Bee Cave TX Passport Guide: Forms Facilities Photos Fees

Getting a Passport in Bee Cave, TX

Bee Cave residents in Travis County frequently apply for passports ahead of Mexico border runs from Austin-Bergstrom, Caribbean getaways, or Europe trips timed with University of Texas spring breaks and summer exchanges. Peaks hit during March-April spring break, June-August vacations, and December holidays, when Austin-area facilities book out weeks ahead. Last-minute family emergencies or business needs spike demand, but photo glitches (shadows from Texas glare), minor form errors, or renewal mix-ups cause most returns. This guide cuts through with tailored checklists, Texas DL tips, DSHS birth cert ordering, decision trees for DS-11 vs. DS-82, and pro moves to dodge 6-8 week delays [1].

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Pick wrong? Expect rejection and restart. Use this flowchart:

• Never had one, issued pre-16, or expired >15 years ago? DS-11 in person.
• Issued age 16+, expired <15 years, undamaged/not lost? DS-82 by mail (saves $35 execution fee, skips Austin drive).
• Under 16? DS-11 in person + both parents (or notarized DS-3053).
• Lost/stolen/damaged? DS-64 report + DS-82/DS-5504 by mail if eligible; else DS-11.

First-Time Adult (DS-11): Expect 15-30 min at facility for oath/docs review.

1. Fill DS-11 at travel.state.gov (black ink, no signature till agent—#1 error).
2. Original citizenship proof (TX long-form birth cert via DSHS) + photocopy; TX DL as ID + photocopy.
3. 2x2 photo (no Walmart glare shots).
4. Fees: $130+ app, $35 execution. Expedite? +$60. Track at passportstatus.state.gov post-submission.
   Texas pro: DSHS certs ($22) take 15-20 days—order early for peaks [4].

Adult Renewal (DS-82): Mail from Bee Cave PO—no interview. Ineligible? DS-11. Include old passport.

Child Under 16 (DS-11): Both parents + child, or one + DS-3053 ("I swear I am the parent... authorize passport"). 5-year validity. Mexico family trips? Pre-notarize backups. Rejections hit 50% sans exact wording [1].

Lost/Stolen: DS-64 online first, then replace [3].

Passport Photos: Dodge 25% Rejection Rate

Strict specs or resubmit [5]:

• 2x2 inches, <6 months old, white background, neutral face (eyes 1-1⅜ inches from chin).
• No glare/shadows (TX sun killer), glasses/hats (med/religious OK if face clear).
  Bee Cave hacks: CVS/Walgreens digital prints ($15), AAA for members. Measure head size—rejections peak summer.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Bee Cave

**Cri

tical Disclaimer**: Hours, appointments, and services change—always verify today via phone or State Dept locator. Do not rely on this guide for current details [8].

Bee Cave has no full clerk; head nearby (5-15 min drives):

• Bee Cave Post Office (13717 Ranch Rd 620 N): Appointments weekdays; call 512-263-1771 [6].
• Travis County Clerk (e.g., Airport Blvd or Foothill Farms Loop sites): On-site photos sometimes; book online 4-6 weeks early [7].
• Lakeway Post Office (RR 620 S): Appointments needed [6].

What to expect: 15-45 min review/oath. Bring 2 forms, originals + copies, exact fees (check for State). Walk-ins rare—book via USPS/County sites. Peaks (UT breaks, holidays) fill fast; check daily. Renewals? Mail from any PO.

Google Maps: Passport facilities near Bee Cave | State Locator

Step-by-Step Checklist (DS-11 In-Person)

1. Fill DS-11/DS-3053 (no sign).
2. Originals + 8.5x11 photocopies: Citizenship (DSHS cert [4]), TX DL ID, SSN on form, 2 photos.
3. Book appt.
4. Appear: Sign on-site, pay execution.
5. Track after 5-7 days.
6. Receive by mail (use USPS Premium Forwarding if traveling).

Renewal tweak: Mail DS-82 flat-rate envelope. Minors: Parental proofs.

Fees Breakdown

Two payments: App to State, execution to facility [9].

Checks/money orders preferred; cards add $35 at some.

Processing Times & Expedites

Routine: 6-8 weeks (10+ in TX peaks) [10].

• Expedite: +$60, 2-3 weeks.
• Urgent (<14 days): Emergencies only at Austin Agency (proof: obit/doctor). Call 1-877-487-2778—no vacations [11].
  UT-adjacent? Apply 9 months pre-summer.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

• Wrong form (DS-82 for first-timers). Fix: Check issue age/date.

Signed DS-11 early. Fix: Redo.

• Glare-y photos or no copies. Fix: CVS retake.
• Minors sans DS-3053 exact text. Fix: Notary phrase match.
• Procrastination in peaks. Fix: Daily locator checks.
  Texas trap: Name mismatch (hyphens/suffixes on DL/cert). Use State wizard [12].

FAQs

Renew by mail from Bee Cave? Yes, DS-82 if eligible [2].
Texas birth cert? DSHS online ($22, 15-20 days) or Travis Clerk [4].
Expedite vs. urgent? Expedite fee for 2-3 weeks; urgent agency-only [11].
Bee Cave PO photos? No—CVS nearby [6].
3-week trip? Expedite + courier; agency if dire [10].
REAL ID for passport? Yes, as ID only [1].
Child validity? 5 years [1].

Sources

[1] travel.state.gov/passports/how-apply
[2] travel.state.gov/passports/renew
[3] travel.state.gov/passports/lost-stolen
[4] dshs.texas.gov/vs
[5] travel.state.gov/passports/photos
[6] usps.com/passports
[7] traviscountytx.gov/county-clerk/passports
[8] iafdb.travel.state.gov
[9] travel.state.gov/passports/fees
[10] travel.state.gov/processing-times
[11] travel.state.gov/get-fast
[12] pptform.state.gov