Getting a Passport in Arlington, TX: Guide to Facilities and Steps

Getting a Passport in Arlington, TX

Arlington, Texas, sits in Tarrant County at the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, making it a hub for frequent international travel. Residents often head abroad for business trips tied to the area's corporate headquarters, tourism to Europe or Mexico, and seasonal getaways during spring break, summer vacations, or winter holidays. University of Texas at Arlington students participate in exchange programs, while urgent scenarios like last-minute family emergencies or job relocations add pressure. With DFW International Airport nearby, demand spikes during peak seasons, leading to limited appointments at local acceptance facilities. This guide covers everything from choosing the right service to navigating common pitfalls like photo rejections or documentation gaps, drawing directly from official U.S. Department of State guidelines [1].

Determine Your Passport Service: First-Time, Renewal, Replacement, or New Booklet

Before starting, identify your needs to use the correct process and forms. Missteps here, like submitting a renewal form for a first-time application, cause delays.

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport. Use Form DS-11. You must apply in person at an acceptance facility [1].
• Renewal: Eligible if your previous passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, and is undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing name [1]. In Texas, many Arlington residents renew by mail due to convenience, but check eligibility carefully.
• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report it via Form DS-64 (free statement), then apply using DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (mail if eligible). Undamaged passports over 15 years old qualify for mail renewal [1].
• New Passport Booklet or Card: If you have a valid passport book and need a passport card (valid only for land/sea to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Bermuda), use Form DS-82 by mail [1].
• For Minors Under 16: Always first-time rules apply—both parents/guardians must appear with Form DS-11, plus evidence of parental relationship [1]. Common in Arlington due to family travel and exchange students.

Quick Eligibility Checklist:

• Last passport issued within 15 years and at age 16+? → Renewal (DS-82).
• Otherwise? → New (DS-11, in person).
• Lost/damaged but eligible? → DS-64 + appropriate form.

If unsure, use the State Department's online wizard [2].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Arlington and Tarrant County

Arlington has no regional passport agency—those are for life-or-death urgent travel within 14 days and require appointments (nearest: Dallas, 817-685-2470) [3]. Instead, use acceptance facilities for routine/rush processing. High demand means book early, especially spring/summer and holidays.

Key locations [4]:

• Arlington Main Post Office: 200 W Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington, TX 76010. Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM-4 PM (call 817-548-2203 to confirm). Offers photo service [5].
• Randol Mill Post Office: 2301 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington, TX 76011. Similar hours; popular for proximity to UTA.
• Tarrant County Clerk - Fort Worth: 100 W Weatherford St, Fort Worth, TX 76196 (serves Arlington residents). Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30 PM; handles minors well [6].
• Other Nearby: Hurst Public Library (Tarrant County), USPS in Grand Prairie. Search USPS tool for full list [4].

Appointments often required—call ahead. Walk-ins rare during peaks. Fees paid by check/money order; facilities charge execution fees (~$35) [1].

Step-by-Step Checklist for Applying In Person (DS-11: First-Time, Minors, Replacement)

Follow this sequentially to avoid rejections. Incomplete docs cause 20-30% of returns [1].

1. Fill Forms: Complete DS-11 but do not sign until instructed. Download from [1]. For minors, DS-3053 if one parent absent.
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original + photocopy (birth certificate, naturalization cert, previous passport). Texas vital records office issues certified birth certs ($22) [7]. Order online/expedite if needed.
3. Proof of ID: Valid driver's license, military ID + photocopy. Texas DL from DPS [8].
4. Passport Photo: One 2x2" color photo (see photo section below).
5. Fees: $130 application (book) + $35 execution + $30 acceptance (under 16: $100 app fee). Expedite +$60. Pay State Dept fees by check to "U.S. Department of State"; execution separate [1].
6. Parental Consent (Minors): Both parents or Form DS-3053/DS-5525. Divorce/custody docs if applicable.
7. Book Appointment: Call facility 4-6 weeks early. Peak seasons (spring/summer, winter breaks): 8-12 weeks lead time advised.
8. Attend Appointment: Bring all originals/photocopies. Sign DS-11 in front of agent.
9. Track: Get tracking number; check status online [9].

Mail Renewal Checklist (DS-82):

1. Complete/sign DS-82.
2. Include old passport, photo, fees ($130 book).
3. Mail to address on form [1]. Safer than in-person for eligible renewals.

