Texas residents looking to obtain a U.S. passport must apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility. They must fill out a Form DS-11, the Application for a US Passport. All international travelers living in Texas must obtain a U.S. Passport, regardless of age. This includes infants and children. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied to a Passport Acceptance Facility by a parent or guardian in order to apply for a passport. Adults over the age of 17 who wish to renew their passports may do so by mail provided their previous passport is no more than 15 years old, was not issued before age 16 and their current passport is mailed with their renewal application. Form DS-82, the passport renewal by mail form is required to renew your passport.
The cost of a U.S. passport as of 2010 is $100 for a first time applicant age 16 or older. Adult passport renewals are $75. Minor applicants who are receiving their first passport or renewing their passport must pay $85. Passport acceptance facilities accept payment by cash, check, credit card or money order.
Required documentation for obtaining a passport includes proof of identity in the form of a driver's license, naturalization certificate, or current military or government ID. Proof of citizenship is required in the form of a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, consular report of birth abroad or a certificate of citizenship. Two color photos of must be submitted and must be identical, sized 1 to 1 3/8 inchesfrom chin to forehead, of your full face against a white background, in regular clothing, without hats or non-prescription glasses and cannot be more than six months old.
The time frame for receiving your U.S. passport is four to six weeks after submitting your application. Passports can be received within two to three weeks of applying if you choose to pay an additional $60 for expedited handling. Passports are mailed to you at your primary address once they have been issued.
Texas residents can apply for a U.S. passport at any Texas Passport Acceptance Facility. Passport Acceptance Facilities are generally post offices, public libraries and other federally appointed locations. Texas has 517 Passport Acceptance Facility locations all over the state for the convenience of Texas residents.
