Despite having well over 2 million residents, a central airport, and dozens of daily international flight routes, there were only 10 passport application centers in Las Vegas to serve residents ready for international travel. To combat the long waiting periods and difficulty finding appointment times, UNLV reopened its Passport Services Office on Oct. 16 — becoming the 11th passport acceptance facility in the Greater Las Vegas area.
Integrated Graphics Services senior director Abbas Badani, who oversaw the reopening, explains, “There's a huge gap within not just UNLV, but the greater Las Vegas area. Right now getting an appointment takes four to six weeks. It's a matter of convenience and resource availability for our faculty, staff, students, and our community.”
A Convenient Travel Resource
UNLV's centrally located campus provides convenience to UNLV students and faculty as well as the community at large. The Passport Services Office has two specially designated parking spaces in parking Lot B, easily accessible for even first-time campus visitors.
The office is located inside Rebel Copy & Send in the Student Union (SU). Frank Waterman, who manages both offices, says, “Someone coming from outside the campus community might feel confused on where the office is, so guest services can guide them. A lot of people are going to come from outside the campus, which is going to introduce them to all the services we offer here, especially in the SU.”
Already a resource on campus for students’ copying and shipping needs, the Rebel Copy & Send passport office offers an integrated service for travel-related documentation. Beyond passport services, applicants can have passport-sized photos taken and make copies of important documents on-site.
Student Superstars at Your Service
The student workers manning the passport office have been trained by the U.S. Department of State through a rigorous examination process — where a passing score requires at least a 90% or higher. And they’re not your typical passport professionals; understanding the diverse linguistic needs of Las Vegas residents, everyone on the team is bilingual.
Freshman student Hans Thomas got his first passport just three months ago for a trip to El Salvador. He says, “I was a bit nervous when I was obtaining my passport. But once I actually came in and turned in my papers and went through the process, it was pretty easy because the person handling my papers knew what to do.”
Now part of the staff at the passport office, Thomas is on the other side, helping first-time applicants through the process in both English and Spanish.
Waterman has nothing but praise for his student team. “We're very fortunate to have found excellent students who are motivated and excited to engage the community and the campus. They’re excited to help people go on vacations and recognize the seriousness of their position.” With bilingual experts on hand to provide assistance, the office aims to provide a smooth experience for the culturally diverse Las Vegas community.
Tips for a Seamless Application Process
The UNLV Passport Services Office is for first-time passport applications and renewals for minors under 16. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Plan Ahead
Apply well in advance of your international travel plans. Current processing times take 10-13 weeks and expedited service takes 7-9 weeks.
Gather Your Documents
A passport application requires a completed Passport Application Form (DS-11), an original proof of citizenship, an original proof of identification, and a photo. Applications for minors also require a proof of parent’s identification and an original/certified proof of parental relationship. Check the U.S. Department of State Passport website or the UNLV Passport Services Office FAQs for more information.
Know the Fees
Passport applications require two separate payments – an application fee (for the passport book) and an execution fee (for processing). Application fees must be paid by check, money order, or cashier's check, while execution fees can be paid by card, money order, or cashier's check.
Take out your suitcase and plan on your next international adventure with confidence, knowing that the UNLV Passport Services Office is ready to assist with your application. With special parking, photo services, and bilingual support, the Rebel Copy & Send passport office is a convenient one-stop shop to start your international journey.
Book your passport appointment through the UNLV Passport Services Office online booking tool.
