Getting a Passport

Here's how to get a U.S. passport.

Visit this website: http://travel.state.gov/passport

From this site you can download and print the appropriate form for:

  1. a new passport (Form DSP-11) or
  2. a renewal (Form DSP-82).

You may submit your passport application at any of 4,500 places nationwide (county courthouses, post offices, etc.). The website includes a database searchable by zip code, so you can find a place that is convenient for you.

Note: as of December 31, 2006, U.S. citizens must have a passport to go to and from Mexico.

Applying in Denton

If you wish to apply for a passport in Denton, follow these steps:

Obtain and fill out the proper form. DO NOT sign the application until you meet with the official at the County Courthouse; they must witness your signature. Go to the Records Office at the Denton County Courthouse, 1405 E. McKinney (940-349-2010) or the Denton Post Office, 101 E. McKinney (940-387-8555).

Take with you the following:

  1. Application completed but not signed (Printed on laser printer) (Form DS-11).
  2. Certified copy of your birth certificate. Persons born in Texas may obtain a copy of their birth certificate at the Courthouse for a fee of $23 (must be paid in cash).
  3. Driver's license or state-issued ID with picture.
  4. Two recently-made, identifical photographs. These must be 2" by 2" and meet the specifications for official passport photos (snapshots generally don't work). Instant passport photos can be made at the Passport Office (2 photos for $10; cash only), at Office Depot on San Jacinto Drive (2 for $5.95), at any CVS Pharmacy location, or at The Photo Place on Teasley ($2 for 8.00, $4 per additional set).
  5. Your Social Security number (card not needed).
  6. Applicants will need to know their address, birth date and place of birth, parent's birth date and place of birth, and spouse's birth date and place of birth.
  7. Payment for your passport: $67 in check or money order (for age 16 and over), payable to "Department of State." Passport cost for persons under age 16 is $82.
  8. Payment for execution fee: $30 in CASH.
  9. It takes 5-6 weeks to receive your passport.

Renewing Your Passport

You can renew your passport by mail if you:

  1. Already have a passport that is not damaged; and
  2. Received it within the past 15 years; and
  3. Were over age 16 when it was issued; and
  4. Still have the same name as in passport (or you can legally document your name change).

If you do not meet these criteria, you must apply in person using the steps outlined above.

For renewal by mail, send:

  1. Completed application (Form DS-82)
  2. Your most recent passport
  3. Two recently made, identical photographs
  4. Payment for your passport: $67 in check or money order, payable to "Department of State."

Mail in a padded envelope to:

National Passport Center
P.O. Box 371971
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7971

Additionally, to receive your passport as soon as possible, we strongly suggest that you arrange overnight delivery service both to send your passport application AND (prepaid) to return the passport to you. Expedited passport processing (2 to 3 weeks) is available for an additional charge of $60; see details on the website.