Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Department of State Passport website or email us at abroad@tamu.edu.

Appointments

Any U.S. citizen may apply for a U.S. passport with us. Applicants do not need to be associated with TAMU.
Appointment only. Appointments can be made at: https://swan.tamu.edu/educationabroad. Click on a specific date to see availability.
Separate photo appointments are not necessary if you are applying for your passport in our office.
If you only need a photo, no appointment is necessary M-F 9 am – 4 pm.
Appointments are scheduled for an 30 min 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.

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)

Routine processing is 6-8 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
- DO NOT pay online to fill out passport forms. FREE official https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html has the FREE U.S. Government form fillers.
  - In addition, email abroad@tamu.edu with any questions.
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.

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).

Lost or Stolen
- Complete a DS-64: Statement of Lost or Stolen Passport form. In addition you will have to reapply for a New Adult or Minor Passport.
- If you have reported your passport lost and you find it later, you may no longer use it to travel.
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.