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Prospective Students

Getting a Passport

The very first thing you should do to start your study abroad experience is apply for a passport.  All students applying for Geneseo study abroad programs must submit a color copy of the biography page of their passport with their application. 

What is a passport?
What documents will I need to apply for my passport?
How much does a passport cost?
Where in Geneseo can I apply for my passport?
How long will it take to receive my passport?

 

What is a passport?

A passport is “an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the holder” (NAFSA).  You cannot travel internationally without a passport.  In addition, your passport must be good for at least 6 months after you return from your international destination.

 

What documents will I need to apply for my passport?

To apply for a US passport, you will need the following:

  • Passport application
  • Two passport photos
  • Valid photo id (driver’s license)
  • One of the following: previous US passport, original certified birth certificate, or naturalization certificate/certificate of citizenship

For the most up-to-date and accurate passport requirements, plus everything else passport related (lost or stolen passports, passport corrections), check out the State Department’s passport website. 


How much does a passport cost?
  • The Passport Fee from the US State Department is $110 and must be paid with a check or money order made out to ‘Department of State’.
  • The passport agency fee (charged by any office that processes passport applications) is $25 and can be paid check, cash, debit, or credit depending on the agency’s payment policy.
  • Passport photos usually cost $10 - $15. 

So in total, expect to pay about $140 - $150. 


Where in Geneseo can I apply for my passport?

There are two places in Geneseo where you can apply for a US passport:

  • The Livingston County Clerk’s Office: located in the Livingston County Government Center, room 201.  The Clerk’s Office processes passport applications and fees, but does not take photos; you must have your passport photos taken BEFORE you go to the Clerk’s Office.  You can have passport photos taken at the Wal Mart portrait studio, or at most other major drug stores.  Click here to get directions to the Livingston County Clerk’s Office.
  • US Post Office: located on Rt. 20A/South St. right next to the intersection of Main and 20A (in the plaza next to the Bank of Castile).  The Post Office processes applications, fees, and takes pictures for a fee of $15.

 

How long will it take to receive my passport?

Passports generally take 4 – 6 weeks to process.  You can, for an extra $60 fee (plus shipping costs) expedite your passport application if you feel it is necessary.  For more details see the Get Your passport in a Hurry page of the State Department’s website.