Getting a Passport in Fort Stockton, TX: Facilities & Guide

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Fort Stockton, TX
Getting a Passport in Fort Stockton, TX: Facilities & Guide

Getting a Passport in Fort Stockton, TX

In Fort Stockton or Pecos County, a U.S. passport is crucial for border trips to Mexico, oilfield assignments abroad, family visits, or vacations—especially with West Texas's rural setup limiting local options. Demand surges during spring break, summer, holidays, and student exchanges, filling slots fast at sparse facilities. Last-minute rushes for emergencies or business often hit snags, so plan 4-6 months ahead. This guide cuts through confusion with decision tools, pitfalls like photo rejections (shadows, glare, wrong dimensions), DS-11 errors for minors lacking dual-parent consent, and renewal mix-ups (e.g., mailing damaged passports). Routine processing: 6-8 weeks plus mailing; expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Under 14 days? Life-or-death emergencies only qualify for agencies. Use the State Department's eligibility tool and verify rules, as photo specs or fees evolve.

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

Pick wrong? Expect 30% rejection rate, lost fees, and delays. Key pitfalls: mailing DS-11s or renewing ineligible passports by mail.

Situation Best Option Next Steps & Timeline Pitfalls to Dodge
First-time (16+), no recent passport DS-11, in-person Book facility slot; 6-8 weeks routine. Gather citizenship proof, ID, photo. Using DS-82 or mailing—always rejected.
Eligible renewal (16+, <15 years issued, undamaged) DS-82, mail From home; include old passport. 6-8 weeks. In-person waste if eligible; check issue date vs. birthdate.
Minor under 16 DS-11, in-person Both parents or notarized consent; 5-year validity. Solo parent without DS-3053—top delay cause.
Lost/stolen/damaged DS-11, in-person Report via DS-64 first; police report for stolen. DS-82 attempt—rejection guaranteed.
Urgent (<6 weeks) Expedited (+$60) Add at filing; itinerary for <14 days. 2-3 weeks. Skipping fee or buffer time in peak seasons.
Super-urgent (<2 weeks, non-emergency) Private courier post-approval After local submit; vet services. Bypassing official paths—full denial risk.

Download forms at pptform.state.gov. Schedule early for Pecos County spots amid rural constraints.

Quick Decision Tree: DS-11 vs. DS-82

Have prior U.S. passport? → No → DS-11 in-person.
Yes → Issued at 16+? AND <15 years from issue date? AND undamaged? → Yes → DS-82 mail.
No → DS-11 in-person.

For West Texas: Factor drive times to facilities; apply 9 months pre-expiration.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Fort Stockton and Pecos County

Limited local spots mean booking 4-6 weeks ahead, especially peaks. Expect 15-30 minute interviews: agent verifies docs, witnesses signature, collects fees. No on-site passports—forwarded to processing center. Confirm services/phone via State Department locator.

  • Fort Stockton Post Office: 300 S Main St, Fort Stockton, TX 79735. Phone: (432) 336-2828.
  • Pecos County Clerk's Office: 205 N Nelson St, Fort Stockton, TX 79735. Phone: (432) 336-3333.

Nearest agencies (urgent only): El Paso or Houston—call 1-877-487-2778 with <14-day proof. Nearby alternates: Midland/Odessa post offices. Weekdays best; avoid Mondays/post-holiday rushes. Bring organized folder, extras like photos.

Required Documents and Forms

Originals only—no scans. Mismatches or misses = instant return.

Category Details Texas-Specific Notes
Citizenship Proof Birth cert, naturalization cert, prior passport. Order Texas births via DSHS Vital Statistics ($22+; 2-4 weeks routine).
Identity Proof Driver's license (REAL ID ideal), military ID. Names must match. Photocopy front/back.
Form DS-11 (new/minor): In-person, unsigned till witnessed.
DS-82 (renewal): Mail if eligible.		 Download here.
Photo 2x2", color, white background (specs below). Pros recommended.
Fees Adult book: $130 routine/$190 expedited (+$35 execution).
Minor: $100/$160. Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State".		 See fees page.

Minors: DS-3053 notarized consent if one parent absent; custody docs.

Passport Photos: Avoid 25% Rejection Rate

Strict specs tank apps—glare, shadows, off-size common fails. View examples.

  • Head size: 1-1⅜ inches chin-to-top.
  • Neutral face, eyes open, recent (6 months).
  • No glasses/hats/uniforms/selfies/home prints.

Fort Stockton spots: Walmart CVS Photo, Walgreens, or USPS ($15). Get receipt; retakes free if rejected on-site.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

DS-11 In-Person (First-Time/Minor/Replacement):

  1. Confirm need via wizard.
  2. Secure citizenship proof (order early).
  3. Get compliant photo.
  4. Fill DS-11 online/print (don't sign).
  5. Prep ID photocopies, fees.
  6. Minors: Dual consent.
  7. Book facility call.
  8. Arrive early; sign on-site.
  9. Track at passportstatus.state.gov.

DS-82 Mail Renewal:

  1. Verify eligibility.
  2. Fill DS-82; enclose old passport/photo/fees.
  3. Certified mail to address on form.

Processing Times and Expediting

Service Time Cost Add-On Best For
Routine 6-8 weeks + mail None Non-urgent.
Expedited 2-3 weeks + mail $60 <6 weeks travel.
Urgent Agency 1-3 days Varies <14 days + life/death.

Texas peaks (summer/holidays) add 2-4 weeks. $21.36 return shipping. Track online; no local status calls.

Special Texas and Local Tips

Pecos County: DSHS for births. Oil workers/border crossers: Passport card ($30, land/sea). Students: Midland/Odessa during breaks. Name changes: DS-5504 (free <1 year). Lost: DS-64 report first (online).

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day in Fort Stockton? No; agencies need urgent proof.

Texas birth cert timeline? 2-4 weeks; expedite 10-15 days via DSHS.

Photo rejected? Retake for glare/shadows/size; facilities help.

Mail renewal OK? Yes if <15 years issued, 16+ at issue, undamaged.

Child needs both parents? Yes or DS-3053 notarized.

3-week trip? Expedite now; agency only for emergencies.

TX DL as ID? Yes if matches names.

Track status? passportstatus.state.gov.

Sources

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