Passport Requirements
Follow the steps below if:
- First-time passport applicants
- If your last passport was issued when you were 15 years old or younger.
- If your passport was issued more than 15 years ago (expired for more than 5 years).
General Requirements for everyone
- All applicants must be present for a passport.
- Documents submitted with your application MUST be originals or certified copies (cannot be photocopies).
- Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances. Please see the U.S. Department of State website: US Passport Requirements.
- Adult passports for those 16 and older are valid for 10 years.
- Minor passports for those 15 and younger are valid for 5 years.
Components of a Passport Application
Fill out the passport application with the FREE online form filler here: DS-11 APPLICATION FORM
Or print and complete by hand here: DS-11 PDF
Do Not pay to fill out your application. DS-11 processing cannot be paid for online.
Use BLACK ink only and print single-sided on standard 8 1/2 x 11 paper. Do NOT sign the application or fill out the ID/license information section.
The applicant’s Social Security Number is REQUIRED to be written on the application, but you do not need to bring in the physical card.
- If the applicant does not have a SSN, an additional form provided by our facility must be filled out
In the section asking about the applicant's parents, the birth names of the parents are what they are asking for. What was the name of the parent with the Parent was born.
Be sure to select a box at the top of the form to indicate whether you’d like the passport book, passport card, or both:
- A passport book can be used for international travel by air, sea or land. You must also select how many pages you’d like the book to have: 28 (standard) or 52 (large). The number of pages does not change the price.
- A passport card cannot be used for international air travel. A passport card can only be used for entering the United States at land border crossings and seaports from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
- Valid or Expired Passport (if still valid, it must be mailed with the application)
- Original or certified copy of Birth Certificate that meets the below requirements:
- Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
- Lists applicant's full name, date of birth, and place of birth
- Lists parent(s)’ full names
- Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth or you will need secondary evidence of citizenship as well)
- Has the registrar's signature
- Has the seal of the issuing authority
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
If you were born in TEXAS, CALIFORNIA, or PUERTO RICO, please click here for more information about additional birth certificate requirements.
NOT accepted: photocopies, social security cards, birth announcements from churches or hospitals (certificates with footprints are only decorative).
You must provide one of the following for evidence of child's relationship to the parent/guardian(s):
- U.S. birth certificate including parent(s)' names (also counts as evidence of U.S. citizenship)
- Adoption decree including adopting parents(s)' names
- Divorce/Custody decree
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth (also counts as evidence of U.S. citizenship)
- Foreign birth certificate including both parent(s)' names with official English translation
- If a parent is deceased, please provide a death certificate
Parent's must also provide their valid government-issued ID. See section 4. Proof of Identity
Please note: Some documents, like a U.S. birth certificate, show both U.S. citizenship and parental relationship. These documents must be originals or certified copies (not photocopies).
You must provide ONE of the following:
- Valid in-state driver’s license
- Undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card (can be expired)
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
- U.S. military or military dependent ID
- Current (valid) foreign passport
- Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
- U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
- Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
- Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
Note: You may be asked for an additional ID if the photo no longer looks like you or if you present either of the following: in-state, valid learner's permit with photo, in-state, valid non-driver ID with photo, or temporary driver's license with photo.
You may bring in a passport photo, but we recommend getting your photo taken at our office during your appointment to ensure it fulfills the U.S. Department of State’s requirements.
Applicants
- All applicants must be present.
- Bring the original documents with your application.
- Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances. Please see the U.S. Department of State website: US Passport Requirements.
- If you’ll be having your passport photo taken, please be sure to dress according to the requirements. Darker clothing is preferred.
- Applicants aged 16-17 years old must provide proof of parental awareness when applying.
- Examples include one parent accompanying the applicant, or a signed statement of consent from one parent with a front and back photocopy of the parent's ID. The applicant should also bring their own proof of identification.
There are 2 separate payments required:
1a) Adult Fees Payable to the U.S. Department of State: ages 16 and above
- Adult Passport Book: $130
- Adult Passport Card: $30
- Optional Expedite Fee: $60
- Optional Passport Return 1-2 Day Priority Express Shipping: $22.05 (effective 6/27/2025)
- per applicant
- Regular 2-3 Day Priority Shipping is included in the application fee.
- The Passport Card cannot be shipped Priority Express.
1b) Minor Fees Payable to the U.S. Department of State: ages 15 and below
- Minor Passport Book: $100
- Minor Passport Card: $15
- Optional Expedite Fee: $60
- Optional Passport Return 1-2 Day Priority Express Shipping: $22.05 (effective 6/27/2025)
- per applicant
- Regular 2-3 Day Priority Shipping is included in the application fee.
- The Passport Card cannot be shipped Priority Express.
Check or money order ONLY - no cash, no cards, and no starter checks
Separate second payment information.
2) Fees Payable to Texas A&M University: all ages
- Execution fee: $35 per person
- Photo fee: $15
- Optional Application 1-2 Day Priority Express Shipping: $36.61 (per family)
- Regular 2-3 Day Priority Shipping is included in the execution fee
Credit/debit card, check, or money order ONLY- no cash, and no starter checks, $30 returned check fee for Texas A&M University.
Fees are subject to change at any time.
Application & Execution fees are regulated by the U.S. Department of State.
Priority Express Shipping fees are regulated by USPS.
COSTOS DEL PASAPORTE DE LOS EE. UU as of August 2025
You can apply for routine service and expect to receive a passport in 4-6 weeks (not including mailing time).
You also have the option of paying an additional $60 for expedited service to receive your passport in 2-3 weeks (not including mailing time).
If you need your passport in less than 3 weeks, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s website. USDOS Get my Passport Fast.
*Processing times are subject to change by the U.S. Department of State, check their website for current processing times.
Passport Support
If you have questions, please contact the National Passport Information Center OR Texas A&M Passport Office