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Passport Frequently Asked Questions

  • Appointment times vary by individual, but most are approximately 30 minutes per applicant
  • Completing applications and reimbursement forms prior to your scheduled appointment will shorten appointment time
  • Due to the high volume of applications, appointments are required
  • Appointments should be made over the phone by calling 713-743-4687
  • To show proof of U.S. Citizenship, applicants must provide one of the following documents (original AND single-sided photocopy):
    • Previously issued, undamaged U.S. Passport (no photocopy needed)
    • Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state (Laminated birth certificates are not accepted by the U.S. Department of State)
    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Certificate of Citizenship
  • For additional information, please visit state.gov

Proof of U.S. Citizenship must be submitted in original format. Originals will be returned to the applicant from the U.S. Department of State after processing is complete.

  • To show proof of identity, applicants must bring one of the following documents:
    • Valid Texas Driver's License
    • Previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport (cannot be used as both proof of citizenship and proof of identity)
    • Naturalization Certificate (cannot be used as both proof of citizenship and proof of identity)
    • Current Government ID (city, state, or federal)
    • Current Military ID (military and dependents)
  • For additional information, please visit state.gov
  • All DS-11 applicants must appear in person (including minors)
  • DS-82 applicants who are eligible for reimbursement must appear in person
  • DS-82 applicants who are ineligible for reimbursement should submit the applications by mail, following instructions on the application.
  • No, you do not have to take your photo beforehand. The UH Passport Acceptance Facility provides photo services for your passport.
  • Passport photos are free for UH Students, Faculty, and Staff applicants.
    • Family members of UH Students, Faculty, and Staff are not eligible for free photos
  • Photos for non-UH Students, Faculty, and Staff applicants are $10 per person.
  • Must be paid by check or money order to the University of Houston.
    • Can be combined with check or money order for Facility Execution Fee, if applicable.
  • Photos must have been taken in the last 6 months.
  • Visit this website for more information regarding the U.S. Department of State passport photo requirements. 
  • For current processing times see state.gov. The following are optional fees to expedite processing and delivery time: $60.00 for expedited processing and $19.53 overnight delivery return. 
  • Unfortunately we are not able to process requests for passports in fewer than 3 weeks. If you are within 14 days of your anticipated departure date and have proof of travel (flight itinerary, hotel reservation, etc.) you may be able to make an appointment with the Houston Passport Agency at 1919 Smith Street in Downtown Houston. For more information, such as the contact number to schedule an appointment with the Houston Passport Agency, click here.
  • Please note that in order to qualify for reimbursement, UH students must process their passport applications in our office. No exceptions will be made.
  • All fees must be paid using a personal check, a cashier’s check, or a money order. No exceptions can be made. 
  • No temporary checks. Consult your local banking institution for more information.
  • Money Orders may be purchased in post offices, banks, some grocery stores, or some gas stations.
  • The passport book or card fees with any optional expedite and/or overnight return delivery fees should be made payable to the U.S.Department of State
  • The Facility Execution Fee (of $35, if applicable), any Passport Photo Fees ($10 per person, if applicable), and any Photocopy Fees ($1 per photocopy, if applicable) should be made payable to the University of Houston
    • UH students will be billed the Facility Execution Fee via their PeopleSoft account
    • There is no fee for UH Students, Faculty, or Staff for photos or photocopies
  • Although you will be required to pay for the passport up-front, you will be reimbursed for the cost of the passport book. The Facility Execution Fee ($35) and optional Expedited Service Fees ($18.32, $60) will not be reimbursed. 
  • When you submit your U.S. passport application with the Learning Abroad office you will be required to bring a Reimbursement Eligibility Form and proof of acceptance into a program.
  • You will receive an email from PaymentWorks and follow the instructions to set a PaymentWorks profile. Once you have done this, the reimbursement will be a direct deposited to the personal bank account you have designated.
  • It will take approximately 6-8 weeks from the day you submit the reimbursement forms to receive the direct deposit.
  • UH Undergraduate students not graduating in the current semester
  • Students of any classification or class year who are registered for a learning abroad program
  • Students must be registered in UH courses for the current term to be eligible
    • During summer, students must either be registered for UH summer courses or fall courses to be eligible 
  • Yes. To be eligible to receive reimbursement for passport renewals, the student's previous passport must either already be expired or have less than one year (fewer than 365 days) of validity left at time of application.
  • No. The reimbursement for Passport for Coogs can only be done for passport applications and renewals processed at the passport acceptance facility at the University of Houston.

For any other passport-related questions, please visit the U.S. Department of State Frequently Asked Questions.