Getting a Passport
The very first thing you should do to start your study abroad experience is apply for a passport.
A passport is "an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the holder" (NAFSA). You cannot travel internationally without a passport. In addition, your passport must be good for at least 6 months after you return from your international destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To apply for a US passport, you will need the following:
- Passport application
- Two passport photos
- Valid photo ID (driver's license)
- Previous US passport, original certified birth certificate, or naturalization certificate/certificate of citizenship
For the most up-to-date and accurate passport requirements, plus everything else passport related (lost or stolen passports, passport corrections), check out the State Department's passport website.
In total, expect to pay about $145 - $200.
The Passport Fee from the US State Department is $110 and must be paid with a check or money order made out to "Department of State". The passport agency fee (charged by any office that processes passport applications) is $35 and can be paid by check, cash, debit, or credit depending on the agency's payment policy. Passport photos usually cost $8 - $15.
There are two places in Canton where you can apply for a US passport:
- The St. Lawrence County Clerk's Office: located in Building #2 on 48 Court Street.
http://www.co.st-lawrence.ny.us/Departments/CountyClerk/Passports. The Clerk's Office processes passport applications and fees, and does take photos for an $8 fee. You can also have passport photos taken at most other major drug stores.
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US Post Office: located on 100 Main Street, Canton. The Post Office processes applications, fees, and takes pictures for a fee of $15. (315) 386-4502
For an online passport application, go online here.
Passports generally take 4 - 6 weeks to process.
You can, for an extra $60 fee (plus shipping costs) expedite your passport application if you feel it is necessary. For more details see the Get Your passport in a Hurry page of the State Department's website.