PRESS Staff Report
LOS FRESNOS, TX—The Cameron County District Clerk’s Office is hosting a Passport Fair in Los Fresnos on Sat., Nov. 16, 2024, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Los Fresnos City Hall, 520 E. Ocean Blvd.
The fair is open to the public. For appointments, call (956) 544-0886 or email passportsb@co.cameron.tx.us. Walk-ins are also welcome.
To ensure prompt service, Cameron County District Clerk Laura Perez-Reyes and her staff recommend that individuals interested in acquiring their passport should complete sections 1-21 of the DS-II passport application and have all required documentation listed prior to the applicant’s appointment. Passport applications can be acquired at the Cameron County Courthouse located at 974 E. Harrison Street in Brownsville, any U.S. Post Office, or they may be printed online at www.travel.state.gov.
To qualify for and acquire a passport, applicants are required to have evidence of U.S. Citizenship in the form of a Long Form Certified U.S. Birth Certificate, a previous U.S. Passport (may be expired, must be undamaged), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship.
Also needed is photo identification in the form of a valid driver’s license (plus a second ID if issued in a different state) or undamaged U.S. Passport (if issued less than 15 years ago), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Valid Government or Military ID.
Thirdly, applicants are required to have a photograph, in color, with a white background, 2×2 inches in size and printed on thin, photo-quality paper. Pictures may be taken onsite.
Children under 16-years-old will need their birth certificate and both parents must be present with photo ID or one parent with a signed, notarized DS-3053 or a signed DS-5525, depending on the circumstances.
Applicants 16 to 17-years-old need evidence of U.S. Citizenship and one parent must be present with photo ID unless applicant has acceptable photo ID and submits parental awareness.
Two separate payments are required and no temporary checks will be accepted. Checks and money orders can be made payable to the US Department of State.
Book fees for applicants 16 years and older are $130 and $100 for applicants under 16 years of age.
Card fees are $30 for applicants 16 years and older or $15 for applicants under 16 years of age.
Book and card combination fees are $160 for applicants 16 years and older or $115 for applicants under 16 years of age.
A second payment must be issued to the District Clerk in the form of either cash, check, money order or credit card. Each application costs $35 and an additional $10 per photo.
For questions or for more information, contact the Office of the Cameron County Clerk at (956) 550-7257.
1 comment
Events like these make it significantly easier for people to complete what can often be a daunting process. The convenience of having a local event where residents can submit applications, ask questions, and resolve passport-related issues is invaluable, especially for those who might struggle with scheduling appointments or traveling to larger offices.
What’s particularly great is the accessibility it offers for first-time applicants and those who need renewals, saving them from potential delays or confusion with the process. As international travel continues to grow, having an up-to-date passport is essential, not just for leisure but for emergencies or business needs as well.
Kudos to the organizers for recognizing the importance of such an event and bringing it to the local level. It’s initiatives like these that strengthen community ties and offer practical solutions for everyday challenges. I hope this becomes a regular feature for the area!