Passports


EFFECTIVE MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2018 THE PASSPORT PROCESSING FEE WILL INCREASE TO $35.00

Important Information

  • Routine Service is now taking approximately 6-8 weeks. Please wait 7-10 business days to check on the status of the passport.
  • Expedited Service for Passports is now taking approximately 3 weeks. Please wait 5 business days to check on the status of your passport.

Passport Application Requirements

The following items are required when applying for a passport (16 years and older):

  • Application Processing Fees (refer to Passport Processing Fees below)
  • Completed Form DS-11 (Forms can be found online at the U.S. Department of State website)
  • Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (see list of valid options below)
    • a certified copy and photocopy is required
  • One 1 Passport Photo
  • Primary Form of Identification (see list of valid options below)
    • a photocopy is required

Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

(one of the following)

  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Certified Birth Certificate
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
  • Naturalization Certificate
  • Previous Passport

Primary Form of Identification

(one of the following)

  • Current Government ID
  • Current Military ID
  • Naturalization Certificate
  • Previously Issued U.S. Passport
  • Valid Driver's License

View a list of additional requirements for children 16 and under.

Watch how to apply for your child's passport.

Passport Processing Fees

Must be 2 separate payments:

  • USDoS = "U.S. Department of State"
  • COSM = "City of San Marcos"

(Prices effective: January 28, 2013) View pricing information.

Acceptable Payment Options

Only checks or money orders accepted for payments to USDoS.

The City of San Marcos will accept all forms of payments for the processing fee (excluding American Express).

Where to Check on the Status of Your Passport

National Passport Information Center (NPIC) 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays:

  • Email NPIC
  • Phone: 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778)
  • TDD/TTY Users: 1-888-874-7793

View online travel information.

Additional Information

The new requirements for passports are mandated by the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security. The 9/11 Commission recommended the stricter documentation for travelers. Congress passed the rules into law in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.