Frequently Asked Questions
Appointments
- Any U.S. citizen may apply for a U.S. passport with us. Applicants do not need to be associated with TAMU.
- We currently only have walk-in hours.
- Arrive 30 min before closing to ensure enough time for execution. While this is enough time for most applications, those with multiple applicants or special circumstances may take longer.
- All applicants must be present, including minor/infant applicants.
Walk-In Hours are
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fridays 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Hours, Location, Parking, including closures
Documentation
- Texas Birth Certificates
- The U.S. Department of State will not accept short-form birth certificates withour the "i". You will need to order a new Texas birth certificate. Please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics website at https://dshs.texas.gov/vs/. Please request a long-form birth certificate as the "i" is not guaranteed on a short form.
- You can also contact the office of vital stastics in the County of your birth and request a new long-form birth certificate.
- You may visit the Brazos County Courthouse or the College Station City Secretary. However, if you were not born in Brazos County, you will be issued a short form. The "i' is not guaranteed on a short form. You will not know if you have the "i" until it is printed.
- Out-of-State IDs. If you present an out-of-state ID, you must present an additional ID see the most common from the list below:
- Employee work ID
- Student ID
- Social Security card
- Voter registration card
- Selective Service (draft) card
- Medicare or other health card
- Credit card (will not be photocopied)
- Possibly other ID with a photograph
- Original citizenship document is required
- The document will be mailed back to you. It will most likely be in a separate mailing from you new passport.
- If you do not receive the documents back within 2-4 weeks of receiving your new passport: Phone 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY)
Processing Times
- Routine processing is 4-6 weeks
- Expedited processing is 2-3 weeks
- Processing times are subject to change. Check the Department of State passport website for up to date information.
Hand Carry/Courier applications are NOT accepted unless traveler is 2 weeks (or 4 weeks and needs a visa) from travel
- If you do not receive your passport in that timeframe contact:
- Phone 1-877-487-2778
- 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY)
- You may track the status of your application online at any time. Note: It can take up to 2-3 weeks currently for your application to be tracked online.
Payment Information
Separate payments are required
USDOS must be a check or money order ONLY
Name must be pre-printed on the check (no starter checks)
Separate check or money order for each applicant
Application fee: DS-11
Expedite fee optional
1-2 day completed book express shipping to applicant -optional
TAMU can be debit/credit/check/money order
Name must be pre-printed on the check (no starter checks)
include Phone number and DL number on check
$30 return check fee
Execution fee: DS-11
Photo fee if we take your photo
1-2 day application express shipping to processing facility optional
Application Items
- Mailing Address: Is the address you want everything mailed to. You cannot mail your passport to our office.
- Social Security number is required on the application.
- Parents names: Write the names your parents had at THEIR birth (not yours).
- A typed application is preferred to cut down on mistakes at the processing center.
Applying/Traveling with a Disability
- Applying with a Disability
- Travelers with Disabilities
Other
- Lost or Stolen
- Damaged Passports
- You must reapply for a new passport if the passport was damaged, washed, or other water damage. The damaged passport must be submitted with a note as to the cause of damage and an alternate proof of citizenship must be included (such as a birth certificate). Note: Water damaged passports may not looked damaged once dried, however the internal chip may be damaged and it is recommended to replace the passport.
- Passport Book vs Passport Card
- The passort card is the wallet-size travel document that can only be used to re-enter the United States at land border-crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexido, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card provides a less expensive, smaller, and convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations or by sea.
- The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.
- You may have both the book and the card.
- Cruises in the Gulf, Caribbean, or Alaskan coast using a passport card.
- Please contact your travel provider and ask them if the passport card is acceptable for all ports.
