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Office of the Ocean County Clerk

Passport Information

How to get a passport

Ocean County Clerk staff offers assistance to the public in processing U.S. Passport applications at the The County Connection, located at the Ocean County Mall, Northern Resource Center, Lakewood, Ocean County Courthouse, Toms River and the Southern Service Center, Manahawkin by appointment only. Appointments can be made by clicking the link below.



All applicants MUST appear in person. Please be on time for your appointment. ALL PASSPORT APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL. You can visit the Department of State website to obtain the applications. You also have the option to pick up the applications at our office BEFORE your appointment but please allow for plenty of time to compete your application in your car if you choose to pick up the applications before your scheduled appointment.

The following items are essential to obtain a passport:
  1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship
    • A prior U.S. Passport or Certified Birth Certificate
    • (Note: A Certified Birth Certificate issued by Vital Statistics with a seal and the full names of the parent(s) listed and a recording date within one year of birth.)

    • Born Outside of United States - You can obtain a U.S. Passport if you were born outside of the United States. You must submit the following:
      • a previous passport
      • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
      • Report of birth abroad
      • Please contact our office for more information concerning claiming citizenship through US Citizen or Naturalized Parents as well as adoption from a foreign country

  2. Proof of Identification
    • Previous or current US Passport book or card
    • A valid, not temporary driver's license. A learners permit is not acceptable. The license must contain your signature and physical description. Out of State Driver's Licenses will require additional identification
    • Certificate of Naturalization Citizenship
    • Military Identification
    • Federal, State, or Municipal Government Employee ID

  3. One Recent 2" x 2", Identical, Color Photograph
  4. The photograph should contain your face from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head (including hair). Only a color photo is acceptable. You may provide the photograph or the photo can be taken at our office for a $10 fee in addition to the fees listed. The photograph must be clear, front view full face taken in normal street attire without glasses, hair accessories, or hat. The photo must be printed in permanent type thin paper with a plain white background. Family snapshots, most vending machine prints and full length photos are not acceptable.

  5. Fee
  6. The total fee for a first time Passport book for an applicant 16 years or older is $165 and it is valid for 10 years: $130 of which must be paid by check or money order payable to the US Department of State, and a $35 execution fee that may be paid in cash or by check to the Ocean County Clerk or we accept Visa, MasterCard or Discover for the $35 payment only. The total fee for an applicant under 16 years of age is $135 and is valid for 5 years; $100 of which must be paid by check or money order payable to the US Department of State, and a $35 execution fee that may be paid in cash or by check to the Ocean County Clerk or we accept Visa, MasterCard or Discover for the $35 payment only.
    There are additional fees for expedited services. Please contact our office for more information

  7. U.S. Passport Applications for Children under Age 16 require both parents' signatures
    • Present evidence that they are the parents or guardian and show valid personal identification. Parents must both sign and take oath before authorized Passport Acceptance Agent.
    • If the second parent is not available to sign, the appearing parent must: do the above and present evidence that he/she has sole legal custody of the child (original custody documents issued by a court) or notarized written consent of the other parent (U.S. Department of State form DS 3053, must not be more than 3 months old and a photocopy of the front and back of the non-applying parent's ID is required with the written consent) or a notarized written statement (U.S. Department of State form DS-5525) (made under penalty of perjury) explaining why non-applying parent's consent cannot be obtained..
    • You will need to know the child's Social Security number for the application.

  8. Children Age 16 - 17
  9. A parent may need to present evidence that they are the Parent/Guardian of the child applying for a Passport and the parent's signature may be required.

Passport Card

The County Clerk's Office also assists Ocean County residents interested in obtaining a United States Passport Card. The requirements to obtain a U.S. Passport Card are the same as the requirements to secure a U.S. Passport (see above).The Passport Card is only valid for land and sea crossings between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean - Not for travel by air to these destinations.

The total fee is:
  • $65 for adults
    • $30 of which must be paid by check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State,
    • and a $35 execution fee that may be paid in cash, credit card or check payable to the Ocean County Clerk.
  • $50 Children under 16
    • $15 of which must be paid by check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State,
    • and a $35 Execution Fee that may be paid in cash, credit or check payable to the Ocean County Clerk

Passport Forms

Visit the U.S. Department of State Passport website to print any of the following:
  • DS-11: Application for Passport
  • DS-82: Renewal Application for Passport by Mail
  • DS-64: Statement Regarding Lost Or Stolen Passport
  • DS-3053: Statement of Consent
  • DS-5525: Statement of Exigent Circumstances
  • DS-86: Statement of Non-Receipt
  • DS-5504: Data Correction, Some Name Changes and limited Validity Passports

Photo ID Cards

Ocean County residents (children under 17 and Seniors) who do not have any form of photo identification and are seeking a Photo ID Card can obtain one by:

In addition, any resident (age 14 or older) can obtain a Photo ID Card by:
  • Applying for a NON-Driver Photo ID Card at any NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Agency. For information on how to obtain and apply for the Non- Driver Photo ID Card:
    • Visit the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission website

    • or visit a Ocean County MVC Agency at one of the following locations:
      • Lakewood - 1195 Route 70 - Leisure Center - Store 9
      • Manahawkin - 712 East Bay Avenue - Suite 7
      • Toms River - 1861 Hooper Avenue - Village Square Plaza


Birth Certificates & Other Vital Records

Skip the line and get your birth certificate and other vital records through VitalChek.


We accept the following forms of payment:
Visa, MarsterCard, Discover