The Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office has seen a dramatic increase in the number of residents requesting passports. For the first six month of this year, the County Clerk-Recorder has received 8,284 passport applications, an average of 69 per day, compared to 10,386 applications for the entire year in 2013, or 40 per day. The previous year the daily average was 30 applications.
Beginning July 1, to help relieve the pressure of long wait times, county residents will be able to schedule passport application appointments by telephone. The appointment scheduling line will be staffed on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The first appointment for the day will be at 8:30 a.m., and the last appointment opening will be at 2:30 p.m. Processing each application takes about 30 minutes. When applying for multiple family members, applicants should allow adequate time for each application.
“Passports are not only required for travel overseas,” said Gina Alcomendras, Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder. “They also are required for travel to Mexico and Canada and more people are traveling now because the economy is stronger.”
Appointments may be scheduled for the next day, on a first-come first-served basis, or up to 30-days in advance. Applicants are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled appointments—with the proper documentation—and to check in at Window 18, upon arrival.
Non-rush passport application fees are: For ages 16 years and older— $110; for children 15 years or younger—$80. The normal processing time for non-rush applications is 4-6 weeks. For an additional fee of $94.60 per application, applications may be processed on an expedited basis for delivery in two to three weeks. In addition, the Agency Acceptance Fee is $25 per passport application. Payment may be made by check or money order (each application requires a separate check or money order and acceptance fees must be paid separately as well).
The number to call to schedule an appointment is (408) 299-5688. Scheduling online will be available by mid-July at clerkrecorder.org.
“The Clerk-Recorder’s Office serves nearly 500 walk-in visitors per day for various services,” said Alcomendras. “We want to make it easier for our customers by minimizing their waiting time.”
Free one-hour parking is available adjacent to the building at North San Pedro and West Hedding streets. Additional paid parking is available at the Civic Center parking garage on West Hedding Street.
Passport Requirements
Residents are encouraged to visit the Clerk-Recorder’s website clerkrecorder.org to view the list of required materials.
All individuals applying for passports must appear in person with:
A fully completed Passport Application Form – Form DS-11 (available at the Recorder’s Office, at any post office or downloadable from the US State Department website)
Two identical 2″ x 2″ passport photos, taken within the last 6 months. Front view with a white or off-white background. (Available for purchase at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office)
Evidence of citizenship (will be submitted with application and returned with passport):
– A certified birth certificate copy (California and Texas birth abstracts not acceptable)
– A Certificate of Naturalization or of Citizenship
– An expired U.S. passport
– A Consular Report of Birth
Identification (with signature and photograph or physical description):
– A valid driver’s license
– A U.S. Passport
– An official military identification card
– A Certificate of Naturalization or of Citizenship
Acceptable forms of payment for fees
There are special requirements for children under 16. Both parents, or legal guardians, are required to appear in person. For further information, including details of allowable exceptions, please see the U.S. State Department web site http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english.html.
About Clerk-Recorder’s Office
The Clerk-Recorder’s Office records or files authorized documents and maps, collects transfer tax and other fees, and registers all births, deaths, and public marriages occurring within Santa Clara County. Once recorded or filed, the documents and certificates are made available for examination by interested parties. Exact copies are issued upon request.
Additionally, the Clerk-Recorder’s Office issues marriage licenses, performs marriage ceremonies, and registers confidential marriages. The office also performs services related to filing of Fictitious Business Name statements, filing of Notary Bonds, registration of professional agents and similar services.
