Students, faculty, staff and community members looking to travel out of the country can receive passport processing services from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 2 in Reed Hall, Room 214.
The Center for International Studies: TCU Abroad is sponsoring the event by bringing a post office representative to campus, Study Abroad Coordinator Alexis Branaman said.
Branaman said the passport service coincides with the study abroad fair so students can learn about studying overseas and apply for a passport at the same time. However, the service isn’t strictly for those interested in a study abroad program.
“Whether or not you go abroad, it’s a good thing to have a passport so you have options when it’s time to travel,” Branaman said.
Branaman said that the service is intended to make the process easier so people don’t need to travel off campus to a post office to apply for or renew a passport.
“[The purpose is] convenience for students, faculty, staff and community members,” Branaman said.
Junior entrepreneurial management major Caroline Wiersgalla said she had planned to ride the public bus to the post office this week, but will now have her application processed on campus. Wiersgalla said she may travel out of the country for spring break, and this service will make her travel plans easier.
Branaman said the process would be the same as at the post office, but probably quicker. The post office provides a representative at no cost to the university, she added.
Branaman said it is important for people to come prepared with the items needed to process an application, including proof of U.S. Citizenship, a valid driver’s license and two separate checks.
According to a passport application instructional sheet provided by the Tarrant County District Clerk, an application for a passport book requires a $35 District Clerk fee plus a $110 application fee. The District Clerk fee includes a $10 photo charge. Branaman said the post office representative will be taking pictures on site.
The passport book is valid for international travel by air, land or sea, according to the District Clerk instructions.
According to the sheet, applicants looking for a cheaper alternative can apply for a passport card. The card only allows for land or sea travel to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The passport card requires a $30 application fee, plus the $35 District Clerk charge.
These fees reflect approximately six weeks processing. Three weeks processing is available with additional charges, according to the instructional sheet.
On campus passport processing services
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 2
Where: Reed Hall, Room 214
Students must have all required materials to process application.
