Official information about U.S. Passports is available from the State Department website and from the National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778). Questions can also be directed to the Library's Information and Reference Department (513-369-6900) or via email passports@cincinnatilibrary.org. 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.
Other Passport Acceptance Agencies besides the Public Library can be readily located (see below).
Hours of Service
Walk-In Service (no appointment necessary):
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
By Appointment:
- Sunday: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
- Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 3:00–7:30 p.m.
- Thursday & Friday: 3:00–4:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Parking and Directions
- Parking is available in a City garage and in several lots near the Library. Parking meters downtown are not enforced after 5:00 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
If this is your first passport, individuals of all ages will need to apply in person. If you are renewing an expired adult passport issued within the last 15 years, you may be able to apply by mail. See our Frequently Asked Questions. When applying for a passport in person, you need to submit:
- A completed application
- The standard DS-11 form can be completed online; blank forms are also available at the Main Library, other passport application agencies, or can be printed from the Passport website.
- When filling out forms by hand, write firmly and use a ballpoint pen with black ink. Correction fluid is discouraged. Forms should be completed before your appearance before an acceptance agent. Do not sign the application until instructed to do so by the passport agent. All submitted legal documents must be originals or certified copies.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- “Primary” proof of citizenship may be a previous U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization or Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth. No photocopies will be accepted. Documents will be returned with your issued passport, under separate cover. If you do not have a certified copy of your birth certificate, contact the agency which holds your birth record. See our Frequently Asked Questions. Other “Secondary” evidence 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. Note: some special requirements exist for minors; see the Frequently Asked Questions.
- Current proof of identity
- Proof of identity may be established with a previous U.S. passport or a current valid driver’s license, a Naturalization Certificate, military I.D. card or State I.D. card. When such “primary documents” are from outside Ohio or are expired, additional (“Secondary”) documentation must be presented. Full information on proof of identity is posted on the Department of State passport page. A copy of both sides of identity documents must be submitted on plain, white single-sided 8½ × 11 sheets. Note: some special requirements exist for minors; see the Frequently Asked Questions.
- Social Security number
- Please verify your Social Security number before your visit; you do not need to bring in your Social Security card unless it is required as “Secondary Documentation.” This applies to minors as well. The Social Security number must be submitted in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 6039E.
- Passport Photo
- The State Department no longer requires the submission of two photographs. Only one photograph is necessary, and it must be 2″×2″ in size and the face must measure between 1″ and 1⅜″ from tip of chin to top of hair. The photos should be in color, taken within the last 6 months and include whole-face views against a light background. No hats, uniforms or head-covering should be worn; eyeglasses (or reflections) should not obscure the eyes. See our Frequently Asked Questions for further information.
- 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:
- $110.00 for an adult passport, valid for 10 years
- $80.00 for a child’s (under 16) passport, valid for 5 years
- Optional fees:
- $60.00 for rushed (“expedited”) service
- Express mail fees to and/or from the Passport Office
- The execution fee, payable by check or money order to the Public Library of Cincinnati, is:
- $25.00 execution fee for each new passport
- Cash can be accepted for this fee only
- $25.00 execution fee for each new passport
- The passport fee, payable by check or money order to U.S. Department of State, is:
Note: All submitted documents will be returned to the applicant in a mailing that will probably be separate from that of the passport itself.
Travel to Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, or Mexico
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires 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 the State Department's Country Specific Information webpage for the foreign entry requirements of your destination countries. Those traveling by land or sea can use the new Passport Card. Adult Passport Cards cost $30; cards for minors (15 and under) are $15; The $25 Execution fee is applicable and validity periods are the same as those for passport books. Additional information is available in our Frequently Asked Questions and on the State Department website.
Other Passport Acceptance Agencies
Agencies in Cincinnati and across the region can be located through the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page. Most listings are for Post Offices; here is a notable local exception:
Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Offices
County Administration Office
1001 Main Street
513-946-4646
8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
Forest Park
1216 Kemper Road
513-946-8161
9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
Appointments are not necessary at the Clerk of Courts offices.
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 Travel Alerts that may be helpful for travelers who are planning travel to unstable or high-risk countries. The State Department also offers Tips for Traveling Abroad.
Questions?
See our list of Frequently Asked Questions. Or, contact us by phone (513-369-6900) or email passports@cincinnatilibrary.org.
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.