A passport is a license to travel outside of the United States into or through other countries. It is our government’s assurance to other governments that the bearer is a citizen or a national of the United States and may be extended the usual courtesies and assistance afforded international travelers in accordance with international law and practices as well as reciprocal privileges usually embodied in formal agreements. Passports are issued by the Secretary of State.

You should have a U.S. passport if:

• You have family living or traveling abroad
• You are thinking about a vacation abroad, or
• You have a job that could require international travel

Apply in person if you respond “YES” to at least one of the following statements:

• I am applying for my first US passport book or card
• I am applying with my child who is under age 16
• My most recent US passport was issued when I was under age 16
• My most recent US passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
• My most recent US passport was issued more than 15 years ago

If you could not respond “Yes” to at least one statement, go to http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport.html

ADULTS

• Complete DS-11 Form
  • Must be legible and completed in black ink to avoid delays
  • DO NOT SIGN YOUR FORM until asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent or employee
• Proof of United States citizenship (and photocopy of proof)
  • US birth certificate
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Full validity (may be expired), undamaged US passport
• Proof of your identity (Bring a physical photo ID and a front and back photocopy of it)
  • Texas driver’s license or identification card (if from another state bring a second photo id)
  • Military ID Card
  • Federal, state, or city government employee identification
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Previous Passport (Valid or Expired)
• Marriage License (if married and name is different from birth certificate.  Recent marriage license if married more than once)
• Certified Divorce Decree (for each divorce if more than one)
• Applicants 15 and under
  • BOTH PARENTS must be present with proof of the minor’s relationship to parents/guardian(s) with a valid Government Issued Photo ID OR one parent or legal guardian with either a notarized consent letter or DS-3053 Statement of Consent along with a copy of his/her identification - front and back, Birth Certificate naming only one parent, or Certified Court Order
  • Proof of the minor’s US Citizenship
  • Passport validity of 5 years - birth certificate and passport are required to apply

YOU WILL NEED TWO DIFFERENT FORMS OF PAYMENT

Passport Application Fees (check or money order for each application) made payable to the U.S. Department of State AND SEPARATE PAYMENT - Acceptance and Photo Fee - cash, card or money order - made payable to Brazoria County District Clerk (no personal checks)

PRIORITY MAIL EXPRESS FEE INCREASE EFFECTIVE JUNE 27TH - NOW $22.05

Passport Application Fees (check or money order) made payable to US Department of State

Adult 16 years + Passport Book: 

• Required Fee - Application Fee $130.00 per application (6-8 Wks)
• Optional Fee - Expedite Fee (Provides faster processing than routine service from the US Dept. of State) $60.00 per application (2-3 wks) ($130.00 + $60.00 = $190.00)
• Optional Fee - 1-2 Day Delivery (delivery of an issued passport book from the US Dept of State to customer in the US. Not valid for passport cards) $22.05 per application (2 day return) ($130.00 + $60.00 + $22.05 = $212.05)

Adult 16 years + Passport Card: (for travel by land and sea ONLY)

• Required Fee - Application Fee $30.00 per application (6-8 Wks)

• Optional Fee - Expedite Fee (Provides faster processing than routine service from the US Dept. of State) $60.00 per application (2-3 wks) ($30.00 + $60.00 = $90.00)

Adult 16 years + Passport Book & Card:

• Required Fee - Application Fee $160.00 per application (6-8 Wks)

• Optional Fee - Expedite Fee (Provides faster processing than routine service from the US Dept. of State) $60.00 per application (2-3 wks) ($160.00 + $60.00 = $220.00) 

Child 15 Years & Under Passport Book:

• Required Fee - Application Fee $100.00 per application (6-8 Wks)
• Optional Fee - Expedite Fee (Provides faster processing than routine service from the US Dept. of State) $60.00 per application (2-3 wks) ($100.00 + $60.00 = $160.00)
• Optional Fee - 1-2 Day Delivery (delivery of an issued passport book from the US Dept of State to customer in the US. Not valid for passport cards) $22.05 per application (2 day return) ($100.00 + $60.00 + $22.05 = $182.05)

