How To Get A Passport In Nebraska

Nebraska passport application requirements align with U.S. Department of State stipulations.

Nebraska passport application requirements align with U.S. Department of State stipulations. (Photo: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images )

At the risk of making you feel a little less special, you should know that obtaining a United States passport in Nebraska is exactly like getting one in any other state. The entire process is run by the U.S. Department of State, a federal agency. And because passports are the ultimate form of ID for an American citizen and certain security concerns are associated with them, the processes and rules must be uniform, thorough and strictly enforced. So, getting a first-time passport issued (or getting a new one when you're not eligible to renew by mail) means providing some personal documentation and applying in person at a designated passport acceptance facility.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Nebraska

So-called passport acceptance facilities are simply federal, state or local government buildings such as county clerk offices, public libraries and post offices. Not all of these places are necessarily an option in Nebraska, though, so don't just assume and head to your library branch. Go to the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page on the U.S. Department of State website and use your zip code or city in Nebraska to find the most-convenient locations. Pick one and give them a call to see if an appointment is necessary. And while they're on the line, ask if they take passport photos, because you'll need one of those too.

Passport Photos for Nebraskans

The requirements for a passport photo are quite specific, which is why you need to find a professional passport photo provider. On a 2-by-2-inch original color photo, your head must measure 1 3/8 inches. The agent taking the application will also reject it if the photo paper isn't high enough quality or if the background isn't white or an acceptable off-white. You also must look straight at the camera, wearing a neutral or natural expression. Your clothing must be ordinary, and you can't wear glasses or other forbidden accessories. Additionally, the photo must be no more than 6 months old.

U.S. Passport Application Form

Find the passport forms page on the Department of State website. The first one listed has the intriguing name "Form DS-11," in which the "DS" stands for Department of State. Print it and fill it out, but don't sign until the passport agent can watch you sign it. He or she won't watch in a creepy way, just in an "I-witnessed-this-important-document-being-signed" kind of way. There's a box with the outline of a head sketched in it, which is where you attach the passport photo. Present Form DS-11 to the passport agent along with proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of identity.

Proof of Citizenship and Identity

In-person applicants who happen to have an undamaged U.S. passport – even an expired one – can use it as proof of both citizenship and identity. Alternatively, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization fulfills both requirements. Without one of these, an original birth certificate or a consular report of birth abroad serves as proof of U.S. citizenship. A valid driver's license, government-issued ID (federal, state or local), U.S. military ID, or a valid foreign passport is required to prove identity. Also, submit photocopies of the proof of citizenship and identity. Copies should be printed clearly in black and white. Copy both sides of the documents, but use separate sheets of paper, because the copies can only be single-sided. Submit all this with Form DS-11 and pay the appropriate fees.

U.S. Passport Fees

Don't expect to get a passport for free. Because of the application and execution fees, it costs well over $100 to get a passport book. A passport card is much cheaper, but it can't be used for international air travel, and a combo order of both versions costs more than $150. The wait time for a passport is four to six weeks, but that can be cut in half by paying about another $60 for expedited processing. The fees must be paid separately by check or money order, filled out to the U.S. Department of State. Wait for the passport agent to tell you how much to make out the checks for, or be a little more self-sufficient by going to the State Department website's passport fee calculator to figure out exactly how much you'll owe.

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U.S. passport application requirements in Nebraska differ for minors (under 16), requiring the presence, identification, proof of relationship to the child and notarized parental consent of parents or legal guardians.

Writer Bio

Eric Mohrman is a travel, food and drink, and lifestyle writer living in Orlando, Florida, one of the world's leading tourism and business travel destinations. This provides plenty of opportunity to share advice and local insights for travelers, and he particularly enjoys spotlighting lesser-known destinations and experiences that get overshadowed by the area's famous theme parks. He has written print and online travel pieces for Visit Florida, MapQuest, Dollar Stretcher Magazine, USA Today 10Best, Agent Magazine, The 863 Magazine, Working Mother, Downtown Orlando Community Paper and other publications.