How to Get a Passport in Combes, TX: Steps & Facilities

Getting a Passport in Combes, TX

Residents of Combes, Texas, in Cameron County, frequently need passports for international business trips—especially to Mexico and Latin America—family vacations, and seasonal tourism to Europe or the Caribbean during spring breaks and summer months. Winter travel spikes around holidays, while students from nearby universities like the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley often participate in exchange programs abroad. Urgent scenarios, such as last-minute family emergencies or job relocations, are common in this border region. However, Texas's high travel volume leads to challenges like limited appointment slots at acceptance facilities, particularly in peak seasons. Confusion over expedited processing (which speeds routine service but isn't for travel in 14 days or less) and urgent services (only for documented life-or-death emergencies) can delay plans. Photo rejections due to glare, shadows, or wrong sizing are frequent, as are issues with incomplete documents for minors or using the wrong form for renewals.[1]

This guide provides practical steps tailored to Combes residents, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines. Always verify details on travel.state.gov, as requirements can update. Processing times are estimates only—avoid relying on last-minute applications during busy periods like March-May or December, when backlogs grow.[2]

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before starting, determine your service type to use the correct form and process. Mischoosing, like submitting a renewal form for a first-time passport, causes rejections and restarts.

• First-Time Passport: Use Form DS-11 if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one expired over 15 years ago. Requires in-person application at an acceptance facility. Common for Combes families planning cruises from Galveston or first trips abroad.[3]

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you're over 16, and it's undamaged/not reported lost. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person needed unless adding pages or changing data. Texas business travelers often renew this way for efficiency.[4]

• Replacement: For lost, stolen, or damaged passports. File Form DS-64 (lost/stolen report) or DS-5504 (damaged), then apply with DS-11 or DS-82 if eligible. Urgent if needed soon—check urgent services.[5]

• Name/Gender/Data Changes: Use DS-5504 or DS-82 if eligible; otherwise, DS-11 in person.

Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm: travel.state.gov > "Apply in Person" or "Apply by Mail."[6]

General Requirements

All applicants need:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (long-form preferred), naturalization certificate, or previous undamaged passport. Certified copies only—no photocopies. For Texas births, order from the Texas Department of State Health Services or local vital records office.[7]
• Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Texas DLs work well; bring two if possible.
• Photo: One 2x2-inch color photo on white background, taken within 6 months. No selfies—use pharmacies like Walgreens in Harlingen.
• Fees: Paid separately—execution fee to facility (check/money order), application fee to State Department (check/money order or card online).[8]
• Form: Filled but unsigned until in person for DS-11.

Minors under 16 have extra rules (see below).

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or Replacement In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Follow this checklist meticulously to avoid common pitfalls like incomplete docs.

1. Gather Documents:

   • Completed but unsigned DS-11 (download from travel.state.gov).[9]
   • Original citizenship proof + photocopy.
   • Identity proof + photocopy.
   • Parental IDs and presence for minors.

2. Get a Photo:

   • 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches, neutral expression, even lighting—no glasses unless medically needed, white/cream/off-white background. Rejections spike from glare (common in Texas sun) or shadows.[10]

3. Calculate Fees:

   • Adult book: $130 application + $35 execution.
   • Child book: $100 application + $35 execution.
   • Expedited: +$60. 1-2 day delivery: +$21.11.[11]
   • Pay execution to facility; application to "U.S. Department of State."

4. Book Appointment:

   • Facilities fill fast—call ahead. High demand in Cameron County during spring/summer.

5. Attend Appointment:

   • Arrive early, sign form in front of agent. Both parents/guardians for minors.

6. Track Status:

   • Online at travel.state.gov after 7-10 days.

7. Plan for Delays:

   • Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks. No walk-ins for urgent non-emergencies.[2]

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals (DS-82 by Mail)

1. Confirm Eligibility: Passport <15 years old, you >16, same name/gender.
2. Complete DS-82: Download, sign.[4]
3. Include Old Passport, photo, fees ($130 adult book).
4. Mail To: Address on form. Use USPS Priority with tracking.
5. Expedite if Needed: Add $60 fee, overnight return envelope.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Combes

Combes lacks a dedicated facility, so head to nearby Cameron County spots. Appointments required—book via phone or online; slots scarce in peak seasons.

