Frequently Asked Questions

You may purchase either a passport book or a card, or both. District Clerk Patti Henry recommends you purchase both. It is good to keep the book in the safe of your cruise ship or hotel when leaving the country.  You carry your card with you for proof of citizenship. That way, if your wallet or purse is stolen you still have your book to get back into the country. If you take a cruise and you have an emergency and have to fly back, you cannot fly without the book.

• Completed Form DS-11.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• A physical, government-issued photo identification document (ID).
• Photo to include with your application (can be provided by District Clerk's Office for a $15.00 fee).

If you were born in Chambers County and you do not have your birth certificate you can purchase one in the County Clerk’s office located on the first floor of the courthouse.

If you were not born in Chambers County, you will need to contact your birth state or territory's vital records office. More information can be found on the CDC's website.

• Color photo, taken in last 6 months.
• Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters.
• Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
• Take off your eyeglasses for your photo.
• No hats, shirts with logos, or white shirts.
• Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines.

For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State's passport photo guidlines page.