Renewing or Applying for a U.S. Passport

Revised October 2003

 

Getting Information: The process, requirements, and forms for obtaining a passport are outlined on the State Department Web site:

 http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html

 

The National Passport Information Center can provide information by phone 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 within the last 2 months of traveling is astronomical, and the chances of not receiving the passport in time are considerable.  Normal processing times take about 6 weeks, although this time can increase as the summer travel season approaches!  Apply NOW if you need a passport.

 

If the volunteer is applying for his or her first passport and is under age 18, the volunteer and a parent must both be present.   If the volunteer is age 18 or over, the volunteer can apply on his or her own.   The fee for a first passport for persons age 16 and older is $85; it is $70 for those under age 16.  The fee can be paid by personal check, money order, or traveler’s, cashier, or bank draft check.

 

In Houston, you can apply at certain post offices Here is a list of some of the post offices 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.

 

Facility Name                      Street Address                                            Phone 

USPS Bellaire                     5350 Bellaire Blvd.,  77401-9998            (713) 668-1083          

Westbury Place Station       11805 Chimney Rock,  77035                  (713) 728-5924

Fleetwood Station               315 Addicks-Howell Rd.  77079-9998     (281) 759-0101          

Westfield Station Houston  17119 Red Oak,  77090                           (800) 275-8777

League City Post Office     240 W. Galveston,  77573-9998               (281) 557-0781        

 

The applicant must take documentation to apply for a passport.

 

-        Proof of US citizenship– normally a birth certificate, report of birth abroad, or proof of naturalization or derived citizenship. 

 

-        Documentation proving identity – with a signature, photograph, and physical description.  A driver’s license (but not a learner’s permit) is normally the best identity document.  If the volunteer does not have a driver’s license, the parent may show their driver’s license and attest to the volunteer’s identity.

 

-        Two identical 2” x 2” passport photographs taken within the last 6 months.  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.

 

Renewals of passports that were issued before the holder’s 16th birthday must also be made in person, as described above.  The fee for a renewal passport is $55.  The old passport is cancelled and returned with the new one.