Directory of Services
Passport Services
Plainsboro Public Library is a Department of State designated passport acceptance facility. The Plainsboro Public Library’s passport office will aid and accept your application and forward it to the U.S. Department of State. The office is located on the second floor near the elevator.
The library also offers photo services at a charge. You do not need to make an appointment to get your passport photos done.
Plainsboro Public Library also accepts walk-ins for passport applications, subject to staff availability. To ensure a successful session, we request that all applicants come fully prepared and equipped with the necessary payment methods to pay for their services. Please note that we will be serving our walk-in customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note that we have a 10 minute grace period for appointments. We cannot guarantee to take your appointment if you arrive more than 10 minutes late or unprepared.
Note: Please click on the “Schedule an Appointment” button to see the available time slots for each day. Please check on this page for more updates or give us a call at 609-275-2897 Opt. 5 for the most up-to-date information.
Application forms must be completed before the appointment time.
Lastly, credit card, debit card, and cash payments are not accepted.
- Passport appointments can be made here
- We are only able to process DS11 applications at this time
- Processing time
- Routine processing: 4 to 6 weeks
- Expedited processing: 2 to 3 weeks
*Processing times begin when the U.S. Dept. of State receives the application, not when you apply. *
*It may take up to 2 weeks for your application to arrive by mail at the passport agency, and up to 2 weeks to receive a completed passport in the mail after is has been printed and shipped.*
For the most up-to-date processing times visit travel.state.gov
- Days of operation
- Monday – Thursday: 10am – 7:30pm
- Friday – Sunday: 10am – 4pm
In case of inclement weather or holidays, please check the library’s home page or holiday schedule, or call (609) 275-2897 (Option 5 for Passports) to confirm our hours.
- Application process
The acceptance of a passport application can be time-consuming. Please bring all the necessary materials to your appointment. This is especially important when applying for passports for multiple family members. Any applicant who does not bring all the needed materials and/or does not have the necessary means of payment must reschedule their appointment.
- Tracking your application
We will do everything we can to help you track the progress of your application, but we have no control over its actual processing. Processing time may fluctuate according to the workload in the US Passport processing offices. You can track your application status online.
- Please come to the passport office located on the second floor 10 minutes before your assigned time.
- Passport customers may sit in the passport waiting area during their appointment time but must leave the area upon completion.
You must apply in person using Form DS-11 if at least one of the following is true:
- You are applying for your first U.S. passport
- You are under age 16
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under 16 years of age
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
Minors
For a child under age 16, both parents or the child’s legal guardian(s) must appear when submitting a passport application. If only one parent appears, you must also submit one of the following:
- Form DS-3053 “Statement of Consent”
- The parent that cannot go with the child must give permission by completing Form DS-3053 “Statement of Consent.” You must submit the completed form with the child’s passport application. The parent that will not be appearing must sign and date the form in the presence of a certified notary public and submit a photocopy of the front and back side of the ID presented to the notary public when having the form notarized.
- Primary evidence of sole authority to apply
- A written statement (made under penalty of perjury) explaining the second parent’s unavailability
- A certified copy of the death certificate of the parent that cannot appear in person
Minors aged 16 and over must execute the application. If the minor has a valid driver’s license (not a learner’s permit) they may apply for a passport alone. If that is not the case, a parent will need to accompany them. They must show at least one parent or legal guardian is aware that they are applying for a passport. Find more information regarding showing parental awareness here.
Minors Applying through the Child Citizenship Act of 2000
Eligible children who were born or adopted in a foreign country can obtain U.S. citizenship before age 18 under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. For the most up to date information regarding this, please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/travel-legal-considerations/us-citizenship/child-citizenship-act-of-2000 or the Department of State’s travel website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.
To obtain a U.S. passport, you will need each of the following items:
All applicants must be present when applying.
1. Unsigned DS-11 Application
Please have a DS-11 application filled out for each applicant before your arrival. Applications should be filled out in black ink only. Do not sign the application until instructed to do so by the acceptance agent. You may request a larger passport book with 52 pages, at no additional cost, by checking the ‘large book’ box at the top of the DS-11.
2. Proof of Citizenship
(Be prepared to surrender these documents; they will be returned by the Department of State approx. 8 weeks after receiving your new passport.)
Your evidence must be an original or certified, physical copy. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority. You must submit one of the following documents:
- Fully valid, undamaged U.S. passport (expired passports are accepted). Full validity means the document is/was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.
