Need a passport? Try the East Columbia Library

    By now we all know that our Library is nationally renowned for being the best library in North America.  So how do you get such acclaim?  Of course you have a first class collection of library resources, dedicated staff and volunteers, great support from the community and local funders but what truly makes our Library special is the recognition that the Library needs to support the needs of the community in ways that go beyond the traditional roles of a library.  Today I want to highlight just one of those services.  I remember when getting a passport meant a trip to a passport center usually many  miles from where I lived.  Today that is no longer the case as the Library has set up a convenient passport center at two of our libraries.  Below is the information from the Library on this service which is super convenient from personal experience. 

"HCLS Passport Center

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As an enhancement to Cultural Connections and a convenience to the community, Howard County Library System's (HCLS) East Columbia Branch and Glenwood Branch accept passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. 

WHERE DO I GO?
HCLS East Columbia Branch
6600 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD  21045
410.313.7700

NEW! HCLS Glenwood Branch
2150 State Road 97
Cooksville, MD  217723
410.313.5577

WHAT ARE THE HOURS ?

• Monday through Thursday from 3 – 7 pm
• Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm
• Closed Fridays and Sundays
• No appointment necessary (first come, first served). In case of a line, you will receive a pager for use within the branch.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO APPLY

• The applicant (regardless of age) must appear in person. All family members must be present in order for a group to receive pager / take a number / get in line.
• Check or money order for Department of State fees, one for each application being submitted.
• Proof of Identity (Valid Driver's license / State ID Card / Military ID/ Passport).* Learner's Permits are not accepted by D.O.S.
• A COMPLETED application form DS-11. The form must be filled up in black ink. Please do not sign.
• * Social Security Number is required to complete the form
• Proof of US Citizenship (photocopies not acceptable): Government issued US Birth Certificate featuring parent(s) names, an official seal and signature. OR Naturalization Certificate OR Previously issued US passport.
• Applicants aged 0-15 must be accompanied by parents presenting proof of relationship to the minor child; such as a birth certificate or adoption papers. Whoever is listed must appear. If two parents are listed, one parent may appear with a notarized consent form, DS 3053 and a photocopy of both sides of the non-appearing parent’s ID.
• For applicants 16 and 17 years old, only one parent needs to be present with the applicant
• One 2” x 2” passport photo with a white background (available at the branch for $15)

OTHER ADDITIONAL CASES

• If you have had a passport under a different name, please bring evidence to support the name change
• For customers requesting 'hand-carry' service: letter of authorization and itinerary are required
• For children deriving citizenship through parents: parent's naturalization certificate, child's permanent resident card and child's birth certificate are required. *If the birth certificate is not in English, a certified English translation is required.

For your convenience, details are available on the printable Passport Center Fact Sheet. 

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?There are several types of payment involved and amounts vary depending on the product you need. (see chart below)

Passport costs are payable by check or money order ONLY. 
A separate check, payable to the Department of State, is required for each application.  

PRODUCT	COST (Does not include ADDITIONAL HCLS FEES*)	Estimated Processing Time
Passport book - age 16 and over	$110	4-6 weeks
Passport book - age 15 and under	$80	4-6 weeks
EXPEDITED Passport book - age 16 and over	$100 + $60 = $170	2 - 3 weeks
EXPEDITED Passport book - age 15 and under	$80 + $60 = $140	2 - 3 weeks
Passport card - age 16 and over	$30	4-6 weeks
Passport card - age 15 and under	$15	4-6 weeks
EXPEDITED Passport card	$30 + $60 = $90	2 - 3 weeks
EXPEDITED Passport card - age 15 and under	$15 + $60 = $75	2- 3 weeks
Overnight delivery return of completed passport	$14.85

* ADDITIONAL HCLS Fees: 

• A $25 fee is required for EACH PASSPORT APPLICATION SUBMITTED.
• A $15 fee is required for each photo needed.
• Acceptable forms of payment for these additional fees include Visa, Mastercard, cash in the exact amount or checks made payable to Howard County Library System. However, the Department of State only accepts payment by check or money order."

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