FAQs

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Hours, Closures, and Location

Please refer to our contact page for the most up-to-date information regarding walk-in hours, closures, and location.

• Any U.S. citizen may apply for a U.S. passport with us. Applicants do not need to be associated with TAMU.
• 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.

Avoid Scams

Do NOT pay online services to complete passport forms. Use the official U.S. government site for FREE form fillers.

Hand Carry/Courier applications are NOT accepted unless traveler is 2 weeks (or 4 weeks and needs a visa) from travel. 

Not all Expeditor/Courier companies are registered with the U.S. Department of State. List of Registered Companies. Do NOT pay outside companies for service with the following timelines: 2-3 weeks (expedited) or 4-6 weeks (routine). These are the current passport processing timelines. 

Documentation

• Texas Birth Certificates
  • The U.S. Department of State will not accept short-form birth certificates without 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 Texas Vital Statistics. 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 statistics 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 your 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.
• 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

 

• U.S. Dept. of State 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 

  • 1-3 day completed book express shipping to applicant-optional

• Texas A&M can be debit/credit/check/money order

  • Name must be pre-printed on the check (no starter checks)

    • include Phone number and driver's license number on check

    • $30 return check fee

  • Execution fee: DS-11

  • Photo fee if we take your photo 

  • 1-3 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.
• All applicants must be present, even infants.

Applying/Traveling with a Disability

• Applying with a Disability
• Travelers with Disabilities

Passport Card Information

Passport Book vs Passport Card

• The passport 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, Mexico, 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 by land or 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.

Name Changes and Corrections

The following situations can be corrected/updated with Form DS-5504.

See Change or Correct a Passport for the full guidelines. 

• Printing error 
  • Missing or incorrect data
  • Discoloration or crooked printing
  • Photo printing error
• Name Change
  • It has been less than one year after BOTH passport was issued and name was legally changed.
  • If the above does not apply, you can renew your passport with your updated name.
    • You must meet the requirements for a renewal passport, if not you apply for a new passport

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports

• 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: A water damaged passports may not look damaged once dried, however the internal chip may be damaged and it is recommended to replace the passport.

Hand Carry/Courier Applications

Hand-carry or courier passport applications are NOT accepted unless travel is within 2 weeks (or 4 weeks with a visa). Only U.S. Department of State–registered courier companies are permitted.