In order to travel and study abroad, a passport is essential. If you already have one, great! Just make sure it's current. If you do not have one you may obtain one through the following channels:

1. Obtain an application from the Office of International Education (OIE) or
2. Over 4,500 places nationwide including county courthouse, post offices, etc. or
3. Visit http://travel.state.gov and click on "Passports". From this website, you can download and print the passport application. This website also includes information on international travel, visas, etc.
   

If you wish to apply for a passport in Richardson, follow these steps:

1. Obtain and fill out the passport application (DO NOT sign the application until you meet with the appropriate official; they must witness your signature).
2. Go to the Dallas County (North) District Clerk office/10056 Marsh Lane/Dallas/75229 (214) 904-3031 or
3. Go to one of the following post offices:
          A. Richardson Main Post Office/ 433 Belle Grove               Drive/75080/972- 235-4695
          B. Richardson Promenade Station/400 N. Coit Ste.               1975/75080/972-235-4695
   

Take the following items with you:

1. Completed, but unsigned passport application
2. Certified copy of your birth certificate. If you were born in Texas, you may obtain a copy of your birth certificate at the Dallas County Courthouse for a fee of $22 or visit http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs
3. Driver's license or state issued ID with picture
4. Two recent (within last 6 months) identical color photos. Photos should be 2x2 inches in size and full face, front view with a plain white or off white background and meet specifications for official passport photos.
5. Your social security number
6. Applicants will need to know their address, birth date and place of birth, parent's birth date and place of birth and spouse's birth date and place of birth (if applicable)
7. Payment for passport: $67 in check or money order (persons over 16) made payable to "Department of State". $52 in check or money order (persons under 16).
8. Payment for processing fee: $30 in check/money/cash depending on issuing agency
9. Processing will take 4-6 weeks (If you need expedited services then the cost will be $127)
   

To renew your passport:

1. You can renew by mail if you already have a passport that is not damaged; and
2. Received it within the last 15 years; and
3. Were at least 16 when it was issued: and
4. Still have the same name as in the passport or you can legally document your name change.

You will need the following:

1. Completed application for passport by mail
2. Your most recent passport
3. Two identical passport photographs
4. Payment of $67 in check or money order, payable to the "U.S. Department of State"
5. Mail all above items in a padded envelope to:
   
          National Passport Processing Center
          P.O. Box 13349
          Philadelphia, PA 19101-3349

   *Note: If you are using an overnight service that doesn't deliver to a post office box, then send items to:
   

       National Passport Processing Center
       ATTN: Department 13349
       1617 Brett Road
       New Castle, DE 19720

Include a prepaid overnight return envelope. Please note that overnight service will not speed up processing time unless the $60 fee for expedited service is also included.

If you do not meet criteria to renew your passport by mail, you must apply in person using the steps outlined above.