Finance Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any good federal online resources regarding passport applications?
Yes. The US Department of State provides extensive online resources relating to the passport application process. You can do things such as check application status online, download passport forms, or learn what to do if a passport is lost or stolen.

• Can I pay for my water bill online or with a Credit Card?
  No and Yes. We do not currently accept payments online, but we can accept Visa or Mastercard either over-the-phone or at our front counter. To pay over-the-phone, please call 503-691-3056. To pay in-person, please come to the front desk of the Council Chambers at 18880 SW Martinazzi Ave.

• Can my passport application be expedited?
  Yes, it is an additional $60.00 to expedite the passport application (recommended if your travel date is within 4 weeks of application- this is subject to change depending on workload). Also, if you wish, the U.S. Department of State will overnight your passport when completed, for an additional fee of $12.72, included with the $60.00 expedite fee. You may also have your passport application sent overnight delivery to the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. Post Office fee is $18.50, and you will need to provide the pre-paid paperwork when applying for your application.

• Do I have to come to court for my "Fix-it" ticket or can I take care of it beforehand?
  In the City of Tualatin, we focus on making our roadways a safer place for us to drive. As such, the Municipal Court has estrablished the Vehicle Compliance Program. This program offers you the opportunity to correct a vehicle equipment defect, prior to your court date, in exchange for dismissal of the cited violation. To take advantage of this program, you MUST DO ALL of the following before your court date: Procedure
  1. Repair or correct the Violation.
  2. Download the "Fix-it" Tickets/Vehicle Complaince Program Form and fill out the "Defendents" section.
  3. Bring the vehicle and form to the Tualatin Police Department at 8650 SW Tualatin Rd., Tualatin, OR 97062 for a vehicle inspection. Inspections WILL ONLY be conducted on Monday through Friday (except Holidays) between 9am and 4pm. If the violation has been corrected, a representative of the Tualatin Police Department will complete the "Police Office" section.
  4. Take the completed form along with your citation and a $25.00 Administrative Fee to the Municipal Court.
  Upon completion of all the steps the Tualatin Municipal Court will dismiss your violation.

• Do I need to bring a birth certificate to apply for a passport?
  Applicants born in the United States need to submit a previous U.S. Passport or CERTIFIED birth certificate. Minors must submit both of those items for passport renewals and a CERTIFIED birth certificate for an original application. This must be the birth certificate issued by the official custodian of such records of the State of your birth. The birth certificate issued by the hospital where you were born is NOT acceptable. If the applicant has U.S. Citizenship through Naturalization, the Certificate of Naturalization must be submitted. The Passport Application (DS-11) outlines Proof of U.S. Citizenship required in most instances.

• Does the City offer a payment plan for my ticket?
  Yes. You must appear at the Municipal Court Clerk's office to set up a payment plan. The City adds a 25% fee to for the convenience of a payment plan. You will not be sent a bill or a statement. It is your responsibility to send payment to the Court by the due date once a payment agreement has been signed.

• How do I get passport photos?
  To apply for a passport you need two identical passport photos taken within the last six months. The City of Tualatin takes passport photos, for a $16 fee. Also, the Yellow Pages, under "Photographers" usually lists businesses that provide passport photo services. Vending machine prints, full-length photographs and school pictures are not acceptable.

• How do I take care of the traffic ticket I received in Tualatin?
  1. By mail, following the instructions on the reverse side of the citation, by your Court date printed on the front.
  2. At the Court Clerk's desk in the Municipal Court BEFORE your Court Date.
  3. By appearing in Court at the time written on the face of your citation.

• How long does it take to receive my passport?
  The U.S. Department of State’s National Service Commitment is that customers will receive their passports within 6 weeks from receipt of completed applications by Passport Acceptance Agencies (this is subject to change depending on workload). Applications accepted by the City of Tualatin are sent to the Seattle Regional Passport Agency the same day they are processed. The U.S. Department of State will mail your passport and return your birth certificate, your naturalization certificate, or other documents sent in with your application.

• How much does a new passport cost?
  For ages 16 and Over, the cost is $135.00 to be made in two separate payments: $110.00 (Check or Money Order), payable to the U.S. Dept. of State, and $25.00 (Check, Money Order, Credit Card or Cash) payable to the City of Tualatin. For ages 15 and under, the cost is $105.00 to be made in two separate payments: $80.00 (Check or Money Order), payable to the U.S. Dept. of State, and $25.00 (Check, Money Order, Credit Card or Cash) payable to the City of Tualatin.

• I have never been to court before. Can somebody tell me how I should plea?
  The Municipal Court staff can answer questions about court schedule, bail amounts, and other administrative matters, but cannot give legal advice. If you need legal advice, you should consult an attorney. For help in finding an attorney, call the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service at (503) 620-0333, online at www.osbar.org, or refer to the Yellow Pages. The majority of cases heard in Municipal Court are traffic infractions.

• I heard that I can watch a video recording of my photo red light ticket. How do I access it?
  Go to the Website: www.photonotice.com Enter the City Code: TULTOR then follow the instructions to view a 12 second video of the violation for which you have received a citation. You will need both your citation number and your licence plate to access your video.

• I just received a "seat belt" ticket. Can I take a class to get it off my record?
  Yes, if this is the first seatbelt ticket you have received. Follow the procedure below to take the seat belt diversion class:
  1. Appear at the Court office window to collect the information about the class BEFORE the court date listed on your citation.
  2. Complete the class within 30 days and return the certificate of completion to the Court.
  3. Pay $55 fee to the Court at the time you select the seat belt diversion class option.
  4. Attend the class and pay $20 cash fee to organization sponsoring the class.
  5. Turn in certificate to Court.
  6. Citation dismissed.

• Is Tualatin water fluoridated?
  Trace amounts of fluoride are naturally present in raw water sources. Neither the City of Portland nor the City of Tualatin add fluoride to the water. Check with your dentist to see if supplemental fluoride is recommended for your family.

• What happens if I miss my court date or don't get my payment in on time?
  Failure to appear for a traffic citation will result in an automatic Guilty by Default finding with the full fine amount due immediately; and your driving privileges may be suspended. There is also a $30 fee for failing to appear. You are not eligible for a payment plan if your citation is in "suspended status". Failure to pay a traffic citation by the deadline will result in suspension of your driving privileges with a $70 reinstatement fee added to the balance. Your account may also be sent to a collection agency.

• What kinds of identification are acceptable for a passport application?
  Items such as a U.S. Passport, valid driver’s license (must be six months or more since issued), Certificate of Naturalization, or government (Federal, State, municipal) identification card or pass.

• When are water bills sent?
  Water bills are mailed the last working day of each month.

• Where can I get passport application forms?
  Passport forms are available at the Tualatin Library and theTualatin Council Building, at the Reception Area, 18880 SW Martinazzi Avenue, Tualatin, OR 97062. You can also download the necessary forms from the U.S. State Department website.

• Why can't I use the passport card to fly to Canada and Mexico?
  The passport card is designed for the specific needs of border resident communities and is not a globally interoperable travel document as is the traditional passport book. The passport book is the appropriate travel document for most international travel.