A passport is an internationally recognized travel document attesting to the identity and nationality of the bearer. In essence, it is a request on the part of the issuing government that officials of foreign governments permit the bearer to travel or sojourn in their territories and to afford them all lawful aid and protection.

To apply for a new passport you must personally come to the Clerk's Office at the Hamilton County Courthouse, at 207 N.E. First Street, Room 106, Jasper, FL 32052.

You will need photo identification, preferably a valid driver’s license or government identification card.

You must be an American citizen and have evidence of citizenship with you. The evidence of citizenship consists of a certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the city, county or state health department where you were born. It must bear the seal of the issuing office, the signature of the registrar and the date the record was filed. A hospital birth registration or notarized copy of your birth certificate is not acceptable. If you are a naturalized citizen, you must provide your original naturalization papers. A previously issued passport is acceptable as evidence of American citizenship in lieu of a birth certificate or naturalization papers. These documents will accompany your passport application to Federal Passport Services and will be returned to you with your passport. If you do not have a birth record, please contact the Clerk's Passport Division for further information.

Two identical passport style photographs that were taken within the last six months must be submitted with the application. The photographs may be in black and white or in color. The photographs must provide a clear likeness of the applicant and be two inches by two inches in overall size. The photographs are to be a frontal view of the applicant without dark glasses or a hat. The background should be white or off-white. Photos made by an automatic booth type camera are not acceptable. Photos can be obtained at the CVS Pharmacy in Jasper, FL.

The application fee for a Passport Book is $110.00 for adults 16 and over, $80.00 for minors under 16 and is payable to US Dept of State with a check or money order. The application fee for a Passport Card is $30.00 for adults 16 and over, $15.00 for minors under 16 and is payable to US Dept of State with a check or money order. In addition to these fees, there is a $25.00 Clerk fee for each passport, which is paid separately from the passport fee and may be paid with cash, cashier’s check or money order.

New passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issue for adults and 5 years from the issue date for minors.

Who is Eligible for No Fee Passports?

Certain applications may be accepted for processing at no charge based on the following criteria:

• If the applicant is a member of the armed forces who is traveling abroad on government business or a dependent of a member of the armed forces traveling abroad on government business, they are eligible. The branch of the armed forces that the applicant is a member of will provide the applicant with a certificate of eligibility. 
• If the applicant is an employee of the American Red Cross traveling abroad on Red Cross business or dependent of a member of the American Red Cross traveling abroad on government business, they are eligible. 
• If the applicant is a United Seamans Service employee, they are eligible. 
• An applicant who is a relative of a member of the armed forces who is being buried outside of the United States is also eligible. 

No fee passports are normally valid for up to five years from the date of issue as long as the applicant meets the established criteria.

Expedited Passport and Hand Carried Processing

Passport Services assures processing within three business days from receipt of complete applications by Passport Agencies for applications that require expedited handling. This assurance does not include mail delivery time, two way overnight mail is strongly recommended. The turnaround time for expedited passports is approximately seven to ten business days upon receipt at the Passport Agency.

In addition to the application fee, there is a charge for the expedite service. The check to Passport Services can include the application fee and expedite fee. The Clerk's postage fee for this expedite service is based on the current U.S. Postal Service rate. You must contact the Clerk’s Office for the expedite and postage fees.

In situations where the applicant is departing the United States immediately and there is not enough time for normal or expedited processing, the applicant may contact the Miami Passport Agency to make an appointment. It is an automated appointment system and the applicant should contact the Clerk's Office for instructions as to what is required.

Passport Renewal Requirements

Passport renewal forms are available in the Hamilton County Clerk's Office located at the Hamilton County Courthouse. The Clerk's office does not execute renewal applications.

You must apply for a passport renewal by mail, the fee is $110.00. You may expedite your renewal by including the $60.00 expedite fee in your check. Passport Services will accept personal checks, please do not send cash. Make your check out to Passport Services.

To be eligible for a passport renewal by mail, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your most recent passport must have been issued to you no more than 15 years ago and you must submit that passport with your application. 
• You were at least 16 years old when your most recent passport was issued. Minors under age 16 are not eligible to renew their passports by mail and must follow the instructions for first time applicants. 
• Your name has not changed since your most recent passport was issued or your name was changed by marriage or court order. You must submit documentation with your renewal application evidencing the name change. 
• Two identical passport style photographs that were taken within the last six months must be submitted with the application. The photographs may be in black and white or in color. The photographs must provide a clear likeness of the applicant and be two inches in overall size. The photographs are to be a frontal view of the applicant without dark glasses or a hat. The background should be white or off-white. Photos made by an automatic booth type camera are not acceptable. 
• Processing times can vary depending on workload and occasional unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. During busier times, such as the spring/summer travel season, we encourage customers to expedite their applications if traveling in less than 8 weeks.

Passport Cards 

As of February 1, 2008, a passport card will permit the holder to travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean Region by land or by sea. These cards cannot be utilized for any air travel. A passport book is still required to fly between the United States and these countries.