Applicants
Please note our new location and Covid-19 protocols.
Passport Renewal by Mail
If you have a passport that is fifteen (15) years old or less, and meet the following criteria you must renew by mail (form DS-82 Renew by Mail Application).
Minors fifteen (15) years and younger cannot renew by mail but must reapply in person, and must submit their expired passport, a certified copy of their birth certificate along with two new passport photos, and the appropriate fees. If the minor is less than fourteen (14) years old, both parents must appear in person.
Passport Renewal Criteria
Must submit your most recent passport.
Must have been at least sixteen (16) years old when last passport was received.
Your most recent passport issue date is less than fifteen (15) years old (this includes the ten (10) year validity of the passport).
Passport Renewal Documentation
If your name has changed, you must submit proper documentation to reflect the name change such as marriage license, court order, etc.
Application Fees
For additional information, or to obtain forms, you may visit the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
Passport Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- All applicants MUST appear in person
- Effective 02/01/08 both parents must appear for minors age fifteen(15) and under. If one parent is unable to appear, a notarized letter of consent or other legal documents must be presented at the time of applying.
- For minors age sixteen(16) through (17), one parent must appear.
Passport Application Documentation
Please submit the following documents that apply to you:
- A certified birth certificate from the county or state in which you were born (hospital certificates are not acceptable)
- A Naturalization certificate or Report of Birth Abroad document
- A state or federal issued picture ID such as driver's license, ID card or military ID
- Parental ID is required for children under the age of eighteen(18)
- Two identical passport photos with a white, off white or light colored background
Application Fees
For additional information, or to obtain forms, you may visit the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
The most efficient way to apply for a child under age 16 is to present the required documentation and for both parents to appear at the time of application, or for the applying parent/guardian supply the additional documentation required for a single-signature application at the time of application. Incomplete submissions will delay passport issuance.
Passport Application Process
Both parents or child's legal guardian must:
- Present evidence of child’s U.S. citizenship, and
- Present evidence that they are the parents or guardian, and
- Show valid personal identification and
- Sign and take oath before an authorized passport acceptance agent.
If the second parent is not available to sign, the appearing parent must complete steps above and present evidence that he/she has:
- sole legal custody of the child or
- written consent of the other parent for the insurance of the passport or
- written statement explaining why no-applying parent's consent cannot be obtained.
If no parent is available to sign, the third-party in loco parent must:
Appear with a notarized written statement or affidavit from both parents or custodial parent(s) authorizing the third-party to apply for passport. When the statement or affidavit is from only one parent, the third-party must present evidence of sole custody of the authorizing parent.
Statement of Consent
Whether Form DS-3053 is used, Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Child Under age 16 (DS-3053) , or the same information is provided on other paper the Statement of Consent by no-applying parents, for children under age 16, must be notarized.
The purpose is to prevent forgery and ensure that the person signing the statement has been properly identified. This will further reduce the possibility of a U.S. passport being used in any effort to interfere with the custodial rights of non-applying parents.
The law requires that all applications be signed under oath under penalty of perjury.
Please bring the following items with you to the Passport Office:
Two Identical Photographs
- The passport applicant is required to submit, with the passport application, two identical photographs which are sufficiently recent (normally not more than 6 months old) to be a good likeness of and satisfactorily identify the applicant.
- The photograph must meet the following requirements: should be 2 x 2 inches in size, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (including hair), should be no less than 1 inch and no more than 1 3/8 inches. May be in color or black and white. They must be clear images and have a plain white or light colored background.
- Passport photographs can be taken at WSSU's Passport Acceptance Office. The cost for two identical passport photos is $10.00.
A Check or Money Order for Your Application Fee
- The application fee can only be paid with a check or money order.
- The office accepts personal, certified, cashiers, or travelers checks or money orders payable to “U.S. Department of State.”
- Your application fee CANNOT be paid with a credit card or debit card.
How To Apply for a Passport from The U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State has comprehensive step-by-step information about how to apply for or renew a passport. Please review these steps before visiting us in person.
Step One: Fill Out Your Passport Forms
Step Two: Calculate Your Passport Fees
Step Three: Bring Citizenship Evidence with You
Step Four: Be Aware of Two Fees: Application Fee and Acceptance Office Fee
Please note: The application fee can only be paid with a check or money order. The office accepts personal, certified, cashiers, or travelers checks or money orders payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Your application fee CANNOT be paid with a credit card or debit card.
Step Five: Provide a High-Quality Photograph
Please visit the U.S. State Department website for a full description of photo specs.
You can have your photo taken at our office for a fee of $10.
Step Six: Plan Ahead and Be Aware of Processing Times
| Monday | 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Thursday | 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Saturdays 1st and 3rd of each month |
First and third Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
| Sunday | Closed |
- Holidays: The Passport Office observes all state holidays and will be closed accordingly.
- WSSU Breaks: We are closed during Winston-Salem State University holiday breaks. Please visit the WSSU Holiday Schedule for detailed information.
Contact Us
Please call (336) 750-2127 or email passport@wssu.edu if you have questions or require more information.