Processing: Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited (extra $60, 2-3 weeks) at post office [1]. No hard guarantees—add 2 weeks for Texas mail volume. Peak seasons double times [1]. Urgent (within 14 days)? Agency only, prove travel [3].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos fail 25% of applications due to glare, shadows, or wrong size—exacerbated by Texas lighting [1]. Specs:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8".
• White/cream background, even lighting, neutral expression.
• Recent (6 months), color, high-res.
• No glasses (unless medical), hats (unless religious), uniforms.

Where: USPS locations in Arlington offer (~$15) [5]. Alternatives: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart. Check specs video [10].

Photo Checklist:

• Measure head size.
• Test lighting (no device flash shadows).
• Print on matte photo paper.

Expedited vs. Urgent Travel: Key Distinctions

Expedited service ($60 extra) cuts to 2-3 weeks but bookable at acceptance facilities. For travel in 14 days or less:

• Routine/expedited passports: Apply now, but no rush guarantee.
• Life-or-death emergency (within 3 days): Agency appointment [3].
• Confirmed ticket? Still risky in peaks—many Arlington business travelers face this with Mexico/Europe flights.

Private couriers like ItsEasy speed mail but don't shorten State Dept time [1]. Warn: Don't rely on last-minute during holidays; plan 10+ weeks [1].

Special Considerations for Minors and Texas Residents

Texas families with kids face extra hurdles: Birth certs from DSHS Vital Statistics [7]. For adoptions/custody, court orders required. UTA exchange students: Verify F-1 status doesn't affect [1].

Name changes: Marriage/divorce certs from county clerk [6].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Arlington

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to receive and process new passport applications, renewals, and related forms. These facilities do not issue passports on-site; instead, staff review your completed application for completeness, verify your identity and eligibility, witness your signature, and forward the materials to a regional passport agency for final processing. Common types of acceptance facilities include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Arlington, you can find such facilities at various post offices, libraries, and government offices in neighboring areas like Fairfax County or Alexandria.

When visiting, expect to present a completed DS-11 form for first-time applicants (or DS-82 for renewals), two passport photos meeting State Department specifications, proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment for application fees (via check or money order; credit cards may not be accepted). Minors under 16 require both parents' presence or notarized consent. Processing can take 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks expedited, with additional fees for faster options. Walk-ins are often available, but some locations recommend or require appointments to streamline visits. Always check the official State Department website or facility pages for the latest requirements and to locate the nearest option using their search tool.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons, such as spring break, summer vacations, and holidays when demand surges. Mondays often start the week with backlogs from weekend inquiries, while mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can get crowded due to lunch breaks and shift changes. To plan effectively, schedule appointments where offered to secure a slot and reduce wait times. Opt for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, and avoid peak seasons if possible by applying well in advance. Confirm details online beforehand, arrive prepared with all documents organized, and consider off-peak days like Tuesdays or Wednesdays for a smoother experience. Patience is key—lines can form unexpectedly, so build in extra time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Arlington?
No—nearest agency (Dallas) requires 14-day urgency proof and appointment. Routine takes weeks [3].

What's the difference between passport book and card?
Book valid worldwide (air); card land/sea only to select countries. Dual issue possible [1].

My appointment is full—any alternatives?
Try nearby facilities or mail if eligible. Clerk offices less crowded mid-week [4][6].

How do I expedite for a spring break trip?
Pay $60 at acceptance; 2-3 weeks. Book appt now—Texas spring demand high [1].

What if my child's other parent won't consent?
Sole custody court order or DS-3053 with statement. Consult legal [1].

Can I track my application?
Yes, online with last name/date of birth after 7-10 days [9].

Do Texas REAL ID count for ID?
Yes, if valid DL [8]. Photocopy both sides.

Renewal by mail from abroad?
Limited—check eligibility [1].

Step-by-Step Checklist for Peak Season Success

1. Assess needs 3 months out.
2. Gather docs (birth cert via [7] if missing).
3. Photo session.
4. Book appt (USPS [4]).
5. Confirm fees/checks.
6. Apply/track [9].
7. Monitor email for issues.

Arlington travelers: Leverage DFW proximity but prepare for volume. Questions? State Dept helpline 1-877-487-2778 [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]State Department Passport Application Wizard
[3]Passport Agencies
[4]USPS Passport Locations
[5]USPS Passport Services
[6]Tarrant County Clerk - Passports
[7]Texas Vital Statistics
[8]Texas DPS Driver License
[9]Check Passport Status
[10]Passport Photo Requirements Video