Program Faculty and Staff — ACU Study Abroad

PASSPORT GUIDE

Don’t have a passport? Don’t worry! ACU Study Abroad is often the first opportunity many students have to travel and learn abroad. To learn how to get your first passport, please follow the steps below. IF this is your first time applying for a passport, note that you will need to apply for it in person. If you are a US citizen over the age of 18 (like most of our students), here’s what you’ll need:

What you will need…

1. A US birth certificate that meets the following requirements: (see here for other documents)

Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
Lists your full name, birthdate, and birthplace
Lists your parents)' full names o Lists date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
Shows registrar's signature and the seal of the issuing authority

2. A government issued photo ID and a photocopy (front and back). The ID must have a photo with a good likeness of you. It could be the following: (see here for ID document specifications)

• Driver's license (not temporary or learner's permit)

3. A recent (2" x 2") passport photo (you can see more photo specifications here). You can get a passport photo at any CVS or Walgreens. Do not attempt to take this photo yourself. The photo must be:

Taken less than six months ago
Head must be l-1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
Look straight at the camera with full face in view
No eyeglasses, no head coverings, no uniforms*
Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
Use a plain white or off-white background

4. TWO personal checks or money orders for passport fees. Passport service fees are established by law and regulation and are collected at the time you apply for the passport service.

Check 1 will need to feature the following details:

The check should feature the applicant's full name and date of birth printed on the front
The check should be payable to "U.S. Department of State."

Check 2 will be payable to the location where your passport is processed (post office, county clerk office, etc). Fill it out at your appointment.

THE PROCESS

Find a passport authority near you. To find a list of the passport authorities closest to you, click here. Enter your zip code to reveal distances and wait times for locations closest to you. If authorities near you have long wait times, consider applying for a passport in a nearby zip code with greater availability.
Gather your documents, photo ID, and passport photo (see list above).
Fill out this passport form (DS-11). If possible, you should fill it out with a computer.
Calculate your fees. You can find relevant passport fees here.
Make your appointment (if you haven’t already). To find a list of the passport authorities near you, click here. Click on a location and follow the instructions to schedule an appointment.
Bring the following: 1) birth certificate, 2) your photo ID and photocopies of your photo ID, 3) passport photo, 4) 2 checks, 5) your completed DS-11 form, to your appointment. Don’t forget anything!
WAIT. Processing times vary, so be sure you speak with someone at your passport authority to better understand processing times. For more information about processing times, click here.

Replace A Lost Passport

Renew A Passport

Apply for a passport? Watch this video from the US Department of State to get started!