Passport Services

The Saratoga County Clerk’s Office is a full-service passport agent for the U.S. Department of State.

The Saratoga County Clerk’s Office offers:

  • New application processing for passport books or cards
  • Passport photos ($10)
  • Renewal applications

Passport applications are processed Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 40 McMaster Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

How to apply

New passport applicants

For new passport applicants, please view our checklist to help you through the process.

  1. Complete the U.S. Passport Application (DS-11)
    • Available at the Saratoga County Clerk’s Office. Must be filled out in black ink.
  1. Provide proof of U.S. citizenship
    • Original or certified copy of birth certificate (with raised seal and both parents listed) OR
    • Original Certificate of Naturalization OR
    • Previously issued United States passport (if expired for 5 or more years)
  1. Provide proof of identity
    • Current NYS driver’s license OR
    • Government ID/Military ID
  1. Get a passport photo taken
    • Offered at the County Clerk’s Office for $10

Applicants aged 16-17

  • If the applicant doesn’t have photo identification, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the applicant and show valid identification.
  • Provide proof of U.S. citizenship
  • It is recommended that the applicant appear with a parent or legal guardian, although not required, to prevent any potential delays in the process. In some instances, the Passport Agency may request a notarized letter of consent if parental awareness is not indicated.
  • Please note a valid Social Security Number is needed on the application
  • If the minor applicant has a different last name than the parent, the parent must prove how the minor’s name has changed (name change, marriage certificate, etc.).

Applicants younger than 16

  • Must appear with BOTH parents or the child’s legal guardian.
  • Parents or guardians must provide evidence that they are the parent or legal guardian and present valid identification.
  • In a circumstance in which the second parent is not available to sign, the accompanying parent must either present a certified copy of documentation that he/she has sole custody of the child, OR present a completed “Statement of Consent” (form DS-3053) that has been notarized in addition to a photocopy of the front and back of the non-applying parent’s ID.
  • Applicant will need Proof of U.S. Citizenship AND for the parent to produce photo identification validating that the last names are identical (if last name on Parent’s I.D. differs from applicants, additional documentation may be required). If you are a legal guardian, you must bring certified copies of guardianship papers.
  • Sign and take an oath before an authorized passport acceptance agent.
  • If the minor applicant has a different last name than the parent, the parent must prove how the minor’s name has changed (name change, marriage certificate, etc.).

Should you get a passport book or card?

Passport book

  • Real ID compliant and can be used for domestic air travel
  • Used for international travel by air, sea, or land
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship and identity
  • Valid for 10 years (holder 16 and older)
  • Valid for 5 years (holder under 16 years)
  • Size: 5”x 3.5” (when closed)

Passport card

  • Real ID compliant and can be used for domestic air travel
  • Used for entering the United States at land border crossings and seaports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship and identity
  • Cannot be used for international air travel
  • Valid for 10 years (holder 16 and older)
  • Valid for 5 years (holder under 16 years)
  • Fits in your wallet

Application processing times

For current processing times, please visit travel.state.gov.

If you need your passport sooner, you may choose to have it expedited for an additional fee of $60.

Fees

Please note: You will need to provide separate payments to both the U.S. Department of State and the Saratoga County Clerk’s Office to fully process your passport application.

Fees are per applicant.

Payments to the Saratoga County Clerk’s Office:

  • Cash, check or money order
  • Saratoga County Clerk’s Office Processing Fee $35
  • Passport photo $10
  • Passport photocopies: 50 cents per page

Payments to U.S. Department of State:

  • Check or money order
  • Passport book $130
  • Passport book for minor under age 16 $100
  • Passport card $30
  • Passport card for a minor under age 16 $15
  • Expedited Service $60
  • Overnight delivery (passport book only) $21.36

*Fees are subject to change.

Emergency Travel

For emergency travel or in the case of a life-or-death situation, you may call 1-877-487-2778 and set up an appointment with one of the nearest Passport Issuing Agencies. The closest locations to Saratoga County include:

  • Stamford, CT (approx. 183 miles, 2 hrs 54 min)
  • St. Albans, VT (approx. 151 miles, 3 hrs 10 min)
  • Boston, MA (approx. 198 miles, 3 hrs 14 min)
  • New York, NY (approx. 180 miles, 3 hrs 28 min)
  • Portsmouth, NH (approx. 246 miles, 4 hrs)

Blank Visa/Stamp Pages

Some countries require you to have at least two to four blank pages. In some cases, airlines may not allow you to board if this condition is not met. Applicants who need additional pages in their current passport book must obtain a new passport by mail.

More information: Please visit www.travel.state.gov for more information about applying for a U.S. passport.

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