If I live in California, can I renew my passport in New York?

by Rachel V
(CA/NY)

Question: I am a student at NYU and will be studying abroad next fall. My passport expires in November and I was 15 when it was first issued. I live in California. However, NYU keeps our passports until we leave in the fall, therefore I will not be in possession of my passport when I return to California in May to renew. Can I renew my passport while I am here in New York if I have the proper documentation?

Answer: You can apply for a new passport in New York as long as you have the proper documentation. Since you were a minor when your current passport was issued, you must appear in person at an application acceptance facility.

The application you need to submit is Form DS-11. It must be signed in the presence of a passport agent. You can present either a birth certificate or your current passport as evidence of U.S. citizenship.

If you apply at a New York Passport Office and submit out-of-state primary identification, you must present an additional ID document, as well. For example, if you apply with a California Driver's License, you must present a second ID containing as much of the following information as possible: your photo, full name, date of birth and the document issuance date.

You will also need one recent passport photo and payment for the fees. There is an application fee of $110 and an execution fee of $25. The former is paid to the Department of State while the latter is paid to the Acceptance Facility.