Buena Vista County is now requiring APPOINTMENTS for Passports
Passport processing and mailing times have changed to be in line with federal guidelines.
Passports are required to travel outside of the USA. For more Information about passports come to the Recorder’s Office or visit the US Department of State’s Website
Applications for passports are available at the Recorder’s Office or the US Department of State’s Website. When filling out a passport application, please use BLACK INK and DO NOT SIGN until you are in front of a Passport Agent at the Recorders Office.
The Recorders Office will now require APPOINTMENTS for passport applications. APPOINTMENTS may be made Monday – Friday, 9:00AM to 3:00PM.
Requirements for a passport
- Passport photos. You can get your Passport photos at the Recorder’s Office, Walgreens or Hy-Vee.
- Certified Birth Certificate or Naturalization Papers.
- Photo ID (US issued, must NOT be expired) or Foreign Passport (must NOT be expired)
- Passport application
- Must be US citizen
What to Expect:
- Mail delays are impacting when we receive passport applications for processing. Our processing times begin the day we receive your application, not the day you mail it.
- Routine service can take up to 18 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 18-week timeframe includes up to 12 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.
- Expedite service (for an additional $60) can take up to 12 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 12-week timeframe includes up to 6 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.
- Our processing times (up to 12 weeks for routine; up to 6 weeks for expedite) do not include mailing times. Mail times vary and delays have been significant. Plan ahead.
Different passport options
A passport card is available to people ONLY driving into Mexico or Canada (does NOT fulfill requirements for flying into Mexico or Canada, or driving into other countries)
A passport book is available and will cover travel to all countries no matter the means of transportation. The standard book is 28 pages but you can get a larger book with 52 pages at no additional cost for those who do excessive traveling.
If you require a passport in a hurry, your passport can be expedited; however there are additional fees.
Passports for children
If the child is 0-15 years of age, both parents must be present to sign the passport application. The passport will be good for 5 years. If the child is 16-17 years of age, they will sign themselves with only one parent. The passport will be good for 10 years.
Passports for adults
You must sign the application in front of a Passport Agent. Passports are good for 10 years.
Passport pictures are $10.00 at the Recorder’s Office.
Passport fees
The Buena Vista County Recorder’s office ONLY accepts personal checks or money orders.
You will be required to have 2 personal checks or money orders for each application. (expediting requires 3 checks)
Adults (16 or older)
Book: Please make the checks or money orders payable to the following:
- United States Department of State $130.00
- Buena Vista County Recorder $35.00
Total: $165.00
Card: Please make the checks or money orders payable to the following:
- United States Department of State $30.00
- Buena Vista County Recorder $35.00
Total: $65.00
Children (15 or younger)
Book: Please make the checks or money orders payable to the following:
- United States Department of State $100.00
- Buena Vista County Recorder $35.00
Total: $135.00
Card: Please make the checks or money orders payable to the following:
- United States Department of State $15.00
- Buena Vista County Recorder $35.00
Total: $50.00
For those having pictures taken here, please add $10.00 for each one to the check to the Buena Vista County Recorder.