This information was provided by Patty Brochu of Maine, a JMB Website Supporters member professionally involved in passport administration.

Note: Effective since 12/31/2006, U. S. citizens MUST have passports when returning to the USA from the Caribbean.

IF YOU HAVE NO PRIOR PASSPORT OR ONE ISSUED OVER 15 YEARS AGO, ADULT OR CHILD, YOU NEED...

1. COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM DS-11 (both new & renewal applications can be obtained online at www.travel.state.gov or at your nearest Passport Service Center)

2. BIRTH CERTIFICATE: Certified Copy, MUST contain the following info:

A. Name of the Applicant
B. Date of Birth
C. Place of Birth
D. Parents information for children under 14
E. File or Registration Date
F. Certification (Seal & Signature of the Custodian of the Records, i.e.: Town/City Clerk or State Registrar of Vital Statistics.
 

3. IDENTIFICATION: Acceptable documentary evidence of identity, i.e.: Drivers License w/photo
 

4. TWO (2) PASSPORT PHOTOS: Identical, 2 X 2, full face, plain white/light background. We currently do not have the equipment to do this, however, Passport Photos may often be purchased at: Wal-Mart: $10.00; AAA Members: $ 6.75; J. C. Penney: $14.99;
AAA Non Members: $10.75. Prices approximate. Many quick-print photo studios also offer passport photos.

5. APPROPRIATE FEES:

A. Adults, 16 yrs & older, $85.00 -- $55.00 Checks or Money Orders only payable to US Department of State & $30.00 Checks, MO or cash payable to whichever Passport Service Agency where you are applying.

B. Minor, under 16, $70.00 (ask locally about fees).

C. Can be expedited for an additional $60.00 payable to US Department of State. Ask locally what "expedited" means.

In March, 2005, the passport fee to the agency increased $12.00; they call it a passport "Security Surcharge." The surcharge funds multiple security enhancements in the US Passport.

Age 16 & over will be $67.00
Under age 16 will be $52.00
All renewals will be $67.00

The total cost of an adult passport & renewals is $97.00 instead of $85.00

PASSPORT RENEWAL... You are qualified for this if the old passport was issued:

A. Within the past 15 years from the Date of Issuance
B. After 16th birthday
C. You can submit that most recent passport
D. You are using the same name or can submit the marriage certificate or court order to show the change of name.

If you fulfill all of the above, submit an Application for a Passport by Mail, Form DS-82 (available at many Town Clerks' Offices), along with two new photos, your old passport and $55.00 by check or MO payable to US Department of State, to the address listed on the reverse of the application form. (Many post offices provide passport acceptance services as well.)

GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING PASSPORTS:

1. Normal processing is within 25 workdays (5 weeks) from date of receipt (i.e., six weeks door to door).

2. Passport applications are accepted at many post offices and some Town Clerk offices Monday through Friday during regular hours. Appointments or special hours may be required.

3. If you have lost your passport you must apply for a new one, not a renewal.

4. Only one person may be on a passport. Each child/person must have his/her own passport.

5. Passports are valid for 10 years for an adult (16 and over) and 5 years for a minor (under 16).

6. A child needs to appear in person if 14 years old or older. A parent must accompany him/her to cosign with them. BOTH parents will sign for children under the age of 14.

7. All old passports are cancelled and returned to the customer with the new passports.

Address questions to the U. S. State Department or your local passport agency.

*Flyer courtesy St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Assn. (SHTA)