Although the issuance of passports is done by the federal passport agency, the County Clerk’s Passport Offices are available to assist in the preparation of the application which, in turn, is forwarded to the State Department.
You can visit either of our two permanent Monmouth County Clerk’s Passport Offices: The Freehold County Clerk’s Office or the Neptune County Connection Office. For information on these two locations, please click here.
The Clerk’s Office also provides mobile passport services. For information on these locations, please click here.
It is recommended that the Passport Office be contacted prior to your appearance in the office to confirm you have the proper documentation. The Freehold Passport Office number is 732-431-7324 and the Neptune County Connection Passport Office number is 732-303-2828.
Please note that a U.S. Passport Card is only valid for land and sea crossings between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean – Not for travel by air to these destinations.
Your departure date, if known, and your Social Security number must be included on the application. It is important that you fill out all of the required information on the application. Do not sign the application until you are instructed to do so in the presence of the Passport Agent who is processing it.
Original documents are required, photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable.
* Also, as of October 30, 2010, the Department of State will only accept Puerto Rican birth certificates issued on or after July 1, 2010.
If you cannot submit one of the above acceptable documents, or for more information, please click here for N.J.’s Citizenship Evidence.
You must present one (1) of the following identification documents (IDs) to the acceptance agent. The ID must readily identify you.
If you cannot present one of the IDs above, or for more information, please visit the following link: U.S. Passports & International Travel Identification Page.
Aside from your proof of citizenship, you must also be able to identify yourself and authenticate your signature.
You must provide one (1) photograph with your passport application. Both the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office and Monmouth County Connection provide passport photo service for a $10 fee.
Size of head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
View the U.S. Passports & Travel Photo Composition Template page for more size requirement details.
As of November 1, 2016, eyeglasses may not be worn in photos unless in rare circumstances of medical necessity. In these rare circumstances, applicants should obtain a signed statement from a medical professional or health practitioner (such as a surgeon or ophthalmologist). For more information, please click the following link for the U.S. Department of State’s Official Notice.
To see examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos, please visit the U.S. Passports & Travel Photo Examples page.
Please note: The application fee and the execution fee are paid separately. The federal processing fee (application fee) must be paid via check or money order. The County processing fee (execution fee) can be made by cash or credit card. American Express is not accepted.
For fees of other applications or services, please visit the U.S. Passports & Travel Passport Fees and Calculator page.
What documents are needed to get my passport?
Each applicant must prove his citizenship when applying for a passport using: a certified birth certificate with both parents’ names and a raised seal, U.S. passport, or certificate of naturalization. Children age 15 and under must always have their birth certificates when applying. Applicants must also show identification if over the age of 18 (minors use parents’ or guardians’ identification).
Do the Monmouth County Connection and Mobile County Connection take passport photos?
Yes. Both the Monmouth County Connection and Mobile County Connection have on-site photo processing and are happy to take your passport picture.
Processing times vary but typically it will take 4-6 weeks to receive your passport if applying for routine service. Service can be expedited. Please contact the office for additional information.
If the applicant is 16 years of age or older when applying for a U.S. passport, the passport will be valid for 10 years. If the applicant is under the age of 16, the U.S. passport will be valid for 5 years.
How do I obtain a certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate with both parents’ names?
Please contact the Vital Statistics office in the city in which the applicant was born.
Can I send a copy of a Birth Certificate?
No. The birth certificate must be an original, certified document with a raised seal and include both parents’ names.
Can I pay for my passport application with cash?
No. At the Freehold Passport Office and Monmouth County Connection, your passport application must be processed using a check or money order.
Will my old passport and documents be returned?
Yes. Your old passport and any documents sent to prove citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) will be returned to you in a separate envelope 5 to 7 days after you receive your new passport.
Does my child need to be present when applying for a passport?
Yes. Regardless of age, anyone who is applying for a passport must be present.
Is it true that both parents/legal guardians must be present when a minor (under 16) is applying for a passport?
U.S. passport applicants under the age of 16 are required to have consent from both parents/legal guardians. If both parents/guardians are unable to be present, a consent form (DS-3053) will be needed for the applicant. Please contact the office or the U.S. Department of State for more information.