Passports

Passports are processed and issued by the U.S. Department of State. If you have already applied and would like to check the status of your application, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or visit their website.

Complete the DS-11 form and bring with to your appointment.

• A Social Security number is required. Bring a completed DS-11 application. You must use black ink; DO NOT sign the application.
• Bring required payment (check or money order only for U.S. Department of State payment)
• Submit proof of U.S. Citizenship (one of the following):
  • Certified birth certificate (issued by your county or state of birth)
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
  • Naturalization Certificate
  • Certificate of Citizenship
• Present current primary identification:
  • Current, undamaged passport
  • Valid MN driver’s license
  • Clipped MN Driver’s license with yellow receipt
  • Current MN ID card
  • Naturalization Certificate
  • Current Government ID (city, state or federal)
  • Current Military ID (military and dependents)
    • Note: An out-of-state Driver’s License or ID requires secondary identification.
• Provide a passport photo that meets the passport photo quality requirements. Photo services are available at Bloomington Civic Plaza.
• If the application is for a child, refer to the U.S. State Department's Minors Under Age 16 Web page.

 The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.

The U.S. Department of State Passport Services requires you to renew your passport by mail if it meets eligibility requirements. If your passport is eligible for renewal by mail, you cannot renew it at the Bloomington City Clerk’s Office. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's "Renew Passport" Web page.

For U.S. Department of State fees: Check or money order only. A separate check or money order is required for each application.

For City of Bloomington fees: Check, money order, cash or credit card.

We now offer routine service in 6-8 weeks and expedited service in 2-3 weeks. If you applied and have not received your passport, you may call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 and request to expedite your passport in up to 3 weeks.

Check the status of your passport online or by calling us at 1-877-487-2778.

Completed passports are delivered via U.S. mail to the address listed on your application. Passport processing is currently taking up to 8 weeks.

Our passport agencies and centers offer two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service. You must call 1-877-487-2778 to make one of these appointments. 

Routine service can take 6-8 weeks from the day an application is received at a passport agency or center to the day a new passport is received. 

Expedite service (for an additional $60) can take 2-3 weeks from the day an application is received at a passport agency or center to the day a new passport is received.

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak the Real ID deadline has been extended to May 7, 2025.

It’s one of three driver’s license options, not just in Minnesota but across the country. Regular Minnesota licenses will be accepted for official purposes, including air travel and federal facility entry, through May 7, 2025. Consider waiting until you have a change of address, change in your name or are close to your license expiration date to obtain a new one.

Minnesota is compliant with the REAL ID Act. Federal agencies can accept driver's licenses and identification cards from Minnesota at Federal facilities and nuclear power plants.

A Passport Book, Passport Card and Minnesota Enhanced Driver's License are Real IDs.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.

When it’s time for a new license, you have a choice of Real ID, Enhanced ID or Standard ID. All are valid for driving and most identification purposes. Only Real ID and Enhanced ID are acceptable for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025.

The ABCs of new IDs

• A - Additional documentation
  More documents are needed to apply for Real ID, Enhanced ID and Standard ID. The Real ID Act requires Minnesota and other states to verify each document. All documents must be originals or certified copies.
   
• B – Bloomington license office
  Bloomington Motor Vehicle Office is closed. Nearby Motor Vehicle Offices include Hennepin County Service Center (Southdale Mall, Edina), Burnsville License Center, and Richfield City Hall.
   
• C - Changed your name?
  Ever had a name change? If your current name is different from the name appearing on one or more documents, you will be required to submit proof for each name change. 

Save time online

An online pre-application lists each requirement in a step-by-step format. Completing it before visiting the Motor Vehicle office will save you time and prepare you for exactly what documents are necessary. 

Take note of what you need to complete your driver’s license renewal or application. The pre-application is available at blm.mn/preapp.

STEP is a free service provided by the Department of State where travelers can easily and quickly sign up online to receive travel and safety guidance and tips.  The information that enrollees receive comes from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate closest to the places where they are traveling.  For more information please visit travel.state.gov.