Renewing or Applying for a U.S. Passport

Revised October 2008

 

Getting Information: The process, requirements, and forms for obtaining a passport are outlined on the State Department web site:  http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

You are encouraged to study that State Department website for the most accurate and updated information.  The National Passport Information Center also can provide information by calling 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778).  Customer service representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, excluding federal holidays. Automated information is available 24/7.

 

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO APPLY!  The cost of applying for expedited service to receive a passport is great, and the chances of not receiving the passport in time are considerable.  Normal processing times take about a month, although this time can increase as the summer travel season approaches!  Apply NOW if you need a passport. Most facilities where you can apply in person are only open during school hours, and often do not have weekend hours.  So please plan ahead to get this done early.

If you do not have proof of citizenship (usually a birth certificate) and a social security number, start now to obtain them.  They both are necessary to submit with your application., and these take time to obtain.

If applying for your passport and you are under age 16, you must apply in person with both parents or guardians (special provisions can be made for one parent appearing - see their web site), and there are special documentation requirements for you and your parents.  Read carefully their requirements at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html. If age 16 or 17, you must apply in person, and parental consent may be requested. We suggest you phone the office where you intend to apply for clarification of their requirements, and in any case you might do well to bring a parent.  If age 18 or over, apply on your own.   

 

In Houston, you can apply at certain post offices and other public facilities.  Refer to http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ for the nearest locations to your zip code.  At many locations you must call and make an appointment before you go. It is recommended that as you make your appointment, you clarify all of the requirements.  The State Department website has been known to have content which is not supported by individual passport offices.

  

The applicant must bring documentation to apply for a passport. Study the State Department website for the requirements.

Two identical 2” x 2” passport photographs taken within the last 6 months must be submitted with your application.  See website for other specifications for the photo, but before deciding to print your own photos at home, call the local passport office. In the past, some home printed photos complying with the standards published on the web have been rejected.  Passport photos made commercially will be accepted.  Many Walgreens and CVS photo departments can take passport photos.