Frequently Asked Questions

Our passport facility is located at Texas State University, on the 1^st floor of the Thornton International House (located at 344 W. Woods St., San Marcos, TX 78666). Parking and entrance are behind the Thornton House off Vista Street. Parking at Texas State is very limited. Because of that, we have designated a couple of Passport Services Office specific parking spots behind the Thorton International House. Please park ONLY in those spots to avoid parking tickets. 

Due to the high volume of applications, appointments are required. Appointments should be made here.

Appointment times vary by individual, but most are approximately 30 minutes per applicant. Completing applications prior to your scheduled appointment will shorten appointment time.

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 (preferred method)
• Previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport (cannot be used as both proof of citizenship and proof of identity)
• Naturalization Certificate (can 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

No, you do not have to take your photo beforehand. The TXST Passport Acceptance Facility provides passport photo services for a $15 fee. (Must be paid by card only to Texas State University during appointment).  However, if you choose to bring in your own photo, please ensure that they meet the U.S. Department of State passport photo requirements, which can be found by visiting this website and have been taken in the last 6 months.

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), any Passport Photo Fees ($15 per person, if applicable), and any Photocopy Fees ($1 per photocopy, if applicable) must be paid by card to Texas State University during the appointment.

The most up-to-date processing times are located  here. These are approximations and the Texas State University Passport Acceptance Facility cannot guarantee processing times.

Please note that the TXST Passport Acceptance Facility can mail applications via Priority mail Express Delivery for an additional fee. Applicants can also add Overnight Return Delivery for an additional fee. 

If your travel is within 3 weeks, please contact the Houston Passport Agency at 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment with them.

Unfortunately, we are not able to process requests for passports in less 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.

No, all sales are final