FAQs

Do I need my birth certificate if I've had a passport before?: Applicants 16 years or older who have had a passport before do not need to submit a copy of their birth certificate with the application. The previous passport will be used as proof of citizenship in its place. Those applicants 15 years old and younger need to submit his or her old passport, as well as a photo copy of the birth certificate to show parental relationship.

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Recorder - Passport

Any business that processes film will take your passport photos. Local options include:

2. Why do I need multiple passport photos?: If the photo sent with your application is destroyed or lost when being processed, Passport Services will request your second picture. Please keep your extra photos in a safe place until you receive your passport in the mail.

3. Can I pay for my passport with cash or a credit card?: No. Your application is sent from our office to Passport Services, and they will only accept a check or a money order for your passport fee. You must have a separate check or money order for each application being submitted through our office.

4. Does the Recorder's Office send passport renewal applications?: No. Renewal applications are sent by the applicant, not through an Acceptance Agency. Customers are welcome to visit our office if they would like an agent to review his or her application before it is sent to Passport Services at:
451 Government Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

5. Does my child have to be present when I apply for his or her passport?: Yes. Everyone applying for a passport must be present when the application is submitted.

6. Do both parents need to be present when applying for a minor child's passport?: Both parents must be present with their child at the time of application if the child is 15 years old or younger. If one parent is unable to appear during the application process, the non-applying parent can complete a DS-3053 form ("Statement of Consent: Issuance of a U.S. Passport to a Minor Under Age 16"). This form must be signed in front of a notary and submitted by the applying parent at the time of application, along with a front and back copy of the non-applying parent's identification. Minors who are 16 or 17 are required to apply with one parent present.

7. What is the difference between a passport book and a passport card?: A passport card allows a person to travel to another country by land or by sea. For example: if you are driving to Canada, Mexico, or going on a cruise. It does not allow a person to travel by air. A passport book allows a person to travel by air, land, and sea. If you are flying, you must have a passport book.

8. Is the Idaho Star Card like a passport?: The Idaho Star Card does not allow a person to travel internationally. It is only good for domestic flight. You cannot travel to Canada or Mexico with the Star Card.

9. Do I need to make copies of my documentation before I apply for my passport?: Bringing in your own front and back copies of documentation at the time of application will speed up the process. However, if you are unable to make copies, the acceptance agent can make copies for you in our office.

10. Do I have to submit my original birth certificate with my application?: Yes. Passport Services requires the original birth certificate or a certified copy of the certificate be submitted with the passport application. It must have a state seal as well as the applicant's parental information. Passport Services will mail the certificate back to the customer after his or her application is processed.

12. Why can't I leave my documentation with you if I need to run home and get something I forgot?: We are not allowed to hold on to your documentation because it has your personal information included within its contents.

13. How do I get a new certified copy of my birth certificate if I lost my original?: Certified copies of birth certificates are issued by the Vital Statistics in the state where you were born. View contact information for the Vital Statistics holding your birth certificate (PDF).

14. Do I need my birth certificate if I've had a passport before?: Applicants 16 years or older who have had a passport before do not need to submit a copy of their birth certificate with the application. The previous passport will be used as proof of citizenship in its place. Those applicants 15 years old and younger need to submit his or her old passport, as well as a photo copy of the birth certificate to show parental relationship.

15. Can I use a cashier's check to pay for my passport?: Yes. Passport services will accept cashier's checks, personal checks, or money orders for their fee.

16. Can I use glue to attach my picture to my application?: No. The picture is to be stapled as diagramed on the application. An acceptance agent will attach the photo for you when you apply for your passport.

17. How do I attach my old passport to my renewal form?: Open your passport to the page with your information and picture on it. Staple through your passport to the second page of your application, in the bottom right corner. Close the passport and secure it to the second page further with a paperclip. If you visit our office to have the renewal application reviewed before you send it off, an acceptance agent will attach the passport for you.

18. Is it the same fee for the passport even when I am doing a renewal?: The passport fee is the same whether you are renewing or a new applicant. However, because renewals are sent by the customer, these applicants do not have to pay the separate $35 processing fee.