Brazoria TX Passport Guide: Facilities, Steps & Pitfalls

Getting a Passport in Brazoria, TX

Brazoria residents frequently apply for passports due to international travel for petrochemical industry jobs, family trips to Mexico or Europe, spring break escapes from Gulf Coast humidity, or student programs. Proximity to Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH, ~45 minutes north) drives high demand, with Brazoria County seeing seasonal rushes alongside Harris County's volume. Common pitfalls include appointment shortages in peaks (March-May, June-August, December), photo rejections from glare or sizing errors, minor consent oversights, and mixing DS-11 (in-person) with DS-82 (mail) eligibility. This guide provides Brazoria-focused steps, checklists, and tips to navigate local facilities efficiently.[1]

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Determine your path first to avoid wasted trips. Use travel.state.gov's wizard for confirmation.[1]

First-Time Applicants

Requires in-person DS-11 if: never had a passport, minor under 16, previous passport pre-age 16, lost/stolen/damaged, or over 15 years old. Brazoria applicants head to Angleton-area clerks or post offices.

Renewals

Mail DS-82 if eligible:

• Issued age 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, in possession.
• No major personal data changes.

Busy Brazoria travelers (e.g., oilfield workers) often default to in-person unnecessarily.

Replacements

Report lost/stolen via DS-64 online first.[2] Then DS-11 in-person or DS-82 by mail if eligible. Submit damaged passports for cancellation.

Quick Decision Table:

Required Documents and Common Pitfalls

Rejections hit 25% nationally from incomplete docs—Brazoria applicants face extra scrutiny from Houston spillover.[1] Verify at travel.state.gov.[1]

Core Checklist:

• Citizenship: Original birth certificate (Texas-issued: raised seal from DSHS if lost[4]), naturalization cert, or prior passport. Photocopy front/back.
• ID: Texas DL (matching name), passport card, or gov't ID. Photocopy.
• Photo: 2x2-inch compliant (below).
• Form: DS-11 (unsigned till sworn) or DS-82.
• Fees: App fee to "U.S. Dept of State" ($130 adult book); execution to facility ($35).[5]
• Minors: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent; divorce decrees. Gulf Coast families miss this 20-30% of time.[1]

Pitfalls: No photocopies (bring extras), expired ID, name mismatches post-marriage (add cert), minor solo travel docs.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

40% of apps fail here.[6] Texas humidity warps home prints; use pros.

• Specs: 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches, white background, even light, neutral face, no glasses glare/shadows.[6]
• Local Options: Angleton USPS, CVS/Walgreens. $10-15; call for passport service.
• Tip: Measure with ruler; upload digital for DS-82.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Brazoria County

Limited spots in rural Brazoria—book via iafdb.travel.state.gov 2-4 weeks early, as Houston demand fills them.[7] Facilities verify docs (15-45 min), take execution fee, forward to processing center. Expect queues; arrive organized. No on-site issuance.

Key Local Facilities:

• Brazoria County Clerk (Angleton): 111 E. Locust St., Angleton, TX 77515. (979) 864-1213. Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM. Appointments required; first-time/minors.[8]
• USPS Angleton: 1929 W. Mulberry St., Angleton, TX 77515. Mon-Fri 9AM-2PM, Sat 10AM-12PM. (979) 849-5211. Walk-ins off-peak.[9]
• USPS Lake Jackson (nearby): 98 Oyster Creek Dr., Lake Jackson, TX 77566. Similar hours; overflow option (~20 min drive).[9]
• Others: Pearland/Alvin USPS/clerk (~30 min); no Brazoria town site—10-15 min to Angleton.

Busy Times & Tips: Peaks overwhelm Mondays/midday; target Tue-Fri mornings or late afternoons. Houston proximity means 2+ week waits seasonally—check locator for slots.[7] What to expect: Agent reviews docs/photos, witnesses signature, provides tracking. Some offer photos/fees by card/cash.

Step-by-Step Checklist: First-Time or In-Person (DS-11)

1. Confirm need via travel.state.gov.[1]
2. Complete DS-11 (unsigned); DS-64 if lost.[2]
3. Gather: Originals + photocopies, ID, photo, fees ($165 adult book routine).[5]
4. Photo check: Compliant 2x2.
5. Book: Call facility/locator.[7]
6. Arrive 15 min early; all minor adults present.
7. Submit: Pay execution ($35), sign on-site.
8. Select speed: Routine (6-8 wks), expedited (+$60, 2-3 wks).[3]
9. Track online post-7 days.[10]
10. Receive: USPS Priority (~2 wks mailing).

Minors: DS-3053 notarized if needed.

Renewing by Mail (DS-82 Eligible)

Ideal for repeat Brazoria travelers.

1. Verify: <15 yrs old, etc.[1]
2. DS-82 online/print.[1]
3. Enclose: Old passport, photo, fees ($130).[5]
4. Priority Mail to NPP C.[1]
5. Expedite: +$60/return overnight.[3]
6. Track after 7-10 days.[10]

Else: DS-11 in-person.

Expedited, Urgent, and Processing Times

Timelines (processing only): Routine 6-8 wks; expedited 2-3 wks (+$60).[3] Add 2 wks mailing. Brazoria peaks (tourism/oil travel) delay—apply 9+ wks early.

• Urgent (<14 days): Itinerary proof; +fees/overnight. Local facilities limited.[3]
• Life-or-Death: State Dept agency (Houston, 1.5 hrs).[11]

Tracking and Aftercare

Application locator at passportstatus.state.gov (post-7 days).[10] Signature delivery. Lost? Report ASAP.[1]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Brazoria? No local; urgent to Houston agency.[3]
Lost TX birth cert? Vitalchek expedited (1-2 wks).[4]
Angleton USPS appt? Call; walk-ins risky.[9]
Name change? Cert + in-person if needed.[1]
One-parent minor? No; DS-3053 required.[1]
Expedited vs urgent? Processing speed vs travel proof.[3]
Passport card for cruises? Yes (land/sea only).[1]
Track timing? 7-10 days.[10]

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Report Lost/Stolen Passport (DS-64)
[3] U.S. Department of State - Fast for Everyone
[4] Texas DSHS - Vital Statistics
[5] U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees
[6] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[7] U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[8] Brazoria County Clerk - Passports
[9] USPS - Passport Services
[10] U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status
[11] U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies