Passports

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States Passports. You will need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time.

Application Hours


We accept passports by appointments only. Please call (912) 754-2112 for an appointment. Passport applications are taken on Mondays, Tuesdays. and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and  2:40 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Requirements and hours are subject to change without prior notice.

Requirements

  • Application must be completed (Please print using capital letters) in black ink
  • Must have one passport photo (CVS, Walgreen's, etc.)
  • Certified Birth Certificate with raised seal
  • Valid Picture Identification (Drivers License)

Fees

  • The passport book fee for those over age 16 is $130 and card fee of $30 payable to U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
    and is non-refundable (check or money order only). 
  • There is a $35 Execution Fee Payable to Effingham County Probate Court for all first time applications (cash, check, or money order).  PROBATE COURT FEE MUST BE SEPARATE FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE FEE.
  • Effingham County Probate Court only accepts cash, checks, or money orders (no bills larger than $20). No debit or credit cards accepted for any service.
Fees are subject to change without prior notice. DUE TO COVID-19, PLEASE REFER TO THE PASSPORT WEBSITE TRAVEL.STATE.GOV FOR LATEST UPDATES ON WHEN YOU MAY RECEIVE YOUR PASSPORT.


Expedited Service

The cost to expedite the application process, in addition to regular application fees, is $60 per application. Optional delivery services are available.  Call for information.

Renewal Service for a Passport

You may use the renewal form if your previous passport was issued when you were 16 or older and:
  • Was issued in the last 15 years
  • Is not damaged
  • Is submitted with your application
  • Name is the same (if changed by marriage or court order, you will need appropriate documentation)

Passports for Minors

Passport application requirements for a minor under age 16:
  • A passport photo is required
  • Both parents are required to sign the application in person, or a statement of consent (Form 3053) or Special Circumstances (Form 5525).
  • Child's certified birth certificate with raised seal
  • Parents must have picture identification (Drivers License)

Fees

The passport book fee for those under age 16 is $100 and card fee of $15 payable to U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
and is non-refundable. (Check or money order only.)  
  • There is a $35 Execution Fee Payable to Effingham County Probate Court for all first time applications (cash, check or money order).   PROBATE COURT FEE MUST BE SEPARATE FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE FEE.
  • Effingham County Probate Court only accepts cash, checks, or money orders (no bills larger than $20). No debit or credit cards accepted for any service.