Passports

First Time U.S. Passport Applicants

  • To obtain a passport for the first time, you must apply in person.
  • UMaine students, faculty and administrators may apply for a passport at the Orono Post Office: 1 Bennoch Road Orono, ME 04473.
    • Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30am – 11:45am and 1:30pm – 4:00pm.

First-Time Application Requirements

  • Application Forms: This form can be obtained from the Orono Post Office as well. Do NOT sign the DS-11 application form until the Passport Acceptance Agent instructs you to do so!
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship(e.g. a certified birth certificate):
    • Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
    • U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
      • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
      • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
      • Lists your parent(s)’ full names
      • Has the date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth)
      • Has the registrar’s signature
      • Has the seal of the issuing authority
    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
    • Certificate of Naturalization 
    • Certificate of Citizenship
  • A photocopy of the Proof of U.S. Citizenship
  • A Passport Photo: This photo has very strict requirements. Some local businesses (Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and the Orono Post Office are a few) offer the service. OIP also can take passport photos on a dropin basis Mondays through Fridays from 12pm to 4pm. Photos from OIP are $10 and can be paid in exact change only or online here. If you go to a local business contact them for prices.
  • Valid government issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license):
    • Out-of-state residents: you are also required to present your Maine Card along with your driver’s license
  • A photocopy of your Issued ID
  • Schedule in-person appointment: Go to usps.com, click the “Apply for Passport” section, and follow the instructions provided.
  • Applicable Fees:
    • $130 Passport Book application fee
    • $30 Passport Card application feee
      • click here for more information about the difference between the two
  • Fees can be submitted by check or money order. Debit cards are also an option, but include an additional fee of $1.20
  • Processing time: 8-11 weeks. Expedited processing (5-7 weeks) is available for an additional $60.

Renewal of a U.S. Passport

  • You can renew your passport by mail if you answer yes to all of the following:
    • You have your passport in your possession to submit with your application
    • It’s undamaged outside of normal wear and tear
    • Was issued within the past 15 years
    • You were at least age 16 when it was issued
    • Still have the same name as in the passport (or you can legally document your name change).
  •  If you don’t fit these requirements, you need to renew your passport in a Passport Acceptance Facility, such as the Orono Post Office. For more information, visit Renew Passport website.