New Hampshire U.S. Passport Services Hub

This state hub provides comprehensive, up-to-date information on obtaining a U.S. passport in New Hampshire. Managed through a network of federally approved acceptance facilities and regional processing centers, passport services enable New Hampshire residents to apply for first-time passports, renewals, and replacements efficiently. All applications are submitted to the U.S. Department of State for processing, with no passport agencies located within the state. The closest passport agencies are in Boston, Massachusetts (about 70 miles from southern NH) and Hartford, Connecticut (about 120 miles). This hub covers statewide processes, timelines, best practices, and guidance on using location-specific city guides.

New Hampshire has over 70 passport acceptance facilities, primarily post offices, municipal clerks' offices, and select libraries and county clerks. Services are available year-round, though availability varies by location. Always verify details via the official State Department website or by contacting facilities directly, as hours and requirements can change.

Eligibility and Basic Requirements

To apply for a U.S. passport, you must be a U.S. citizen or national. Eligible applicants include:

• First-time applicants (age 16+).
• Renewals (if your previous passport was issued within 15 years and you were 16+ at issuance).
• Children under 16 (requires both parents' presence or notarized consent).
• Replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged passports.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Provide an original or certified copy of your birth certificate (issued by city/town/vital records office), naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, or previous undamaged passport. Photocopies are not accepted.

Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government-issued ID. Name must match citizenship document exactly.

Passport Photo: One 2x2-inch color photo taken within 6 months, on white background, no glasses/headwear (unless religious/medical exemption). Many facilities offer photo services for $10–$15.

Application Forms:

• DS-11 (first-time, children, lost/stolen).
• DS-82 (renewals by mail).
• DS-64 (lost/stolen report).

Fees are paid separately: application fee to the State Department (check/money order) and execution fee to the facility (cash/check/credit).

How Acceptance Facilities Work Statewide

Passport acceptance facilities in New Hampshire are designated by the U.S. Department of State to witness oaths, review documents, and forward applications. They do not process passports; they mail them to a National Passport Processing Center (typically in Philadelphia or St. Albans, VT, for NH residents).

Types of Facilities

• U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Locations: Over 50 statewide, including major hubs like Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth, and Dover. Most require appointments via usps.com or by phone.
• Municipal Clerks' Offices: Common in larger towns (e.g., Keene City Clerk, Laconia City Clerk). Often by appointment; some walk-ins.
• County Clerks of Court: Limited; Merrimack and Rockingham Counties offer services.
• Public Libraries: Select locations like Nashua Public Library or Rochester Public Library; photo services sometimes available.
• Universities/Colleges: UNH in Durham and Dartmouth College in Hanover for students/faculty.

Statewide, facilities operate Monday–Friday, typically 9 AM–4 PM, but many close early or have limited passport hours (e.g., 30 minutes/day). Rural areas like Coos or Grafton Counties have fewer options, often requiring travel to regional centers like Littleton or Plymouth post offices.

Application Process at Facilities

1. Schedule an Appointment: Required at 90% of locations. Use the State Department's locator tool (travel.state.gov) or call. Walk-ins are rare and discouraged.
2. Gather Documents: Bring completed form, citizenship proof, ID, photo, fees. Originals only—no scans.
3. In-Person Submission: Oath administered, documents reviewed. Execution fee ($35 adults/$30 children) collected.
4. Receipt and Tracking: Receive receipt with tracking number. Track online at travel.state.gov.
5. Passport Delivery: Mailed to your address of record (2–3 weeks post-processing).

Facilities forward applications same/next day via USPS Priority Mail. No facilities laminate passports or offer on-site printing.

Statewide Coverage and Accessibility

• Northern NH (Coos, Carroll): Facilities in Berlin, Conway, Gorham—travel 30–60 minutes.
• Central NH (Merrimack, Belknap): Dense coverage; Concord hub serves statewide.
• Southern NH (Hillsborough, Rockingham): Manchester/Nashua overload; book early.
• Eastern/Seacoast: Portsmouth, Exeter well-served.

For veterans/disabled: Many post offices offer priority; request accommodations. Spanish-language services limited; interpreters recommended.

Routine vs. Expedited Timelines

Processing times are measured from receipt at the processing center, excluding mailing (add 1–2 weeks each way). Demand fluctuates; check travel.state.gov for current estimates.

Routine Service

• Timeline: 6–8 weeks standard (as of 2023 updates; previously 4–6 weeks).
• Cost: No extra fee beyond application ($130 adult book/$100 child book/$30 card).
• Best For: Non-urgent travel 3+ months away.
• Process: Submit at any acceptance facility. 1–2 weeks to center, process, return.

Example: Apply Oct 1 → Receipt Oct 8 → Issued Nov 5 → Delivered Nov 12.