- U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
- Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
- Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
- Lists your parent(s)’ full names
- Lists the date the certificate was filed with the registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth)
- Has the registrar’s signature
- Has the seal of the issuing authority
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
If you cannot submit one of the above acceptable documents, or for more information, please see Citizenship Evidence.
You cannot submit digital evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a mobile or electronic birth certificate. You must submit physical evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the document.
3. Bring a Photocopy of U.S. Citizenship Evidence
In addition to the original or certified copy of your U.S. citizenship, you must submit a photocopy of the document.
Photocopies must be:
- Legible
- On white 8.5” by 11” standard paper
- Black and white
- Single sided
If you don’t want to submit a photocopy of your citizenship evidence, you may submit a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, which the Department of State will keep. If you don’t submit a photocopy or a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, your passport processing could be delayed.
4. Proof of Identity – One of the following, must be an original
- Valid New Jersey driver’s license
- Out of state driver’s license (requires one additional ID)
- Naturalization Certificate
- Prior US passport
- Government employee ID
- Official Military ID card
- Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card
If you do not have any of the above-mentioned ID items, please call us (609) 275-2897 Opt. 5 for further information.
Please note:
- Some states now issue digital ID documents (also known as mobile driver’s licenses or mobile IDs). We cannot accept these digital IDs when you apply for your U.S. passport. You must continue to submit your physical, photo ID and a photocopy of the ID.
- If you present an out-of-state ID, you must present an additional ID.
- If you are changing the gender marker in your U.S. passport, please see the official Department of State Selecting your Gender page.
5. Bring a Photocopy of ID
Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of each ID that you present when you apply.
Photocopies must be:
- Legible
- On white 8.5” by 11” standard paper
- Black and white
- Single sided
6. Determine any Special Circumstances
If any of the below categories apply to you, you may have additional requirements for your passport application. Please see the relevant page for more information.
- Children under 16
- Children 16-17
- Previous passport was lost or stolen
- Selecting your gender marker
Find more information about special circumstances here.
7. Social Security Number
You must provide a Social Security number, if you have been issued one. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must submit a statement, signed and dated, that includes the phrase, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I have never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.”
8. Photographs
You must provide one photo with your application. To avoid processing delays, be sure your photo meets all photo requirements.
Present 1 passport photograph taken within the past 6 months. Photos MUST BE 2×2 inches in size (no exceptions). It should be front view with a white or off-white plain background. The applicant must be the only person in the photo.
Do not attach or staple your photo to the form. The acceptance agent or passport employee accepting your form will review the photo and staple it.
The Plainsboro Public Library offers on-site photo services and charges $15 for 2 photos.
9. Fees & Processing Time
You will need to make TWO payments: one to the U.S. Department of State (one check/money order per applicant) and one to Plainsboro Public Library. All fees are set by the Department of State and are non-refundable. All passport processing facilities charge the same fees.
Passport Fee
This fee must be paid by check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.” One check/money order per application form. On the bottom left side of check/money order, please write the applicant’s full name and date of birth.
For 1-2 day delivery of your passport and express mail to the state (Optional, but strongly suggested with expedited service) add $21.36 to the check/money order to “US Department of State” and $27.20 to “Plainsboro Public Library.”
| Passport Book |
Routine Processing |
Expedited Processing |
Express Return Delivery (Passport Book Only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (age 16 & older) | $130 | + $60 = $190 | + $21.36 = $211.36 |
| Children (under age 16) | $100 | + $60 = $160 | + $21.36 = $181.36 |
| Passport Book & Card | Routine Processing | Expedited Processing | Express Return Delivery (Passport Book Only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (age 16 & older) | $160 | + $60 = $220 | + $21.36 = $241.36 |
| Children (under age 16) | $115 | + $60 = $175 | + $21.36 = $196.36 |
*How to fill out your check
Acceptance Fees, Photo Fees, & Express Shipping Fees for library
The $35 acceptance fee may be paid by check, or money order to “Plainsboro Public Library.” You may combine multiple payments to the library on one check or money order.
The library offers passport photos at a cost of $15.
| Acceptance Fee |
Photos |
Express Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| $35 | + $15= $50 | + $27.20 = $77.20 |
Please visit www.travel.state.gov for obtaining the latest information on processing times and restrictions.
Urgent Travel Service: Call 1-877-487-2778 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, Mondays through Fridays (closed on federal holidays) to schedule an appointment if you are traveling internationally within 14 calendar days or need a foreign visa within 28 calendar days. Find more information here.
Do I have to make an appointment to apply at your acceptance facility?
Can I mail in my application or apply online?
When applying using Form DS-11, you are not eligible to mail in your application or apply online. You must apply in person.
Do you process renewals?
Many adult passports can be renewed by mail. If you need to renew an adult passport, please check the requirements for the DS82 form to see if you qualify. The renewal application can be filled out and mailed by the applicant. You may renew by mail if you currently hold a 10-year passport that is less than 5-years expired. Detailed instructions are included in the application. The Plainsboro Library does provide photo services for those renewing their passport for a fee of $15, but we do not process these applications at our facility.
How long does the passport application process take?
The passport application process will take from 20-100 minutes per appointment. Passport appointments for 1 person will last approximately 30 minutes. Passport appointments for 2 people will last approximately 40 minutes. Passport appointments for 3 people are allotted 60 minutes, appointments for 4 last 80 minutes, and appointments for 5 people are 100 minutes. More time may be needed for complex cases involving citizenship, parental guardianship, or last-minute travel.
I’m running late, will I still be able to have my appointment?
We have a 10-minute grace period for appointments. If you are running more than 10 minutes late, please call to reschedule your appointment. We cannot guarantee to take your appointment if you arrive more than 10 minutes late.
Should my application be filled out prior to my appointment?
Yes, the DS11 application must be filled out in black ink only prior to the beginning of your appointment. If this form is not filled out at the time of your appointment, you will be asked to reschedule. If any part of your application is incomplete, including supporting documents, you may need to reschedule your appointment.
How long will it take to get my passport?
For up-to-date information on when you will get your passport, please see Processing Times. If you need your passport quickly, please see Get My Passport Fast.
How do I track the status of my passport application?
To track the status of your passport application, visit the website passportstatus.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1(877)-487-2778. To receive email notifications about the status of your passport application, you can sign up here.
How can I get my passport fast in case of an emergency?
Urgent Travel Service: Call 1-877-487-2778 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, Mondays through Fridays (closed on federal holidays) to schedule an appointment if you are traveling internationally within 14 calendar days or need a foreign visa within 28 calendar days.
Find more information here.
Can I pay for faster delivery and return shipping?
- You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:
- Delivery to the the Department of State: Purchase Priority Mail Express from the United States Postal Service for faster shipping of your application to the Department of State. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
- Return to you: Pay $21.36 for 1–2-day delivery. This means you will receive your passport 1-2 days after the Department of State sends it. Include the $21.36 fee with your passport fee in your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State for fastest return shipping. Do not submit a return envelope to the Department of State with $21.36 of postage prepaid.
- You may receive your passport and the supporting documents submitted with your application in separate mailings.
Can I pay using a starter check?
We do not accept starter checks for payment during a passport appointment. If you would like to pay using a check, please use a personal check, cashier’s check, or business check. If you do not have checks, you can also use a money order instead for payment.
When should I renew my passport?
You can renew your passport at any time during its validity and up to 5 years after its expiration. Some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
What if I only applied for a passport book?
You may receive your newly issued passport and your citizenship documents in two separate mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after receiving your passport before you receive a second mailing with your citizenship documents. The Department of State can send your passport book via a 1–2-day delivery service.
What if I want both a passport book and a passport card?
You can apply for both a passport book and a passport card at the same time on Form DS-11, but you must pay both fees. Please see Passport Card for more information.
What is the difference between a passport book and a passport card?
Passport books are valid for international travel by any means of transportation via land, air, or sea. Passport cards are only valid for travel by land or sea from the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, and Canada. The price of a passport book for individuals 16-years or older is $130, while the passport card costs $30. For minors 15 and younger, the passport book costs $100, and the passport card costs $15. Passport cards have the same validity as the passport book (10 years for adult passports, 5 years for those under 16).
Passport cards can also be used in place of a real ID when flying domestically and can be used in place of a State ID for identification purposes. Passport cards for minors can be used to fly domestically instead of carrying an original birth certificate for the minor.
If I have a valid passport book and I want to only apply for a passport card and not a passport book, do I use the DS82 form, or the DS11 form?
You can apply using the DS82 form only if your previous passport which you must submit with your application is a 10-year passport. This option is recommended for those who do not have any upcoming travel plans.
