The Mankato Blue Earth County Government Center (ground floor) is the place to go to apply for a passport. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate (available at the vital statistics office of the courthouse of the county in which you were born). You will also need two passport photos; these photos must be a certain size with a light background. Kinko's can take them; you can also pay to have them taken at the Blue Earth County Gov't Center office when you apply for your passport. Visit this URL to print out passport application forms by downloading them: http://www.co.blue-earth.mn.us/dept/license/passport.php3

Receipt of the passport averages 4 to 6 weeks from the time of application. Expedited services are available. Call (507) 389-8343 for details and cost.

Passport fees for ages 16 and over (Valid for 10 years: total = $97.00.

$55 - Check or money order. Payable to US Department of State

$30 - Filing fee. Payable to Vital Statistics

$12 - photo fee