Expedited Service

• Timeline: 2–3 weeks.
• Cost: +$60 fee (paid at facility).
• Process: Same as routine, but marked "EXPEDITED." 1–2 day mail to center prioritized.
• Best For: Travel within 2 months.

Urgent Services

• Life-or-Death Emergencies: 72 hours at passport agencies (Boston). Proof required (death certificate, medical docs). Appointment via 1-877-487-2778.
• Urgent Travel (no emergency): Expedited + overnight mail ($21.36 each way).
• State Department Cutoff: No service <14 days before travel.

Pro Tips:

• Track weekly; 80% meet estimates.
• NH mailing: St. Albans center efficient for Northeast.
• Peak seasons (summer, holidays): Add 1–2 weeks.

Fees and Payment Details

Application Fees (to State Dept., check/money order payable "U.S. Department of State"):

• Adult Book (10yr): $130
• Adult Card (10yr): $30
• Child Book (5yr): $100
• Child Card (5yr): $15

Execution Fee (to facility): $35 adult/$30 child (waived for 80+ renewals by mail).

Other:

• Expedited: $60
• 1–2 Day Delivery: $21.36
• Photos: $10–15

No personal checks for app fee; facilities accept cash/card for execution.

Common Mistakes and Planning Tips

Avoid delays with proactive planning. 30% of applications rejected for errors.

Top Mistakes

1. Incomplete Forms: DS-11/82 fields blank (e.g., no phone/emergency contact). Print black ink, single-sided.
2. Wrong Documents: Certified birth cert not original; expired ID. NH birth certs from vital records (concord.nh.gov).
3. Photos: Wrong size, smiling, eyeglasses. Use facilities for compliance.
4. Fees: Wrong amount/payee; crumpled checks.
5. Names Mismatch: Hyphenated/maiden names—use exactly as ID.
6. Children: Missing consent (DS-3053 notarized) or both parents.
7. Renewals by Mail: Only if passport undamaged, issued <15yrs, same name.
8. No Appointment: Turned away; waitlists 2–4 weeks.
9. Tracking Ignored: Assume delay = lost; monitor.
10. Rural Oversights: Assume local post office offers—verify.

Planning Checklist (6–8 Weeks Out)

1. 8 Weeks: Check eligibility, gather docs, photo.
2. 6 Weeks: Form, book appt (aim 4 weeks early).
3. 2 Weeks: Submit, track.
4. Travel Week: Verify passport validity (6 months for many countries).

NH-Specific Tips:

• Winter storms: Mail delays; apply early.
• College Students: Use UNH/Dartmouth for convenience.
• Military: Bases like Pease AFB refer to post offices.
• Bulk Families: Split appointments.

Rejection Fixes: Correct and resubmit—no extra execution fee if same visit.

Renewals, Children, and Special Cases

Renewals: DS-82 by mail if qualify (old passport enclosed). NH PO Boxes OK. 4–6 weeks routine.

Children Under 16: DS-11 in-person, both parents/guardians (or DS-3053). Valid 5 years.

Lost/Stolen: DS-11 + DS-64 + police report. $130+ replacement.

Name Change: Marriage/divorce cert + old passport.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI): Land/sea to Canada/Mexico: Passport card or enhanced DL suffices.

How City Guides Differ from the State Overview

This state hub offers a high-level, uniform view of processes applicable across New Hampshire—timelines, requirements, and statewide facility mechanics. It prioritizes consistency for residents planning from anywhere in the state.

City guides, by contrast, are hyper-local resources tailored to individual communities (e.g., Manchester, Portsmouth). They differ in:

• Facility-Specific Details: Exact addresses, hours, phone numbers, photo services, walk-in policies. State hub lists types; city guides provide directories.
• Local Logistics: Parking, public transit, nearby alternatives (e.g., Nashua guide notes I-93 access).
• Volume and Wait Times: Manchester (high-volume) vs. Littleton (low)—guides flag peak days.
• Unique Offerings: E.g., Keene Library's free photos; Concord's Saturday hours.
• Updates: City guides refreshed monthly for staffing changes.

Use state hub for strategy; city guides for execution. No overlap in content to avoid redundancy.

How to Use the City Guides in New Hampshire

1. Select your nearest city via state locator.
2. Scan for appointment links/hours.
3. Cross-check with state timelines/fees.
4. Print checklist; call to confirm.
5. If unavailable, pivot to adjacent city (e.g., Salem to Nashua).

City guides linked at nhpassportservices.gov (state portal).

Additional Resources and Contacts

• Official Locator: travel.state.gov → Passports → Get a Passport.
• NH Vital Records: For birth certs, dhhs.nh.gov/vital-records.
• Hotline: 1-877-487-2778 (M–F 8AM–10PM ET).
• Track: passportstatus.state.gov.
• COVID/Updates: Facilities mask-optional; verify.

Plan ahead—passports are your key to global travel. For emergencies, contact agencies directly.

(This hub last updated October 2023. Verify all details.)