Passports
Notice: The Thurston County Auditor's Office Licensing & Recording Office will be closed to the public on October 12 to allow for staff training.  Elections will be open.
The Auditor's Office is open to the public, with physical distancing restrictions. Click HERE for remote service options.        

 

Note: The Thurston County Auditor's Office has suspended passport services indefinitely due to the public health crisis.

The Thurston County Auditor’s Office provides passport services. Below you can find information about how to apply for a passport.

Please Note:  Adult passport renewals are a self mail-in process only. We process renewals for children under 16 and in instances where adults don't qualify for mail-in renewals. Learn more at the U.S. Department of State's Renew a Passport by Mail webpage.

The U.S. Department of State portion of the fees must be paid by check or money order (see more information below).

If you have travel plans in the next three weeks, please contact the Seattle Passport Agency Office at (877) 487-2778, or online. The Seattle office can issue same day, or limited passports with an appointment.

Apply for a Passport

1.  Fill Out Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport 
     
2.  Submit Form DS-11: Passport Application in Person 

  • The DS-11 must be completed prior to the transaction with passport services staff.
3.  Submit Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

  • State Birth Certificate (not the one from the hospital)
  • Previous Passport
  • Naturalization Certificate
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
  • See U.S. Department of State Citizenship Evidence webpage for additional information  

4.  Present Required Identification 

  • Fully-valid Driver's License
  • Previously-issued, undamaged U.S. passport
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  • Current Government Employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
  • Current Military ID (military and dependents)
  • Please note:
    • An ID card is insufficient by itself for applicant 16 and older
    • Children under 16 are not required to present photo ID
  • See U.S. Department of State Photo Identification webpage for additional information

5.  Provide Passport Photo

  • Your head must face the camera directly with full face in view.
  • You must have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open.
  • Wear clothing normally worn on a daily basis
  • Taken in the last 6 months
  • Use a plain white or off-white background
  • Be sized correctly
    • 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) 
    • Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
  • Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
  • Printed in color
  • You cannot wear glasses.
    • If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.
  • You cannot wear a hat or head covering.
    • If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of recognized, traditional religious attire that is customarily or required to be worn continuously in public.
    • If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes.
    • Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face.
  • You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
  • See U.S. Department of State Passport Photos webpage for additional information and examples.

6.  Provide Application Fees

  • Consult U.S. Department of State Passport Fee Schedule
  • Check(s) or money order(s) will be required for U.S. Department of State portion of fees. Checks, cash, or credit card (we charge all cards a service fee of $2.00 or 2.35%, whichever is highest) accepted for Auditor's Office portion of the fees.
  • Fees may vary, so please don't fill out the amount on the check until the fee has been determined. 

7.  Additional Information

  • If you already have a passport and require service, you must bring your old passport with you. This includes expired passports. 
  • Adult Passport Renewals are a self mail-in process only. Don't go to a passport acceptance facility if you qualify as an Adult Passport Renewal. Please consult the renewal form, DS-82.  Renew a passport by mail.
  • Child Renewals: Children under 16 must apply in-person with their parents. If one parent is unable to come in, he or she must complete a consent form, DS-3053, and submit a copy of his or her photo ID, front and back. 
  • You may obtain renewal, amendment, and other passport forms at the Auditor's Offce.
  • Convenience Services: Our office can take passport photos for $15.
  • For additional information visit the U.S. Department of State's Passport Services website.


Passport Photos for Renewals and New Applications

​We provide passport photo services for renewals and new applications. If you provide your own photo, you will be required to satisfy the U.S. State Department’s photo requirements. The fee for passport photo services is $15.

Passport Fees

​Please consult the U.S. Department of State's Fee Schedule to determine the correct fees. The application fee is paid directly to the Department of State. The Execution/Acceptance fee is paid directly to the Thurston County Auditor's Office. Two separate payments are required.

Please note: Check(s) or money order(s) will be required for U.S. Department of State portion of fees. Checks, cash, or credit card (we charge all cards a service fee of $2.00 or 2.35%, whichever is highest) accepted for Auditor's Office portion of the fees.

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday

8 a.m. – 4 p.m.


*Please note: The Auditor's Office opens at 9 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month.