Passport Application Types

This option is for first-time applicants and people who cannot get a new passport by mail.

If you've never had a U.S. passport, are 16 or under, or aren't allowed to renew an existing passport by mail, you need to apply for a new passport in person. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is an officially designated Passport Acceptance Facility by the U.S. Department of State.

We are located in the University Center at 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412.

Step 1: Gather Documents Early

Generally, you should apply for your new passport as soon as you know you’ll be traveling internationally—at least several months in advance. Passport processing times may vary, so be sure to check the latest State Department service estimates. First-time applicants, minors, and applicants who need a new passport but may not renew by mail may submit their passport application at the Post Office. The U.S. State Department website explains what you'll need to bring with you.

• Application forms (unsigned)
• Proof of identity document and a photocopy of the front and back
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship document and a photocopy of the front and back
• Passport fees

Apply for a Passport in Person

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package

Visit the U.S. Department of State website to learn how to apply for a passport and what documents you need.

1. Complete your Form DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport on the State Department website.
2. Print your completed application. DO NOT SIGN YOUR APPLICATION. A Passport Acceptance Agent must witness your signature.
3. Have a passport photo taken. If you wish for your passport photo to be taken at SandDollar Services, there will be a $15 photo fee.
4. Photocopy your proof of identity and U.S. Citizenship documents.
5. Calculate your fees.
   • SandDollar Services accepts credit cards, debit cards, cash, and checks for acceptance fees.
   • State Department fees are mailed with your application. You can pay with a personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's check, or money order, payable to "U.S. Department of State."

Get Started on Your Application

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

SandDollar Services offers Passport Services Monday through Friday | 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM. You must have an appointment; walk-ins are not permitted. You can schedule you appointment here.

Scheduling Online

1. Schedule an Appointment.
2. Choose the passport service you need, along with the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
3. You may then choose a date and time of your choosing based on availability.
4. After you choose your appointment time, provide your contact information and confirm the appointment.

If you need to modify or cancel your appointment, please call SandDollar Services at 361-825-3214 or e-mail us at sanddollar@tamucc.edu.

Step 4: Pay Passport Acceptance & Processing Fees

First-time passport applications have two types of basic fees, the application acceptance fee and the application processing fee. Passport photos and fees for faster processing are extra. Learn how to calculate fees and what you can use to pay for them.

Application Acceptance Fees – SandDollar Services

Pay acceptance fees in person at SandDollar Services in the University Center. You may pay by debit card, credit card, cash, or check.

• $35.00 - Passport Acceptance Fee
• $15.00 - Passport photo fee (if needed)

Application Processing Fees – Department of State

State Department payment is sent with your application package. State Department fees are paid separately from SandDollar Services fees.

• State Department Fees
  State Department passport fees vary. Calculate passport fees online.
• State Department Payment Methods
  NOTE: You may not pay State Department fees with credit or debit cards. You may pay with:
  • Personal, certified, cashier's, or traveler's check, payable to "U.S. Department of State."
  • Money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." You can buy a money order at the Post Office with cash, a debit card, or a traveler's check. You cannot pay with a credit card.

Most people renewing a passport should mail their application directly to the State Department.

If you are eligible to renew your passport, please complete Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 (see completion instructions on the form), and mail your completed renewal application directly to the State Department for processing. To verify if your passport is eligible for renewal by mail, please visit State Department Renew By Mail.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail
A minor's passport may not be renewed by mail; to renew a minor's passport, you need to submit a new, first-time passport application in person. An adult passport may be renewed by mail if it meets certain requirements.

You can renew your adult passport by mail if you answer "Yes" to all 5 of the following statements:

Your passport:

1. Is in your possession to submit with your application.
2. Is undamaged other than normal "wear and tear."
3. Was issued when you were age 16 or older.
4. Was issued within the last 15 years.
5. Was issued in your current name or you can document your name change. (Name changes are explained on Change a Passport.)

If your passport does not meet all these requirements, do not mail your renewal application. You must prepare the same application package as a first-time passport applicant.

State Department Renew by Mail

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package
Apply early for renewals as many countries require that passports be valid for at least 6 months after you enter their country. Learn how to properly prepare your application package and include all the necessary documents so your passport is processed on time.

1. Complete your Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 on the State Department website.
2. Print and sign your DS-82 form.
3. Have a passport photo taken. SandDollar Services offers passport photos for $15.00 + tax.
4. Calculate your passport renewal fees.
5. Collect your most recent passport, completed and signed application, renewal fees, and name change documents, if needed.
6. Choose your envelope.
- Use an envelope large enough to fit the application without folding it.
7. Address the envelope to the location for your state. See page 2 of your DS-82 form.

How to Renew a Passport - Details

Step 3: Mail Your Renewal Application
Department of State recommends using a USPS delivery tracking service to mail your renewal application.

Choose one of the following services:
- USPS Priority Mail® Service with Delivery Confirmation
- USPS Priority Mail® Service with Signature Confirmation
- USPS Priority Mail Express® Service (for overnight delivery requests)
Compare Delivery Tracking Services
 

Step 4: Follow Your Application Progress
If you use a USPS delivery tracking service, go to USPS Tracking to see when your package is delivered.

With a USPS tracking service, you can see when your application arrived using the tracking number on your receipt.
Use the Online Passport Status System to check your application status if you applied by mail or in person. You may not be able to get a status update for 2 weeks after you apply or renew. During these weeks, your application and supporting documents are on their way to the Department of State. See more information about current processing times on the Department of State page "U.S. Passports."

Eligible U.S. citizens who want routine service can renew their passports online. 

The only official, authorized place to renew your U.S. passport online is opr.travel.state.gov.

You can renew your passport online if you meet all these requirements:

• The passport you are renewing is (or was) valid for 10 years. It must be expiring within 1 year or have expired less than 5 years ago. Check your passport's date of issue and expiration.
• You are age 25 or older.
• You are not changing your personal information such as your name or sex.
• You are not traveling for at least 6 weeks from the date you will submit your application. We only offer routine service.
• You are located in a U.S. state or territory at the time you submit your application. 
  • Do not use your most recent passport after you renew it. We will cancel it so you cannot use it for international travel. 
• You have your passport with you, it is not damaged or mutilated, and you have not reported it as lost or stolen. 

If you do not qualify to renew online, you may be able to renew by mail.

Passports for children (under 16) have special requirements. Please review the necessary information and come prepared.

Passport applications for children under 16 have special requirements.

• Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of a child's passport. The best way to give consent is for both parents/guardians to go with the child when applying.
• Children need evidence of citizenship.
• Parents/guardians need proof of parental relationship.
• NOTE: Children's passports are only valid for 5 years. They are not "renewable": When a child's passport expires, you must apply for a new passport for them. When making a passport appointment for a child, please choose "New Passport Only" or "New Passport with Photo Services."

Apply for a Minor's Passport