Passport Application Guide: Giddings TX Facilities & Steps

Applying for a Passport in Giddings, TX

Giddings residents in Lee County (ZIP 78942) enjoy quick access to passport services amid Texas's high travel volume to Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and the Caribbean. Peak demand hits during spring break, summer, and holidays, plus urgent business or family trips. Local spots fill fast—plan 8-12 weeks ahead using U.S. Department of State tools to dodge delays from form errors, photo issues, or shortages [1].

Determine Your Passport Service: First-Time, Renewal, Replacement, or Other

Pick the right form to avoid restarts:

• First-Time (DS-11): No prior U.S. passport (or issued before age 16). In-person only at acceptance facilities.

• Renewal (DS-82): Last passport issued age 16+, within 15 years, undamaged/not lost/stolen. Mail it—no in-person unless name/gender change or pages needed. Lee County folks often misjudge eligibility; check issue date first.

• Lost/Stolen/Damaged: Report via DS-64 (online/mail), then DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11.

• Corrections: DS-5504 (within 1 year of issue); else DS-11/DS-82.

Texas drivers: Use DPS-issued DL for ID proof [7].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Giddings

No passport agency in Giddings (those handle 14-day emergencies only). Use acceptance facilities for routine (6-8 weeks), expedited (2-3 weeks +$60), new apps, or minors. Expect: Document review, on-site DS-11 signing, fee collection, receipt with tracking—no passports printed here.

• Giddings Post Office: 209 E Austin St, Giddings, TX 78942. Call (979) 542-1412 to book/confirm [4].

• Lee County Clerk's Office: 230 Broad St, Rm 218, Giddings, TX 78942. Call (979) 542-7030 for slots [5].

Book via USPS Passport Locator for real-time availability. Nearby: Bastrop (25 miles north) or La Grange (20 miles south) offices—short drives, but book early for Texas peaks. Mail DS-82 renewals directly (address on form) [2].

Pro Tip: Mid-week mornings beat Monday/midday rushes. Arrive 15 minutes early with photocopies.

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

1. Form DS-11: Complete online at travel.state.gov, print single-sided (sign in front of agent) [1].

2. Citizenship Proof: Original + photocopy of birth certificate (Texas long-form via DSHS), naturalization cert, or old passport

[6].

3. ID Proof: DL/military ID + photocopy (Texas REAL ID works) [7].

4. Photo: 2x2" color, <6 months old, white background, no glasses/shadows. Try Walmart (Giddings) or CVS (La Grange); rejections hit 25% for glare/size [8].

5. Minors (<16): Both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent + IDs.

6. Fees: See table. State fee by check; execution to facility (cash/card).

7. Appointment: 2-4 weeks ahead via phone/locator.

8. Submit: Get tracking receipt.

9. Track: Online after 7 days [1].

Current Fees (verify at travel.state.gov) [1]:

+1-2 day delivery: $21.50.

Renewals by Mail (DS-82): Ideal for Eligible Texans

1. Complete DS-82 online/print.
2. Old passport + photo + fees (certified mail advised for high Texas volume).
3. Send to form address [2].

Ineligible? Use DS-11.

Expedited vs. Urgent Service

Expedited: +$60 at facilities/mail; 2-3 weeks processing + mailing (longer in peaks). Good for Mexico business trips.

Urgent: Agencies only (Dallas/Houston, 3+ hours away). Needs itinerary + 14-day travel proof or life/death emergency [9]. Scarce slots—don't bank on it.

Special Considerations for Minors and Texas Families

Under-16: In-person DS-11, both parents (or consent). Texas State exchange students: Verify school docs. Order DSHS birth certs early—delays common [6].

Common Challenges and Fixes

• Slots Gone: Multi-location search via USPS tool; try Bastrop/La Grange.
• Photos Fail: Even lighting, matte—no smiles/selfies.
• Docs Short: Photocopy all; full birth cert names parents.
• Renewal Error: Undamaged/15-year rule trips up many.
• Delays: Routine 6-8 weeks (13+ peaks); track obsessively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Giddings? No—agencies only for urgents [9].

Texas processing time? 6-8 weeks routine; track online [1].

Giddings PO appointment? Required; call ahead [4].

**Texas birth cert

?** Certified DSHS copy [6].

Online renewal? Limited pilot—check [10].

Expedite for Mexico? +$60, but plan ahead [1].

REAL ID for ID? Yes + photocopy [1].

Name change? Marriage cert + right form [1].

Final Tips for Giddings Residents

Start 10 weeks early. Use state.gov simulator. Leverage Lee County spots before Austin drives. Lost abroad? U.S. embassy.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[2] Renew by Mail
[3] Lost/Stolen
[4] USPS Passport Locations
[5] Lee County Clerk
[6] Texas DSHS Vital Statistics
[7] Texas DPS
[8] Photo Requirements
[9] Passport Agencies
[10] Online Renewal