Passport Application and Photo Services
The Covington Branch of the Kenton County Public Library is an official Passport Acceptance Facility for the U.S. Department of State. Passport application processing and photo services are available by appointment only.
- Each application takes approximately 30 minutes to process.
- Please book consecutive appointments for more than one application to ensure sufficient completion time.
- Appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
- More time may be needed for complex cases involving citizenship, guardianship, or last-minute travel.
- Review required documentation to ensure you have the necessary documents prior to making an appointment.
The U.S. Department of State is solely responsible for evaluating applications and issuing passports. For more information about how to obtain your passport please visit the U.S. Department of State website or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
Fees
There are several different passport fees that may apply. Some fees are paid directly to the U.S. Department of State and others are paid directly to Kenton County Public Library.
$35 Execution Fee for each new passport, payable by cash (exact change only) or via personal check, cashier’s check or money order made out to Kenton County Public Library
$10 Passport Photo Fee for each passport photo, payable by cash (exact change only) or via personal check, cashier’s check or money order made out to Kenton County Public Library.
Adult First-Time Application Fees (16 and Older)
Product | Form | Application Fee | Execution Fee | Passport Photo Fee (if needed) |
Passport Book | DS-11 | $130 | $35 | $10.00 |
Passport Card | DS-11 | $30 | $35 | $10.00 |
Passport Book & Card | DS-11 | $160 | $35 | $10.00 |
Child First-Time Application Fees (Under 16)
Product | Form | Application Fee | Execution Fee | Passport Photo Fee (if needed) |
Passport Book | DS-11 | $100 | $35 | $10.00 |
Passport Card | DS-11 | $15 | $35 | $10.00 |
Passport Book & Card | DS-11 | $115 | $35 | $10.00 |
Please note: When applying for a new passport, a check, money order or cashier’s check must accompany your passport application, made payable to the U.S. Department of State.
For more information about fees, how to obtain a passport, U.S. citizenship or current proof of identity, please visit the U.S. Department of State website, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
Apply for a Passport
STEP 1: Determine Your Eligibility
- You are eligible for a new passport if any one of the following is true:
- This is your first U.S. passport.
- You are under 16 years of age.
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under 16 years of age.
- Your previous U.S. passport was damaged, lost, or stolen.
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued more the 15 years ago.
- Use Form DS-82 if you are eligible to renew by mail.
STEP 2: Schedule Your Appointment
- Check our Passport Service Hours of Operation.
- Use our form to book an appointment online.
- Only one application per appointment.
- Expect each appointment to last around 30 minutes.
If you have questions regarding your appointment or are unable to place a request using the form, please contact a library passport agent via e-mail at passportagent@kentonlibrary.org or by phone at 859-578-7931. An agent should respond by the end of the next business day.
STEP 3: Bring Documentation to Appointment
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- A completed BUT UNSIGNED Form DS-11.
- Proof of Identity
- Valid Driver's License
- State Issued ID
- U.S. Military or Military Dependent ID
- Certificate of Naturalization with Identifiable Photo
- Certificate of Citizenship with Identifiable Photo.
- Government Employee ID with Identifiable Photo.
- Previous passport.
- Current and valid foreign passport.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Original AND Photocopy)
- Naturalization Certificate.
- Previous but undamaged U.S. Passport.
- U.S. Birth Certificate.
- Applications for Minors Under 16 May Require Additional Documentation.
- Payment
- Two checks or money orders for processing fees
- One payable to the Kenton County Public Library and one to the U.S. Department of State.
- To determine the correct fees before your appointment, please visit the fees page on U.S. Department of State website.
STEP 4: Passport Photo
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- Use the State Deparment Photo Tool to prepare your own photo.
- Submit a color photo.
- Use a photo taken in last 6 months.
- Must be a clear image of your face.
- Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
- You must face the camera directly.
- Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
- Remove eyeglasses for your photo.
- Use a plain white or off-white background.
- We can take your photo at the Covington Branch - $10.00 fee.
- Use the State Deparment Photo Tool to prepare your own photo.
Additional Information
Passports for Children
Children under 16 years old: Children and both parents/legal guardians must be present during the application process. Birth certificates must be submitted for all children showing parental relationship as well as current parent/guardian proof of ID are required.
Children age 16-17: The minor must appear in person. If the child has a photo ID, the parent is not required to be present; however, it is recommended that a parent indicate consent by being present, being listed as an emergency contact, or providing check for payment.
Processing Time
Passport application processing time varies throughout the year. View the current estimated application processing times, for both Routine and Expedited services.
- Need your passport faster?
- If you are traveling within 2 weeks or need a foreign visa within 4 weeks, you should make an appointment at a passport agency or center. The passport agency or center will specify when you will get your new passport.
Passport Status
- You may check that status of your passport application online or by phone.
- Online
- Access the Online Passport Status System to check your application status.
- It takes 7-10 business days after you applied for your application to be trackable online.
- Receive automatic email updates on the status of your application by entering your email address after locating your pending application in the Online Passport Status System.
- Phone
- Please call the National Passport Center at 1-877-487-2778 for any questions concerning your passport application once it has been submitted.
Lost Birth Certificate?
- Birth certificates must be certified – photocopies will not be accepted.
Kentucky
- Use VitalCheck to order your birth certificate online.
Ohio
- Visit the State Department of Health’s Vital Records page to request a new birth certificate online.
Other State
If you were born in another state, visit the CDC website for vital records contact information.