Getting a Passport in Castroville, TX: Forms, Locations & Tips

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Castroville, TX
Getting a Passport in Castroville, TX: Forms, Locations & Tips

Getting a Passport in Castroville, Texas

Castroville residents in Medina County rely on nearby post offices and the county clerk for U.S. passport applications amid Texas's high demand from Mexico business trips, European vacations, and spring/summer family travel surges. Limited local slots mean planning 8-10 weeks ahead avoids backlogs—especially with student exchanges and holiday rushes. This guide streamlines the process with Medina County-specific tips, decision trees for forms, timelines, and pitfalls like photo rejections (20-25% rate from glare or sizing errors).

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose the right path to skip delays—missteps like using DS-82 for ineligible renewals cause 15-20% rejections.

Situation Form In Person? Key Decision Factors
First-Time (Adult 16+ or Child <16) DS-11 Yes, at acceptance facility Never had U.S. passport; no mail option. Children need both parents or notarized consent.
Renewal DS-82 No (mail if eligible) Issued at 16+, <15 years old, undamaged/not lost. Faster/cheaper; otherwise DS-11.
Lost/Stolen/Damaged DS-82 (if old passport available) or DS-11 + DS-64 Mail or in person Report loss via DS-64; police report helps for abroad incidents.
Name Change/Correction DS-82 (if valid passport), DS-5504 (corrections <1 year, no fee), or DS-11 Varies Marriage/divorce docs needed; recent changes simplest.
Child <16 DS-11 Yes Both parents/guardians or DS-3053; sole custody needs court order—top rejection cause.

Castroville locals start with the post office or Medina County Clerk (15-min drive). Confirm via State Department locator.

Required Documents and Forms

Originals only—no photocopies for proofs. Texas birth certificates (certified long-form from DSHS Vital Statistics) are common; hospital "short-forms" often fail.

Universal Checklist:

  1. Form: DS-11 (unsigned until in-person) or DS-82 (signed). Download/print single-sided from pptform.state.gov.
  2. Citizenship Proof (original + photocopy): Birth cert, naturalization cert, or prior passport.
  3. ID Proof (original + photocopy): Texas DL, passport, military ID. No ID? Secondary like employee ID + Social Security card (tricky).
  4. Photo: 2x2" color, <6 months old (details below).
  5. Minors:

Parental IDs + DS-3053 if one absent. 6. Fees: See table below; check to "U.S. Department of State" + facility execution fee. 7. Photocopies: All docs front/back on 8.5x11 white paper.

Expect 20-45 min at facilities: Agent verifies, oaths, seals packet.

Passport Photo Requirements and Local Options

Strict specs: 2x2", head 1-1⅜" from chin to crown, white/neutral background, even indoor lighting (Texas sun causes glare), no glasses/selfies/headwear (exceptions documented). Validate via State Dept tool.

Medina County Spots:

  • CVS/Walgreens (Hondo/San Antonio): $15-17, instant; use store locator.
  • Castroville Post Office (405 Madrid St, 830-538-4231): Photos or referrals.
  • UPS in Hondo (15 min).

Where to Apply Near Castroville

No local agency—use acceptance facilities for routine (DS-11/execution); San Antonio Agency (210-535-6480) for urgent (<14 days, proof required, 45-min drive). Book ahead: Texas peaks overwhelm slots.

Facility Address/Phone Drive Time Notes/Appointments
Castroville Post Office 405 Madrid St, Castroville, TX 78009 / 830-538-4231 Local DS-11/82; USPS scheduler or call. No walk-ins.
Medina County Clerk 310 Columbus St, Hondo, TX 78861 / co.medina.tx.us 15 min Full service, Mon-Fri 8-5; call for appt.
Devine Post Office 211 S Teel Dr, Devine, TX 78016 / 830-665-2330 20 min USPS scheduler.
San Antonio USPS Various / locator 30-45 min More slots.

Mail DS-82 renewals to National Passport Processing Center, Philadelphia, PA 19355-0001. Busy times: Mon mid-day, summer mornings—go early/late.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

  • Routine: 6-8 weeks from receipt (add 2 weeks mail time).
  • Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks; request at submission.
  • Urgent (<14 days): Agency only with itinerary/proof—no routine walk-ins.

Track

after 7-10 days: passportstatus.state.gov. Texas mail delays: Use certified/tracking.

Fees Breakdown

Type Application Fee (Book) Execution Fee Expedited Overnight Return Lost/Stolen Add
Adult First-Time/Renewal $130 $35 / $0 +$60 +$21.36 +$60
Child First-Time $100 $35 +$60 +$21.36 +$60

Cards at some USPS; separate checks.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Assess form (table above).
  2. Gather checklist docs/photo.
  3. Fill form online, photocopy all.
  4. Book appt (links above; 4-6 weeks early in peaks).
  5. Attend: Sign DS-11, submit, get receipt (20-45 min).
  6. Track online; expedite if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Medina County

  • Form error: DS-82 ineligible? → DS-11 redo.
  • Photos: Head too small/large, glare—remake delays 1-2 weeks.
  • Minors: Missing/notarized DS-3053 → instant reject.
  • No appt: Facilities like Castroville PO turn away.
  • Photocopies missing: On-site bounce.
  • Timing: Apply 8-10 weeks pre-travel; Medina Clerk books out in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Appointment at Castroville Post Office? No walk-ins—use USPS link or call 830-538-4231.

Texas birth cert? Certified from DSHS or county; avoid short-forms.

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited: 2-3 weeks routine (+$60). Urgent: Agency for <14 days/proof.

Mail renewal from Castroville? Yes for DS-82 eligibles to Philly center.

Child renewal? DS-11 in-person always.

Summer timeline? 8-10 weeks; Hondo Clerk surges.

Lost abroad? DS-64 + police report, DS-11.

San Antonio Agency routine? No—urgent only.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2] Passport Forms
[3] USPS Passport Services
[4] Texas DSHS Vital Statistics
[5] Passport Photos
[6] Passport Fees
[7] CVS Passport Photos
[8] [USPS Castroville](https://tools.usps.com/find-

location.htm?locationType=passport&addressZip=78009)
[9] Passport Agencies
[10] Medina County Clerk

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations