How to Apply for a Passport in Kentucky in 2026 [Cost, Documents & More]

According to the Department of State, Kentucky offices issued a total of 82,568 US passports in 2021. The application procedure is mostly unchanged across the whole country, with some minor changes in the booking process. So, what applicants need to do is find the closest passport office and gather the required documents.

In this article, we’ll go over how to get a passport in KY in detail. Keep reading to find out all you need to know to apply without delays.

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How to get a passport in Kentucky – the process

The first step to apply for a passport in Kentucky is finding a passport office in the vicinity. Across the state, there are about 100 (one hundred) facilities that will process a passport application. Applicants only need to find the closest post office or County Clerk office, as most of them offer the service. Public libraries are also a common provider of passport services.

The way appointments are handled is generally up to local management. Some of them will accept walk-ins, and others require applicants to book an appointment in advance. To know for sure, it’s advisable to contact them and ask for information.

For a regular application for a passport card or book (also called the Type P passport), it’s necessary to hand in the documents in person. According to the Department of State, applicants need to provide the following materials:

• Form DS-11;
• proof of US citizenship, original and photocopy (certified birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, consular report of birth abroad, or a naturalization certificate);
• a government-issued photo ID (US or foreign), original and photocopy;
• 2 (two) 2″ x 2″ passport photos.

All these documents have to be presented to the passport agency in physical form. The copies need to be:

• on 8″ x 15″ paper;
• single-sided;
• in black and white.

On the day of the appointment, applicants need to go to one of the Kentucky passport offices and provide the material as the acceptance agent asks. Form DS-11 needs to be signed in front of the clerk, not before.

At the end of the procedure, the applicant must pay the passport fees. According to the National Passport Information Center, the costs are as follows:

• a passport card costs $30;
• a passport book costs $130;
• both cost $160.

There is an additional execution fee of $35 for the passport service. The fees have to be paid separately.

A passport acceptance facility like a post office, County Clerk’s office, or public library will accept the following payment methods:

• check (cashier’s, personal, traveler’s, certified)
• money order.

For the execution fees, some Kentucky passport offices also accept credit cards or the exact amount of cash.

In a passport agency, it’s possible to pay by:

• money order or check;
• credit card;
• cash in the exact amount.

After finishing the procedure, applicants generally have to wait 4 (four) to 6 (six) weeks to obtain a passport in KY. 

To get a passport fast, it’s possible to pay an extra $60 for the expedited service, which will take 2 (two) to 3 (three) weeks. Residents of Kentucky can check on the status of their passport applications through the State Department’s website.

Passport application in Kentucky for children

To get a passport for a minor in KY, parents or legal guardians need to prove their relationship with the child and give consent. As proof of parental relation, passport offices will accept:

• certified birth certificate issued by US authorities
• foreign birth certificate
• consular report of birth abroad
• custody or divorce decree
• adoption decree.

The quickest way to give consent is for both parents to accompany the minor to their appointment, carrying a valid photo ID. If one parent or legal guardian cannot be present, the State Department requires one of the following documents:

• Form DS-3053, with copies of both sides of the parent’s ID and signed in front of a notary public;
• Form DS-5525, for special circumstances.

The application fee is lower for citizens of the age of 15 (fifteen) or younger:

• a passport card costs $15;
• a passport book costs $100;
• both cost $115.

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Looking for more tips for your passport application? Look no further:

How to get a passport in Kentucky: FAQ

To conclude, we’ll answer a few common questions about getting a passport in Kentucky.

How to get a passport in KY – conclusions

Getting a passport in Kentucky follows the same process as in the rest of the country. Applicants only need to find a passport office near them and gather the required documents. In larger cities, there are multiple passport acceptance facilities, while in rural areas only post offices generally accept applications.

Use Passport Photo Online to take photos for the official forms from home and get ready for international travel without additional lines and delays.

Sources

• [1] https://www.uspassporthelpguide.com/passport/kentucky

Riccardo Ollmert

Riccardo Ollmert is a multilingual writer and travel expert. He studied Languages, Literature and Publishing Industry at La Sapienza University of Rome. His passions include traveling and learning new skills.