REQUIREMENTS FOR A UNITED STATES PASSPORT

Applying for a New U.S. passport, Passport Renewal, Additional Passport Pages, and Name Change in an Existing Passport.

1. Download the following applications and forms in Acrobat (PDF). If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, Download it now free of charge.
   
   
2. Effective February 1, 2008, changes have been made to the passport applications: New Application (DS-11) and Renewal Form (DS-82), processed through our courier service must be completed on-line, so that they contain a 2 dimensional (2-D) barcode. The system directs you to a series of screens that ask to type in all the pertinent information. Scroll down to the bottom of the last page when you are done, and click the “Create Form” button; the fields will be populated with the information you typed and a 2-D barcode is generated in the upper left hand corner of the first page of the application. The use of this new barcode system enables the Passport Agency to electronically wand, rather than manually data-enter your application information into the system.
   
   
3. Two (2) Identical Passport Size (2x2) Photos: must be in color, and have a clear background. Photos must also be no older than six (6) months.
   
   
4. Proof of US Citizenship: You may proof US Citizenship with any of the following: 1) Previous US Passport; 2) Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state of your birth; 3) Consular Report of Birth Abroad if you were born abroad; or 4) a Naturalization certificate.
   
   
5. Proof of Identity: You may proof your identity with any one of the following: 1) Previous US Passport; 2) Naturalization certificate; 3) Current, valid driver’s license; 4) Government, State, City or Federal ID; or 5) a Military ID.
   
   
6. Proof of Departure: You may proof your departure with any of the following: 1) Travel itinerary; 2) Copy of original airline ticket showing departure date from the United States; and/or 3) Your Company’s Letter of Request to Expedite Passport.
   
   
7. Authorization Letter: Adobe PDF - This letter authorizes us (Talking Drum Productions) to handle your application(s) on your behalf. The letter must be signed and dated by the original applicant. There are specific instructions for minors 14 years old and under. We had-deliver each application, have the passport picked up and delivered to you within 24 to 72 hours after the passport is issued. When you make your appearance at the Post Office, make sure to tell the Postal Clerk to place the Authorization Letter in the same envelope along with all other documents. Note: We cannot handle your application without our Authorization Letter.
   
   
8. Government Fees:
   a.Form DS-11 for New U.S. Passport Book $100.00 (Minors 15 years of age and under $85)
   b.Form DS-11 for New U.S. Passport Card Applications $45 (minors 15 years of age and under $35)
   b.Form DS-82 for Passport Renewal Only $75.00
   c. Expedite Process $60.00. We strongly recommend that you pay the $60.00 State Department Expediting Fee. This allows us to accelerate the process of obtaining your passport on time.
   
   Make checks payable to the "U. S. Department of State." Traveler's checks, money orders, cashier's checks, or personal checks are acceptable.
   
   Checklist:
   Passport application
   Two identical (2x2) photos
   Proof of US Citizenship
   Your current valid Driver's license
   Travel Itinerary
   Authorization Letter
   Application Fees
   
   
9. Take all of the above documents to the nearest Post Office or Country Clerk's Office where passport applications are processed. After processing, the Postal Clerk will put all the documents in an ENVELOPE and SEAL it. Bring or send the SEALED ENVELOPE to our office. Don't forget to fill out our ORDER FORM. Note: We cannot handle your application without our Authorization Letter.

Mohammed Kamara
Talking Drum Productions (TDP)
1705 W. Gray, Suite 201
Houston, TX 77019-4900
713-527-0470
tdp@tdppassportservices.com

Statement of Consent: Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under Age 16: DS-3053

This form should be notarized and submitted, along with the DS-11 Application for Passport for minors under age 14 as evidence of parental permission if:

• You are a non-applying parent or guardian consenting to passport issuance for your child, or
• You are an applying parent or guardian, and the written consent of the non-applying parent or guardian cannot be obtained.

All Application for Additional Visa Pages: DS-4085 must also be completed on-line, so that they contain a 2 dimensional (2-D) barcode.

This form should only be used to add extra visa pages to a previously issued, currently valid U.S. passport. There is no charge for routine service. For Expedited Service, the Passport Agency requires a $60 fee per application. Print the DS-4085 form out and carefully read the instructions. Complete, sign, and date the application.

U.S. Passport Re-Application Form: DS-5504 must also be completed on-line, so that they contain a 2 dimensional (2-D) barcode. This form should only be used for making a data change for a previously issued, currently valid U.S. passport WITHIN one year from the date of issue:

• When there is a change in your identifying information, such as a name-change due to marriage or by court order;
• To extend the validity of certain previously limited passports; or
• To correct a Passport Agency’s printing error.

There is no charge for routine service. However, if Expedited Service is requested for any of the above, there is an additional government fee of $60 per application. When submitting, please include:

• Re-Application Form DS-5504,
• The passport to be replaced,
• The documentation required for the change (see Instruction Page 2 of the form), and
• Two new photos.

Carefully read and follow the instructions on the form. Complete, sign, and date the application. 

Note: If it is MORE than one year since the date the passport was issued, you must submit Form DS-82 or DS-11, if appropriate) and pay the applicable fees.

Printing Errors by Passport Agency: If there is a printing error due to Passport Agency and your passport was issued less than 30 days ago, please submit the following:

• A letter explaining the specific correction needed and the date by which the corrected passport is needed;
• The passport containing the printing error; and
• A completed form DS-5504.

If it has been more than 30 days since your passport was issued, please submit the following:

• Two new passport photos;
• A letter explaining the specific correction needed and the date by which the corrected passport is needed;
• The passport containing the printing error; and
• A completed form DS-5504.

Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport: DS-64

This form should be submitted along with the DS-11 Application for Passport and brought with you when you come in to apply for a new passport if your previous, and still valid passport has been lost or stolen. NOTE: Your must apply in person for a new passport. Once again, we cannot handle your application(s) without our Authorization Letter.

See our FAQs if your questions are not answered here, or you may visit the State Department’s website: www.travel.state.gov, or contact our office at 713-527-0470, or email: tdp@tdppassportservices.com.

Thank You Very Much For Choosing Talking Drum Passport Services!!!