How to Get a Passport in Texas: Steps and Documents

What You’ll Need

Completed Form DS-11: Use the form for a first passport, a child under 16, or other applications that must be made in person. Fill it out online and print it, or print and complete it by hand. Do not sign it until an acceptance agent instructs you to.
Proof of U.S. citizenship: Common options include a certified U.S. birth certificate, a previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship. A birth certificate generally needs to be an official certified copy, not a hospital keepsake or photocopy. Check the State Department’s document rules before relying on an uncommon record.
Photocopy of citizenship evidence: Bring a photocopy of the front and back of the document if it has printed information on both sides. Use plain white paper and keep the original for the application.
Photo identification and a photocopy: Bring an acceptable, current ID, such as a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID. The acceptance facility may require additional identification if your ID is from a different state or otherwise does not meet its requirements. Check its instructions in advance.
Passport photo: Bring one color photo that meets the State Department’s size, background, expression, and other requirements. Many facilities offer photo services, but do not assume every location does.
Payment: Passport fees and accepted payment methods depend on the application and facility. The passport application fee is generally paid to the U.S. Department of State, while an acceptance facility may charge a separate execution fee. Check the State Department fee page and the facility’s payment instructions before your appointment; do not rely on a single check or payment method being accepted for both.
For an applicant under 16: Both parents or guardians generally need to appear with the child and show their relationship and identification. If a parent cannot attend, special consent or custody documents may be required. Review the State Department’s rules for minors before booking.

Step-by-Step

Confirm which application applies. This guide covers applying for a U.S. passport book or card, especially a first passport. A passport book is used for international air travel and other international travel; a passport card has more limited uses and cannot be used for international air travel. Renewals may qualify for a different process, including mail or online renewal when available and when eligibility rules are met. Check the State Department’s renewal guidance rather than submitting DS-11 automatically.
Review the official document checklist. Use the U.S. Department of State’s passport application pages to confirm citizenship evidence, ID, copies, photo specifications, forms, and payment for your situation. Requirements can differ for minors, people with name changes, and applicants whose citizenship or identity documents need additional evidence.
Complete Form DS-11 without signing. Enter your information carefully and print the form single-sided if you print it yourself. Do not sign before your appointment: the acceptance agent must witness your signature. If you need help completing the form, ask the facility or consult the State Department’s instructions rather than guessing.
Find a Texas acceptance facility. Use the State Department’s acceptance-facility locator to search by ZIP code or city. Facilities may include post offices, libraries, and local government offices, but not every location accepts passport applications. Contact your chosen site to confirm appointment availability, hours, photo services, payment methods, and any local appointment instructions.
Choose routine or expedited service. Compare the State Department’s current processing-time guidance with your travel date. Processing time does not include mailing time, and times can change. If travel is urgent, follow the State Department’s instructions for urgent travel appointments; an acceptance facility generally cannot provide an immediate passport.
Prepare the originals, copies, and photo. Organize your signed-later DS-11, original citizenship evidence, required photocopies, ID and its copy, photo, and payment. Keep important originals secure and make sure the name on the application matches your supporting records or that you have documents explaining a legal name change.
Attend the appointment in person. Bring the applicant, including a child applicant, and any required parents or guardians. The acceptance agent reviews the paperwork, verifies identity, administers the oath, witnesses your signature, and forwards the application. Sign only when asked. Ask for a receipt or confirmation and note any application locator information provided.
Track the application and protect your documents. Use the State Department’s online status tool when your application becomes eligible to appear in the system. Your original citizenship evidence is generally returned separately from the passport, so watch your mail after the passport arrives. Contact the State Department if the status is unclear or a document has not been returned within its stated guidance.

Common Mistakes

Signing DS-11 early: An application signed before the acceptance agent witnesses it may need correction. Leave the signature blank until instructed.
Bringing the wrong birth record: A hospital souvenir certificate or an ordinary photocopy is not usually acceptable citizenship evidence. Obtain an official certified record from the appropriate vital records office if needed.
Assuming every post office takes applications: Services, appointments, and photo availability vary. Confirm directly with the specific facility before traveling.
Using an unsuitable photo: Incorrect dimensions, shadows, glasses, a patterned background, or an altered image can delay processing. Follow the State Department’s current photo rules.
Misunderstanding payment: The State Department application fee and facility execution fee are separate payments, and payment methods can differ. Verify both before your appointment.
Waiting too long to apply: Processing times change and do not include delivery. Apply with a comfortable buffer, especially before international travel.

Tips

Use the State Department’s passport pages as the final authority; facility websites may not cover every document situation.
Make a personal copy of your completed application and note your travel date before mailing or submitting anything.
Check the application and all supporting documents for consistent names, dates, and spelling. Bring legal name-change evidence when records differ.
For a child, read the minor-passport requirements before scheduling, including rules for parental consent and proof of relationship.
Do not book nonrefundable travel based only on an estimated processing window. If your plans are close, review the official urgent-travel instructions.

Troubleshooting

You cannot find a nearby appointment: Search surrounding ZIP codes and contact facilities directly, since availability can differ from online listings. If travel is urgent, check the State Department’s passport agency appointment rules and required proof of imminent travel.

You lack acceptable citizenship evidence: Do not submit a substitute document without checking whether it qualifies. Follow the State Department’s instructions for secondary evidence or obtain a certified vital record through the relevant state or local office.

Your name or ID does not match: Bring official documents linking the names, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, as applicable. Ask the acceptance facility or State Department what evidence is needed for your particular case.

Your application is delayed or status is unavailable: Processing estimates can change, and status tools may not show an application immediately. Check the State Department’s tracking guidance, then contact its passport services if the application is outside the stated timeframe or you need help. If your passport is lost or stolen after issuance, report it using the State Department’s official instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a passport online in Texas?

Most first-time applicants must apply in person using Form DS-11. Some eligible renewals may use a separate online or mail process; check current State Department eligibility requirements.

Where do I apply for a passport in Texas?

Apply at an authorized passport acceptance facility, found through the State Department’s locator. Confirm that the specific location accepts applications and whether you need an appointment.

How long does it take to get a passport?

Processing times vary and can change. Check the State Department’s current estimates, and allow extra time for mailing; urgent travel may require a separate appointment process.

Does Texas issue passports?

U.S. passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State, not by Texas as a state. Texas facilities can accept and forward applications.

Can a child apply without both parents present?

Usually both parents or guardians must appear with an applicant under 16, or the applying parent must provide the required consent or exception documents. Check the State Department’s minor-passport rules for the exact situation.

Can I use a passport card instead of a passport book?

A passport card is accepted for certain land and sea travel, but not international air travel. Choose the document that fits your planned travel and verify its permitted uses with the State Department.

Further reading: U.S. Department of State. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.