Where can I get a passport?

You will need a valid passport to be accepted to the program.

If you already have one, take a moment and verify your passport will not expire until three months after our return date. If it is expiring in that window, I strongly recommend renewing it now.

If you don’t have a valid passport, please start the application process right away.

Not having a valid passport is the number one reason students who apply early do not make it into the program. Don’t wait for the next trip home. Ask your parents to mail you the ID you’ll need and start the application right away.

My notes here are not the final authority. You can read the instructions on the State Department website here…

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html

Here are some notes that might help.

(1)    Get a passport photo

You only need one photo. If you normally wear glasses, remember to remove them for your photo. You can read about the photo requirements here:

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/photos/photos.html

Lots of places will make a photo for you. The CVS across from Baylor (820 South 5th St – 254.296-0175) will do it in just a few minutes for about $15. The UPS Store next to Common Grounds will also create the photo for about the same price.

(2)    Determine if you can renew by mail

If you have an expired passport that you got after turning age 16, you may be able to renew by mail. This is unlikely for most college students. I’ll give more notes below assuming you cannot renew by mail, but if you think this option applies to you, follow the information here…

Apply By Mail

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/renew.html

Most of you will need to apply in person for a new or renewing passport. Those instructions are here…

Apply In Person

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/applyinperson.html

(3)    Get your ID ready

You should have 3 pieces of ID: old passport, birth certificate, and driver’s license. If you have your old passport, you don’t technically need the birth certificate, but I’d suggest getting it anyway – more ID, fewer questions asked. If you don’t have a passport, your birth certificate is enough. If your driver’s license is not a Texas license, you’ll need to either provide additional ID or make your application in your home state. See here for “Secondary ID” (for non-Texas resident applying at a Texas post office):

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/identification.html

Read the State Department website carefully to be sure you’re bringing the correct ID. Once you have all your required ID, make a photocopy of them all. You can use the camera on your phone and a printer, or you can go to the Baylor Copy Center on the first floor of Morrison Hall or a CVS or UPS Store. For your passport, copy just the signature and picture page; for your driver’s license, copy both front and back. Take the originals and the copies to your appointment.

(4)    Make an appointment at the US Post Office

The US Post Office is the place you turn in your application and ID, and they require an appointment to be made in advance. The closest USPS office is on 424 Clay Ave (near First Baptist Waco).

  • USPS.com
  • (254) 754-4189
  • appointments accepted for M-F 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, except for an hour around lunch time

(5)    Complete the DS-11

Follow the link above to the correct form.

(6)    Bring your checkbook or cash

Check the information on the link above to verify the amount you’ll need to pay. Credit cards are often not accepted for all or part of the fees.

In 2018, the total was $145.00

  • $110.00 for “Department of State”
  • $35.00 for “US Post Office”

(7)    Scan your passport and email the file to me

As soon as you get your new passport, sign it, then take a picture of it with your camera. Hold it open so you can see both the photo and the signature pages. Be sure to include all of it; don’t cut off the edge. Email the file to me: Clay_Butler@baylor.edu