At this time, the Town Clerk's Office is unable to provide passports. We hope to provide this service in the future. We suggest the U.S. Post Office in Leominster (which requires an appointment before 3pm) or West Boylston’s U. S. Post Office.
The Sterling Town Clerk's Office is a Passport Acceptance Agency
No appointment necessary
The Town Clerk's Office will accept passport and passport card applications during our normal business hours.
Processing for your passport usually takes about 6 weeks. You can request Expedited Processing, which will take about 2 weeks. If you are traveling within 2 weeks, call the Boston Passport Agency at 1-877-487-2778.
New Application for a Passport
You must apply in person for a new passport. Please bring the following with you:
1. Application Form
Complete the Application Form DS-11. You can get a copy from the Town Clerk's Office or download it from the Department of State. (click here to download the form.) You can also complete it online by clicking here.
Do NOT sign this form. You will need to sign it in person when you submit the completed application.
2. Proof of Citizenship
A proof of citizenship can be one of the following:
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Birth Certificate: Long form. It must contain the name of applicant, date of birth, place of birth, file date or date recorded, certification (SEAL) and be recorded within one year of birth. |
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Expired passport |
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Certificate of Naturalization |
Note: If the applicant is under 14 years of age, a birth certificate is required.
3. Proof of Identity
Your birth certificate is your proof of citizenship. A birth certificate cannot be used as proof of identity.
Passport Agents may request several items to satisfy the indenty requirement. However, one of these items is generally acceptable if they contain a good photo likeness:
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Valid U.S. Drivers license, Pilots license, State or Federal work ID card |
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Military ID (Dependent ID) |
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Passport (Foreign or U.S.)/Naturalization Certificate (if photo likeness is good) |
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INS Alien Registration Card (Green Card)/Employment authorization |
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State Issued non-driver's ID Card (elderly or disabled applicants ONLY) |
If you cannot provide one of these proofs of identity, there are secondary ways to meet this requirement. Contact the Town Clerk's office for information or referred to the Department of State's web site information.
4. Two Passport Photographs
You must provide two identical, color, full-face photographs with a plain white or off-white background. These photos must measure 2" by 2" in size; measuring between 1" and 1 3/8" from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. These photos must have been taken within the past 6 months, showing your current appearance; taken in normal street attire. Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline; do not wear a uniform (except religious attire that is worn daily.) If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture. Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required.
5. Fees - Check or Money Order
Passport Book
Adults, 16 years and over: |
$75.00 |
Made Payable to U.S. Department of State |
$25.00 |
Made payable to Town of Sterling. (cash also accepted.) |
Minors under 16 years: |
$60.00 |
Made Payable to U.S. Department of State |
$25.00 |
Made payable to Town of Sterling. (cash also accepted.) |
Expedited Service |
$60.00 |
For each application. Made Payable to U.S. Department of State |
Passport Card
Adults, 16 years and over: |
$20.00 |
Made Payable to U.S. Department of State |
$25.00 |
Made payable to Town of Sterling. (cash also accepted.) |
Minors under 16 years: |
$10.00 |
Made Payable to U.S. Department of State |
$25.00 |
Made payable to Town of Sterling. (cash also accepted.) |
Expedited Service |
N/A |
NOT AVAILABLE FOR PASSPORT CARDS |
Passports issued for adults, 16 years and over are valid for 10 years. Passports for individuals under 16 years are valid for 5 years.
Children Under 16 years of age:
All minor children must appear in person with a parent or legal guardian who must co-sign application (Effective 2/1/2004).
Children under 16 require BOTH parents' signatures, or notarized written consent from absent parent, evidence of sole custody, death certificate, or written explanation why absent parent's consent cannot be obtained.
For further information or to download applications, visit the U.S. Department of State's website at http://travel.state.gov. Applicants are advised that filling out the application online can facilitate processing and avoid errors.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE U.S. PASSPORT CARD ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED!
A passport card may be used in lieu of a passport for land or sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Carribean and Bermuda. You cannot use it for air travel. The passport card is designed for border resident communities and is less expensive. For more information see www.travel.state.gov.
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