• Harlingen Post Office (1102 E. Tyler Ave., Harlingen, TX 78550): Full services, wheelchair accessible. Call (956) 423-3601. ~10 miles from Combes.[12]
• Brownsville Main Post Office (1535 E. Adams St., Brownsville, TX 78520): High-volume, passports Mon-Fri. (956) 541-5611. ~25 miles.[13]
• San Benito Post Office (117 W. St. George St., San Benito, TX 78586): Closer option. (956) 399-7354. ~5 miles.[14]
• Cameron County Clerk (835 E. Levee St., Brownsville, TX): County office handles passports. Call (956) 544-0815 for appointments.[15]

Use USPS locator for updates: tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport-acceptance-facility.[16] For urgent travel (14 days or less), contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 after routine denial.[17]

Passport Photos: Avoiding Rejections

Texas sunlight causes glare issues—take indoors. Specs:[10]

• Size: Exactly 2x2 inches.
• Head size: 1-1 3/8 inches from chin to top.
• Background: Plain white/off-white.
• Quality: Recent, color, matte/no glare, full face forward, eyes open, neutral mouth.

Local options: CVS/Walgreens in Harlingen (e.g., 2520 S. Expressway 83). Cost ~$15. Check photo code on back.

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Times from receipt date—peak seasons (TX spring/summer breaks) add weeks. Expedited ≠ guaranteed for imminent travel. For 14-day urgency, prove emergency (doctor's letter, obit). No routine guarantees; apply early.[2][18]

Special Rules for Minors Under 16

• Both parents/guardians must appear with child, or submit notarized consent (DS-3053).[19]
• Child's citizenship/IDs required.
• Valid 5 years ($100 + $35).
• Common issue: Missing consent for divorced/stepparents—get Form 2290 if one parent sole custody.

Texas vital records for birth certs: dshs.texas.gov/vs.[7]

Common Challenges and Tips for Combes Residents

• High Demand: Book 4-6 weeks ahead; weekends busier.
• Docs: Texas birth certs often short-form—get long-form certified.
• Renewal Mix-Up: If ineligible, redo as DS-11.
• Border Travel: SENTRI/NEXUS ok for land, but passports needed for air/flights.
• Students: UTTxRG students—check school intl office for group apps.
• Tip: Photocopy everything; keep originals safe.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Combes

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit your passport application. These include places like post offices, public libraries, county clerks' offices, and municipal centers. They do not issue passports on-site; instead, staff verify your identity, review your completed forms (such as DS-11 for new applications or DS-82 for renewals), ensure photos meet requirements, collect fees, and seal the application in an envelope for forwarding to a passport agency. Expect a straightforward process lasting 15-30 minutes per applicant, provided all documents are in order—bring proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate), photo ID, passport photos (2x2 inches on white background), and payment (checks or money orders often preferred).

In and around Combes, these facilities are typically available in nearby communities, such as post offices in surrounding towns or county offices in larger hubs like Harlingen or Brownsville. Rural areas like Combes may have limited options, so residents often travel short distances to access them. Always verify eligibility and locations via the official State Department website (travel.state.gov) or USPS locator tool, as participation can change. Some facilities require appointments, while others operate on a walk-in basis—calling ahead is wise to confirm services.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities experience higher demand during peak travel seasons, such as summer vacation periods, spring breaks, and holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, when application volumes surge. Mondays tend to be the busiest weekdays due to weekend backlog, while mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) often see crowds from lunch-hour visitors. To minimize waits, aim for early mornings (shortly after opening) or late afternoons on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Check for seasonal fluctuations and consider making an appointment if offered. Arrive prepared with all materials to avoid rescheduling, and monitor official sites for any advisories on processing delays, which can extend 6-8 weeks or more during high-demand periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does a passport take in Texas during peak season?
Expect longer than estimates—up to 10+ weeks routine. Apply 3+ months early for spring/summer travel.[2]

Can I get a passport same-day in Combes?
No local agencies; nearest regional (Houston/Dallas) by appt only for emergencies. Call NPC first.[17]

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited speeds processing (2-3 weeks); urgent for proven life/death within 14 days (days).[18]

Do I need a passport for a cruise from Galveston?
Yes for closed-loop to Mexico/Caribbean; birth cert/DL suffices for some, but passport recommended.[20]

My Texas birth certificate is lost—how to replace?
Order online/vital records office: dshs.texas.gov/vs. Allow 1-2 weeks.[7]

Can I renew a passport expired over 15 years?
No—treat as first-time (DS-11 in person).[4]

Photos rejected—what now?
Retake per specs; facilities often reschedule. Common: headwear (unless religious), smiling.[10]

Lost passport abroad—next steps?
Report to embassy; apply replacement upon return.[5]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[3]U.S. Department of State - Apply in Person
[4]U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[5]U.S. Department of State - Lost/Stolen Passports
[6]U.S. Department of State - Forms
[7]Texas DSHS Vital Statistics
[8]U.S. Department of State - Fees
[9]DS-11 Form
[10]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[11]USPS Passport Fees
[12]Harlingen PO Location
[13]Brownsville PO Location
[14]San Benito PO Location
[15]Cameron County Clerk
[16]USPS Passport Locator
[17]National Passport Information Center
[18]U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service
[19]U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
[20]U.S. Department of State - Cruises