The Adamstown Area Library is a passport acceptance facility for the United States Department of State.
Passports are done by appointment only. Please call 717-484-4200 to make an appointment.
Our passport office can provide passport photos for $15 (by appointment). This includes 2 identical photos, one of which is required for both new and renewal passport applications.
For complete information about obtaining a passport, visit the Department of State’s Passport Page. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html/
Learn how to avoid passport scams and paying for unnecessary services.
Department of Homeland Security has postponed the enforcement date for REAL ID from October 1, 2021, to May 7, 2025. For additional information about REAL ID requirements for Pennsylvania residents, please see the PA DMV website at https://www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID/pages/default.aspx.
Passport Basics:
For most people applying for a passport, you will need the following items:
- Passport Applications – You can obtain a passport application at the library or download here.
NOTE: Must be filled in with black ink only. - Proof of Citizenship – You will need one of the following: birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or other acceptable evidence of US citizenship.
- Birth Certificate: This must be the original, state issued document with a raised seal, file number, and both parent’s names listed. It should say “birth certificate” or “certification of birth” and be issued from the “Department of Vital Statistics.” A hospital “Birth Registration” is not acceptable. The original document will be sent with the passport application and returned to you. If you do not have an original, state issued birth certificate, click here to obtain information on getting one. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm
- Naturalization Certificate: The original document or a certified copy with a raised seal must be sent with the passport application and will be returned to you.
- Proof of Identity – You will need a valid form of photo ID and a passport photo.
- Valid Photo Identification with Signature: Your driver’s license is the best choice.
- Passport Photo: 1 photo with strict specifications must be submitted. You can have these taken at the library for $15 per person.
NOTE: Children 15 and under need both parents to be present. Teens between 16-17 must have proof of parental consent or a parent present at the time of application.
No white-out, corrective fluids/tape, or crossing out incorrect information is allowed on a passport application. Please be careful when filling out the passport application and consider what each box requires before you begin writing.
The Department of State accepts personal checks or money orders for new passport applications. Credit cards are not accepted. Click here for current passport fees.
Not sure whether your application is a new passport or a renewal? Click here to find out.
Birth Certificate Information:
Beginning April 1, 2011 all United States birth certificates submitted for minor and adult passport applications must contain the name of the parent(s) in addition to the previous requirements. All United States birth certificates must meet all of the following criteria:
- Show the full name of the parent(s);
- Be issued by the office of vital statistics of the state, county, or city where the birth occurred;
- Show the full name of child;
- Indicate the date and place of birth;
- Bear the embossed, impressed, multi-colored, or raised seal and signature of the issuing authority;
- Indicate a registration or file date that is within one year of the birth; and
- Be an original and certified document (notarized copies and photocopies are not accepted);
- Both parents names must be present on the certificate
United States birth certificates that do not meet these standards will not be acceptable as primary evidence of citizenship.
You need to bring along your State Issued Birth Certificate with both parent’s names on it and a raised seal. If you were born in Pennsylvania, the birth certificate above is what yours should look like. Some of the older certificates may be green, but most are yellow with a blue rim. Just a small reminder to make sure you have the correct one before coming in for your appointment.