Passport Cost in Texas: Everything You Need to Know
Traveling internationally is an exciting adventure, but before you can jet off to your dream destination, you’ll need to make sure you have a valid passport. If you’re a Texas resident, you might be wondering how much it will cost you to get or renew your passport. In this article, we’ll break down the passport cost in Texas and provide you with all the information you need to know.
Passport Book vs. Passport Card
First things first, it’s important to understand that there are two types of passports you can apply for: a passport book and a passport card. The passport book is the traditional and more widely accepted form of passport, which allows you to travel internationally by air, sea, or land. The passport card, on the other hand, is a more limited form of passport that only allows for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Passport Fees
The cost of a passport in Texas varies depending on whether you’re getting a passport book, a passport card, or both. Here is a breakdown of the current fees:
– Standard Passport Book (Adults 16 and older): $110 application fee + $35 execution fee
– Standard Passport Book (Children under 16): $80 application fee + $35 execution fee
– Standard Passport Card (Adults 16 and older): $30 application fee + $35 execution fee
– Standard Passport Card (Children under 16): $15 application fee + $35 execution fee
– Both Passport Book and Passport Card (Adults 16 and older): $140 application fee + $35 execution fee
– Both Passport Book and Passport Card (Children under 16): $95 application fee + $35 execution fee
Expedited Processing
If you’re in a hurry to get your passport, you can opt for expedited processing, which will get your passport to you in 4-6 weeks instead of the standard 6-8 weeks. The fee for expedited processing is an additional $60 per application.
Where to Apply
In Texas, you can apply for a passport at any of the over 200 acceptance facilities, which include post offices, libraries, and county clerk’s offices. You can also apply at one of the 25 passport agencies and centers located throughout the US. To find the closest acceptance facility or passport agency to you, you can use the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Tool on the US Department of State’s website.
Renewing Your Passport
If your passport is about to expire or has already expired, you’ll need to renew it before you can travel internationally. The cost to renew a passport in Texas is the same as applying for a new one, but you can use the DS-82 form for renewal instead of the DS-11 form. To renew your passport by mail, you’ll need to have your most recent passport, a completed DS-82 form, a recent passport photo, and the appropriate fees. If you’re renewing in person, you’ll also need to bring proof of citizenship, a valid form of ID, and a photocopy of the front and back of your ID.
Additional Fees
In addition to the standard application and execution fees, there are a few other fees that you may encounter when applying for or renewing your passport. These include:
– Passport Photos: You’ll need to submit a recent passport photo with your application, which can cost anywhere from $10-$20 depending on where you get it taken.
– Name Change: If you’ve had a legal name change since your last passport was issued, you’ll need to provide documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
– Expedited Shipping: If you want your passport delivered to you faster than the standard 6-8 weeks, you can opt for expedited shipping at an additional cost.
Conclusion
Getting a passport in Texas is a straightforward process, but it’s important to be aware of the costs involved. Whether you’re applying for a new passport, renewing an old one, or need expedited processing, make sure you have all the necessary documents and fees ready before you begin the application process. With the right information and preparation, you’ll be ready to embark on your international travels in no time.