You can apply using the DS11 form and use another form of evidence of citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate or naturalization form), but you will be required to pay the $35 execution fee for this option. This option is recommended for those who have upcoming travel plans, and required for those who have a 5-year passport.
Why is the Department of State requiring a photocopy of my citizenship evidence and the original/certified copy?
While the Department of State will return the original citizenship evidence to you, they will retain the additional copy with your passport record. This assists the Department’s effort to preserve the integrity of the passport issuance process and reduces the risk of another person attempting to use evidence in your name to get a passport.
How do I replace my birth certificate?
You can order a certified copy of your birth certificate online at www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm.
It states on my U.S. birth certificate that it is illegal to make a copy. What should I do?
If you choose not to submit a photocopy, you may submit a second certified copy of your birth certificate. The Department of State will keep this second certified copy for their records.
Do I need to provide name change documents with my application?
In the case of name changes for the applicants, or the applicant’s parents if the applicant is under 16, a name change document may be required depending on the circumstances of the name change. For this reason, if you have any questions pertaining to name change documents, please call the passport office directly to confirm if you require them for your application.
Can I bring just a digital copy of my application/other documents and have you print it out for me?
The Plainsboro Library Passports Office cannot print any documents for you, please do not email your documents to us. If you need to print your documents, the library offers a printing station on the first floor. Please have all documents printed prior to your appointment. All applications must be printed one-sided, double-sided applications will not be accepted.
I am missing one of the supporting documents required for a passport application. Can I choose to apply for a passport even with a missing document?
You can choose to apply for a passport even if you do not submit all the required documents, however there is a possibility that your application may be delayed or rejected.
How will the state send my passport and supporting documents?
After the Department of State prints your passport, they will send it to you and return your supporting documents. How they send your passport and supporting documents depends on if you applied for a book and/or a card and if you paid an additional fee for 1–2-day delivery.
I’m behind in child support. Can I get a passport?
If you are behind in child support payments of $2,500 or more, you cannot get a U.S. passport. For more information, please see Child Support Payments and Getting a U.S. Passport.
If I only need passport photos, can I walk in or do I have to make an appointment to get my photos done?
At the Plainsboro Public Library, you do not make an appointment to get your passport photos done. You may walk in during our opening hours. If we are with a customer at the time you arrive, please sign in and have a seat in the passports seating area until we are finished.
If I have a passport application appointment, but I also need photos taken, should I come early to get my photo taken?
No, you do not need to come early to get photos taken before your appointment. We can take passport photos during the appointment itself.
How long does it take to receive my passport photo?
You will receive your passport photo within minutes of having your photo taken.
Is there anything I should not wear in my passport photos?
Yes, the following items are not allowed in passport photos:
- Uniforms, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage patterns
- Hats or head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical purposes
- Headbands, large bows, large hair clips, and any other large hair accessories
- Glasses and sunglasses
- Headphones
- Masks
Can I smile in my passport photo?
The U.S State Department specifies photos must have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. Infants can have their eyes closed in passport photos.
Do you take passport photos for babies and children?
Yes, the Plainsboro Library takes passport photos for all ages.
What is the correct size and dimensions of a U.S. Passport Photo?
The correct photo measurement is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size. The subject’s head should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (between 25 and 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
Are passport photos from the Plainsboro Library compliant with passport photo requirements for other countries as well?
Photos taken through the Plainsboro Library photo service are compliant with the regulations provided for a standard U.S. passport photo. If you intend to use our photo service for purposes other than a U.S. passport photo, you may do so, however we cannot guarantee that the photos will meet requirements other than those that are set for U.S. passport standards.
Can I submit a passport photo that was taken at home with my application?
You can submit any photo along with your application as long as it fits the requirements of a standard US Passport photo. To find more information about US Passport photo guidelines, please check the following website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html.
If your photo taken at home does not fit the requirements for a US Passport photo, there is a chance your application may be delayed. Please ensure that the photo you submit is not pixelated or blurry.
Do you provide digital copies of passport photos?
No, the Plainsboro Library Passport Office can only provide physical copies of photos.
I had passport photos taken by the Plainsboro Library in the past. Can I have the same pictures printed out?
No, the Plainsboro Library does not store customer photos. If you need multiple copies of the same photo, please let us know when you have the photo taken. We cannot print the same photo at a later date.
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