County

Application Requirements

*We only take Passport Applications by Appointment. Please call 515-286-3160 to make an appointment. To Find a list of Passport Acceptance Facilities click here or you can find local USPS locations for Passports here.*

Evidence of Citizenship: One of the following 3 documents must be submitted with the Application and will be returned with the new passport.

  1. Birth Certificate: A certified copy of Birth Certificate issued by the county or state. The US Department of State requires all birth certificates to include full names of the applicant’s parent(s) listed on all certified birth certificates. In addition, they must also include the following; Full name of applicant Date of birth Place of birth Raised, embossed or multicolored seal of issuing authority Registrar’s signature The date the certificate was filed with the registrar’s office (must be within one year).
  2. Naturalization Certificate: A person who claims US citizenship by naturalization must submit the original Certificate of Naturalization with the application.
  3. Expired Passport: This is acceptable when applying as an adult. However, if applying as a minor (15 years of age or younger), a certified copy of the birth certificate must be submitted along with expired passport.

One (1) Passport Photo: (2"x2") Front view of applicant, taken within the last six months. The photos must be in color (black and white no longer allowed). The background must be white or off-white. Click Here for more Passport Photo Information.

Personal Identification: A valid driver's license (not driver's permit), or a photo from school, bank or employment. Expired ID is not accepted. Anyone under 18 must have a parent along with the parent's ID for parental consent and signature. Both parents’ signatures are required for children under the age of 16.

Payment: Each passport should be paid by two (2) checks or money orders as indicated, one made out to “Polk County” and the other to “U.S. Department of State”.

Completed Application: Application form will be provided on site. Please do not sign until requested to do so. Signature must be witnessed by the Clerk processing the form.

Minors (Children 15 & Under): Each minor child applying for a passport shall appear in person. Both parents must be present or have a notarized DS-3053 giving permission from the absent parent, along with a front/back copy of identification used for notarization on form.


We are open to the public 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday thru Friday. For same day service of Vital Records you must be in the office by 3:30pm. Passports are by appointment only. Call 515-286-3160 with any questions or to set up an appointment.