What Information Do I Need to Get a Passport in Texas?
- Travelers need a certified copy of their birth certificate, naturalization papers or any government-issued document that establishes U.S. citizenship. Photo identification also must be presented, such as a valid driver's license or other government-issued photo ID. Travelers must also submit a photocopy of the front and back of the photo ID. This photocopy must have a copy of the front and back of the ID on one side of an 8-by-11 ½-sheet of paper. The passport agency or passport acceptance facility will not make copies for applicants.
The applicant must also present two identical, color, passport photographs. Passport photographs measure 2-by-2 inches. Normal street attire must be worn for the photos, and head wear and sunglasses are prohibited. In the case of newborns and infants, supportive devices of any kind are prohibited.
For minors applying for a passport, both parents or guardians must sign parental consent at the time of application. If only one parent or guardian is able to be present, a signed and notarized parental consent statement must be provided by the other parent or guardian. - Passport applications can be picked up at a passport agency or a passport acceptance facility, which normally is a U.S. post office. There are several regional passport agencies, including offices in Houston and Dallas, where you can apply if you need your passport within two weeks. Appointments are necessary at passport agencies.
First-time passport applicants must apply in person at either a regional passport agency or passport acceptance facility (such as a post office). Applicants must bring with them a completed application form and all required documentation. Many U.S. post offices now require a scheduled passport appointment, so it's best to call ahead. For minors applying for a passport, a parent or guardian must be present to sign parental consent at the time of application.
The cost of an adult passport is $75 plus and an additional $25 processing fee, as of October 2009. The cost of a children's passport is $60 plus the $25 processing fee. The passport fee and processing fee must be paid for separately. Checks for the passport are payable to the U.S. Department of State, while the processing fee is paid to the processing facility, normally the U.S. Post Office. - As of October 2009, the average processing time for passports is three to four weeks. If a passport is needed in less than two weeks for international travel or if a passport is needed within four weeks to obtain a foreign visa, applicants must schedule an appointment to apply for a passport at one of the regional passport agencies. There are passport agencies in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Tucson, Denver, Dallas and Houston. In addition, there are offices in Minneapolis, Chicago, New Orleans, Detroit, Miami, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.