, and the fees. Package all the papers and send them by UPS or FedEx using overnight shipping. Include a prepaid envelope with your address to get your new passport.

Your Return Documents

Once Americanpassport.com receives your passport, it will be forwarded to you. Any package received without a prepaid envelope must pay for the return postage. You will receive all the supporting documents in the return envelope.

Renew an Expired Passport 

To renew an expired passport, your passport must have been issued for ten years and expired for less than five years. If you were a minor when your passport was issued, you must apply for a new passport. If you meet the guidelines to apply for a renewal, you do not need to be seen in person. You will mail your current passport, passport photo, application, and your Government Fee.  

Before you apply using routine service, be sure you have enough time. However, if you find yourself in an emergency, the Passport Agency or Courier Services are there to help.