Important Notice: Significant changes regarding fees, selected forms, the new Passport Card, and the “Two-Parent Consent Age” went into effect on February 1. Details about these changes are available on the State Department website and from National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778). Questions can also be directed to the Information and Reference Department (513-369-6900).
Passport applications are accepted in the Information and Reference Department at the Main Library at 800 Vine St. The Department is located on the second floor of the South Building.
Hours of Service
Walk-In Service (no appointment necessary):
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
By Appointment:
- Sunday: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
- Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 4:00–8:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Parking and Directions
- Parking is available in several lots near the Library. Parking meters downtown are not enforced after 6:00 p.m. weekdays or on Sundays. Downtown Cincinnati offers more information on downtown parking locations, with maps and rates.
- Directions to the Main Library
How to Apply for a Passport
If this is your first passport, you will need to apply in person. If you are renewing an expired adult passport issued within the last 15 years, you may apply by mail.
When applying for a passport in person, you need to submit:
- A completed application for passport
- (also available at the library and other passport application agencies) Note: do not sign this application before visiting the acceptance agency.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Proof of citizenship may be a previous U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization. No photocopies will be accepted. Documents will be returned with your issued passport. If you do not have a certified copy of your birth certificate, contact the agency which holds your birth record. Other records that may be submitted for consideration are baptismal certificates, early census records, family bible records, newspaper files regarding the birth, and affidavits from relatives or medical personnel who attended the birth. Full information on documents for proof of citizenship is posted on the Department of State passport page.
- Current proof of identity
- Proof of identity may be established with a previous U.S. passport or a current valid driver’s license, military I.D. card, or State I.D. card. Full information on proof of identity is posted on the Department of State passport page.
- Two passport photos
- Passport photos must be identical, whole-face views taken within the last 6 months, 2″×2″ in size against a light background. No hats or head-covering should be worn. Vending machine photos are not acceptable. More details on photo guidelines are located at the Department of State Photography Guide.
- Checks or Money Orders for the passport fees.
- Two passport payments are required for a new passport:
- The passport fee, payable by check or money order to U.S. Department of State, is:
- $75.00 for an adult passport, valid for 10 years
- $60.00 for a child’s (under 16) passport, valid for 5 years
- Expedite fee (Four-week service is available for a $60.00 additional fee.)
- The execution fee, payable in cash, check or money order to the Public Library of Cincinnati is:
- $25.00 execution fee for each new passport
- No execution fee is required for a renewal application.
- The passport fee, payable by check or money order to U.S. Department of State, is:
- Your Social Security number
- Please verify your social security number before you come in; you do not need to bring in your social security card.
How to Apply for a Passport Card
Travelers can now apply for a Passport Card. The Passport Card can only be used for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Adult Passport Cards cost $45.00. Cards for children are $35.00. Additional information about applying for the new Passport Card is available on the State Department website.
Questions?
See our list of Frequently Asked Questions. Or, contact us by phone 513-369-6900 or email passports@cincinnatilibrary.org.
Other Passport Acceptance Agencies
In the immediate Cincinnati area, passport applications are accepted at the following locations:
Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Offices
County Administration Office
1001 Main Street
513-946-8161
8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday–Friday
Forest Park
1216 Kemper Road
513-569-6303
9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Monday–Friday
Postal Facilities
Queen City Station
525 Vine St.
1-800-275-8777
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday–Friday
Corryville Post Office
2917 Vine St.
1-800-275-8777
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday
Main Post Office
1623 Dalton Ave.
1-800-275-8777
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday
Covington Post Office
700 Scott Blvd
606-261-4425
8:30 a.m.–3:45 p.m. (closed 11:00–noon) Monday–Friday
Don Marrs Station
3644 Werk Rd.
1-800-275-8777
9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday
Roselawn Station
1730 Section Rd.
1-800-275-8777
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday–Friday
City of Fort Mitchell
2355 Dixie Highway
859-331-1212
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday–Friday
Mt. Washington Station
611 Campus Lane
1-800-275-8777
9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday
Madeira Branch Post Office
7737 Laurel Ave.
1-800-275-8777
9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday–Friday
Parkdale Branch Post Office
670 Northland Blvd.
1-800-275-8777
9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday
Other agencies in outlying Cincinnati and across the region can be located through the U.S. Department of State passport facility locator.
Passport Photos
The Library does not offer photograph services. Only the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts passport application acceptance agencies have photo facilities. Passport photo services are available at many local businesses, including most Kinko’s, Kmart, MotoPhoto, AAA, Sears, and Walgreen’s locations.
Visas
Passport application acceptance agencies do not handle visas. A visa is an endorsement or stamp placed by officials of a foreign country on a U.S. passport that allows the bearer to visit that foreign country. foreign entry requirements vary by country. Visas are obtained through consular offices. Some travel agents handle visa requirements for travelers.
Travel to Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, or Mexico
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. See Department of State for more on foreign entry requirements. Those traveling by land or sea can use the new Passport Card.
More Travel Information
The Library’s Sites by Subject listing for travel offers an extensive list of websites for trip planning, including airline, hotel, car rental, and guides.
The U.S. Department of State regularly issues travel warnings and information on U.S. Embassies that may be helpful for travelers who are planning travel to countries that are unstable or high-risk. The State Department also offers Tips for Traveling Abroad to ensure safety when abroad.
More Information
Additional passport information is available at the U.S. Department of State Passport Services website and the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts website
The U.S. Department of State has the sole responsibility for examining applications and issuing passports.