The Office of International Programs, Leadership Initiatives and the Bearkat OneCard Office are hosting a Passport Fair Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in LSC 320.
The fair, in collaboration with the United States Postal Service, will allow SHSU students, staff and faculty the opportunity to apply for or renew their passports.
“By working together, we can connect with more people and offer more services,” Study Abroad Coordinator Malin Hilmersson said.
Passports can be used as an alternate means of identification and are valid for 10 years. The costs are $145 for a first-time passport and $110 to renew a current passport.
“You pay the same fees and turn in the same paperwork,” Hilmersson said. “The difference is that you don’t have to leave campus to apply.”
Attendees wishing to apply for a passport will need to bring a DS-11 passport application form, a payment, a valid photo ID and their original birth certificate. The DS-11 application should be completed in black ink.
Applicants born outside of the U.S. will need to bring a Certificate of Citizenship or a Certificate of Naturalization, as well as a copy of whichever document they choose.
The U.S. Passport Fair is an initiative that the USPS has previously collaborated on with other universities.
“Since [USPS has] done this before on other campuses, they’ve had a wealth of information to share,” Hilmersson said. “We are very thankful for their willingness to come to SHSU and provide this service.”
The Bearkat OneCard Office is taking free passport photos before the fair and the Office of International Programs can make copies of any required documents.
Those who complete an application with standard processing can expect to receive their passports within six weeks. Those who chose expedited processing can expect to have their passport in three weeks.
Contact the Office of International Programs at 936-294-4737 for more information.