Child 15 Years & Under Passport Card: (for travel by land and sea ONLY)

• Required Fee - Application Fee $15.00 per application (6-8 Wks)

• Optional Fee - Expedite Fee (Provides faster processing than routine service from the US Dept. of State) $60.00 per application (2-3 wks) ($15.00 + $60.00 = $75.00)

Child 15 Years & Under Passport Book & Card:

• Required Fee - Application Fee $115.00 per application (6-8 Wks)

• Optional Fee - Expedite Fee (Provides faster processing than routine service from the US Dept. of State) $60.00 per application (2-3 wks) ($115.00 + $60.00 = $175.00)

   
  **Execution/Photo Fees - SEPARATE PAYMENT from passport payment.  Cash, card or money order - made payable to Brazoria County District Clerk (no personal checks):

• DS-11 forms are charged a $35.00 execution fee
• Passport Pictures offered for $15.00 fee
• Execution & photo $35.00 + $15.00 = $50.00 per person

Photo

• You will need to provide a passport sized photograph. If you are unable to bring photographs with you, the District Clerk’s Office will take the photos for you at a fee of $15.00 per applicant.
• Photographs should be 2 x 2 inches in size with the head centered and sized between 1 and 1.4 inches.
• Photographs should be a portrait type print taken within 6 months of applying for your passport.
• Background must be white or off-white, without shadows, and is plain without texture, objects or lines.
• You should be directly facing the camera with a neutral expression and eyes clearly visible. No eyeglasses or sunglasses.
• No hats or head coverings. Religious purposes you must submit a signed statement stating this fact or medical purposes must submit medical documentation signed by a doctor.
• Children - No other person in the photo and the child facing the camera with eyes open.

• Routine - 4 to 6 weeks
• Expedited - 2 to 3 weeks
• Urgent - must make an appointment by visiting travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778
• Check status of passport by visiting http://travel.state.gov/

Information below is from the US Department of State - travel.state.gov

Primary Application Form for a US Passport 

Application for a US Passport - DS-11

• Use if you are applying for the first time, for your child who is under age 16, or you don't meet our requirements to renew your passport.  Print the form but do not sign it until we ask you to do so.

Renewal Application - DS-82

• Eligible US Citizens can renew a passport online
• Not eligible to renew online? Renew by mail.  Sign and date the form after you print it.

Data Corrections, Some Name Changes, and Limited-Validity Passports - DS-5504

• Use if you need to change or correct your passport, or you need to replace a limited-validity passport.  Sign and date the form after you print it.

Forms for Special Situations

Reporting Your Valid Passport Lost or Stolen - DS-64

• Use if you lost your valid passport or it has been stolen.  To replace a lost or stole passport, you must apply in person and submit both Form DS-11 and Form DS-64.

Statement of Consent for Issuing a Passport to a Child - DS-3053

• Use if one parent or guardian cannot go with the child to apply in person for the child's passport.  The parent or guardian should submit this special form with Form DS-11.

Statement of Special Family Circumstances - DS-5525

•  Use in limited circumstances if one parent or guardian cannot locate the other parent or guardian.  The parent who is applying should submit this special form with Form DS-11.

Statement You Did Not Receive Your US Passport - DS-86

• Use if we mailed your passport and you did not receive it within two weeks of us mailing it.  Call us and we will provide information about this form.

Updates from US Department of State and Additional Information

Get Real ID Ready - Passport Book and Card are Real ID alternative

Get Real ID Ready (2) - Do you have a Real ID compliant driver's license?

U. S. Department of State - travel.state.gov
Embassy Listings - usembassy.gov
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) - step.state.gov/step
Department of State’s Students Abroad - studentsabroad.state.gov