A passport is a license to travel outside of the United States into or through other countries. It is our government´s assurance to other governments that the bearer is a citizen or a national of the United States and may be extended the usual courtesies and assistance afforded international travelers in accordance with international law and practices as well as reciprocal privileges usually embodied in formal agreements. Passports are issued by the Secretary of State.

• Anyone who has family living abroad including parents and spouses of U.S. military personnel;
• Business or technical support personnel whose jobs require foreign travel;
• Students and faculty members who are in an academic program that requires foreign study;
• Athletes who participate in athletic programs with a likelihood of overseas competition;
• Anyone planning vacation or holiday travel within one year;
• Travel industry personnel;
• Entertainers and other artists.

If one of the above pertains to you, it would be to your advantage to apply for a passport, regardless of whether or not you have immediate travel plans. The best time to apply for a passport is between September and February. March through August is generally considered the peak season where passport volume can increase dramatically and customers might experience delays in processing.

To apply for a passport, you will need to provide proof of United States citizenship and your identity. To prove your citizenship and therefore qualify for a United States Passport, you will need to submit either a certified copy of your birth certificate (Natural born citizens may obtain copies from the Metropolitan Health District at 719 S. Santa Rosa St, San Antonio, Texas , telephone (210) 207-8754), prior full validity U.S. passport, consular report of birth abroad of a United States citizen or naturalization certificate. Your identity can be certified by submitting a valid photo I.D., i.e., driver´s license or military I.D. card.

You will need to provide two (2) passport-sized photographs, if your are unable to bring photographs with you the DIstrict Clerks Office will take the photos for you at a fee of $10.00 a set.. Photographs should be 2 x 2 inches in size. The image size measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (including hair) should be not less than 1 inch or more than 1-3/8 inches.

• Type and Quality

  Photographs may be in color or black and white. They should be printed on thin paper and must be capable of withstanding a mounting pressure of up to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Caution: Most vending machine prints are not able to withstand the mounting temperature or will not adhere properly to the passport page and therefore are not acceptable for use in passports. Matte or other sprays designed to produce a dull or non-glossy finish should not be used. Retouched photographs are not acceptable. Photographs with waxed back or other coating which lessen adhesiveness are unacceptable.

• Digitized Photographs

  If you choose to submit digitized photos, they must meet the same requirements of all passport photographs. In addition, digitized photographs are always produced on digital printers. Some printers will produce a photograph in which the dots are seen. Visible dots distort the image by making it look grainy. Acceptable photos have a continuous tone image that looks very photo-like.

• Pose

  Photographs should be portrait-type prints. They must be clear, front view, full face, with a plain, light (white or off-white) background. Photographs which depict the applicant as relaxed and smiling are encouraged.

• Attire

  Photographs should be taken in street or travel attire without hat or other headgear which obscures the hair or hairline, unless the headgear is part of religious attire which is worn daily. Only applicants who are in the active service of the Armed Forces and who are proceeding abroad in the discharge of their duties may submit photographs in the uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States (due to increased needs of military personnel for security while traveling abroad, the District Clerk recommends consultation with commanding officers and familiarization with service regulations on the use of military uniforms in passport photographs). Uniforms of other types should not be worn in passport photographs with the exception of religious attire which is worn daily. If prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles are normally and consistently worn, they should be worn when the photograph is taken. Dark glasses, or nonprescriptive glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required to support the wearing of such glasses in photographs.

• Air Travel

  Implemented on January 23, 2007, ALL PERSONS traveling by AIR between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

• Land and Sea Travel

  The following summarizes infomation available on the Department of Homeland Security´s website. As of June 1, 2009, the departments implemented the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have either a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with offical maritme business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.

• Children

  U.S. Citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturatlization certificate of citizenship card.
  
  Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with orginals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. Click on the Department of Homeland Security´s GetYouHome.govfor more information on the changing travel requirements.

The fee for a passport for an adult (16 years and older) is $110.00 and is good for 10 years. For minors (15 years and younger) the fee is $80.00 and is valid for 5 years. You must bring two (2) checks. The passport check or money order must be made out to the Department of State. There is a $25.00 execution fee as well and the cashier's check or money order must be made payable to Donna Kay McKinney, Bexar County District Clerk. Passport renewals for those with a passport that is either still valid or within two years of expiration is $110.00. There is no execution fee for renewals. Only those who are submitting a 10 year passport can use the renewal procedure.

Please allow 4-6 weeks to receive your passport. It is possible to have an application expedited for an additional fee of $60.00. Expedited passports will be received within three weeks (3) from date received at passport office. One day service is available by going directly to the Houston Passport Agency.

The District Clerk´s Passport Service Center is located on the 2nd floor of the Paul Elizondo Tower or call (210) 335-2617 or email msaldana@bexar.org . Additionally the U.S. State Department´s Passport Services web page has more detailed information and downloadable passport forms.