How long does it take to receive my passport?
Routine application processing takes 6-8 weeks. Expedited services reduce the processing time to as little as 4 weeks, for an additional $60.00 fee. The Public Library does not handle express mail. If you wish to use an express mail service, please submit your application at a postal service or clerk of court office.
Where can I get a copy of my birth certificate?
If you were born in the City of Cincinnati, you can obtain a certified copy of your birth record from the Cincinnati Health Department.
If you were born outside the city but within Hamilton County, first try the Hamilton County Public Health , where birth records are available for the following hospitals:
- Bethesda North
- Jewish Kenwood
- Our Lady of Mercy—Anderson
- Our Lady of Mercy—Mariemont
- Maple Knoll
Records are also available here for individuals born in a home located in Hamilton County outside the city limits of Cincinnati, Norwood, Reading, or St. Bernard.
Birth records not available through the Health District may be available at one of the following health departments:
- Norwood Health Department 513-396-8160
- Reading Health Department 513-733-4044
- St. Bernard Health Department 513-242-7770
For births in other areas of Ohio, consult the local Health Department or contact the Ohio Department of Health.
For obtaining birth certificates from other states, consult the Centers for Disease Control list of Where to Write for Vital Records.
What if my name has changed?
The name on your passport should match your evidence of identity and citizenship. To change your name on a passport or as a proof of identity, you must submit a marriage certificate, or a certified copy of the court decree substantiating the change. To have a replacement passport issued, submit this document with a completed Form DS-5504, following the Department of State instructions on the document. If more than one year since the date of issue has passed, you must submit Form DS-82 (or DS-11, if appropriate) and pay the applicable fees.
Can I get a passport for my child?
For All Children Under Age 16:
- Children must appear before the acceptance agent processing the application.
- All applications for children under 16 require both parents’ or legal guardians’ consent. For special circumstances, see Special Requirements for Children Under Age 16
- Birth certificates must be submitted for all children showing parental relationship (even if the child has had a previous passport).
For All Children Age 16 to 17
- The minor must appear in person.
- For security reasons, parental consent is required. Consent may be implied by parental signature on the fee payment check; in some cases, an affidavit of consent may be requested.
- If your child does not have identification of his/her own, you need to accompany your child, present identification and co-sign the application.
I have an expired passport. Can I renew it by mail?
If the passport is an adult passport, is not damaged, was issued within the last 15 years and was issued in the same name (or the name change can be documented), you can renew it by mail.
How can I get a replacement for a lost or stolen passport?
To replace a lost or stolen passport, complete Form DS-11 and Form DS-64, following the instructions on the Department of State webpage.
Where can I get information about the status of my application?
Status information is available through the National Passport Information Center.
I have a family emergency and need a passport immediately. Is there anything I can do?
Contact the National Passport Information Center and the staff there will advise you. There is no charge for this call.
What if the name on my passport doesn’t match the name in which I’ve purchased my airline tickets?
Airlines strongly encourage you to purchase tickets with the exact name as listed on your passport. If you have purchased international flight tickets, be sure the name you use on your passport application will match the name on your airline tickets. To change your name on a passport or as a proof of identity, you must submit a marriage certificate, or certified copy of the court decree substantiating the change. To have a replacement passport issued, submit this document with a completed Form DS-5504, following the Department of State instructions.