The University of New Mexico operates a passport acceptance center on its main campus, located inside the university bookstore at 2301 Central Ave., N.E. The Passport Center is managed by the Global Education Office and provides services to students, faculty, staff, local residents, and visitors.
Nicole Tami, executive director of global education initiatives at UNM, stated, “The study abroad program is central to UNM’s 2040 educational goals as it broadens horizons, strengthens global competencies and enriches education well beyond the traditional classroom.”
The Passport Center offers several services including processing new passport applications and renewals as well as taking passport photos. Fees for these services are set by the U.S. Department of State: $134 for adult passport applications, $100 for children, an application fee of $35, and $15 for a set of two photos.
Since opening in 2017, the center has expanded its staff and now processes an average of 200 customers each week. In the previous year alone, over 5,500 passport applications were handled. Proceeds from the center support scholarships for international graduate research and mobility; since 2019, more than 100 scholarships have been funded and 194 students have received reimbursements for passport costs.
Tami added, “At GEO, we are committed to opening doors to the world for UNM students; removing barriers, expanding opportunities and making the dream of studying abroad a reality. Our on-campus Passport Center is one of many services we provide to ensure students’ international travel plans materialize. Through hands-on support with passport applications and visa photos—along with the GEO Passport Grant that fully covers the cost of a new passport—we ensure that finances are never a barrier to exploration.”
Lead Passport Acceptance Agent Linda Contreras Ridlington commented on customer service at the center: “I believe people visit us over another service center because of the more personable experience we provide. We take the time to learn where they are in their process, what information they need or have with them and walk them step-by-step through the process.”
The Passport Center operates Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. by appointment; walk-ins are accepted Tuesday through Friday from 1-3 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More information about hours or appointments can be found on the Passport Center’s website.
