Complete Hallsville, TX Passport Guide: Apply & Renew

Getting Your Passport in Hallsville, TX: A Complete Guide

Hallsville, TX (pop. ~4,000, Harrison County), offers convenient access to passport services via local post offices and the county clerk in nearby Marshall. High-demand periods include spring break, summer vacations, and holidays, when slots book up fast. Book appointments 4-6 weeks ahead at facilities like the Hallsville Post Office. Check uspassports.state.gov for real-time processing (routine: 6-8 weeks; expedited: 2-3 weeks + $60 fee).

Quick Decision Tip: Trip >14 days away? Use routine/expedited. Within 14 days? Prove urgency. Under 5 days? Visit a passport agency (e.g., Dallas, ~200 miles).

Common mistakes: Wrong form (DS-82 for first-timers), uncertified birth certificates, poor photos (2x2 inches, white background, no smiles/glasses), or split fees unprepared.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Use this decision tree to avoid rejections:

1. First-time, child <16, lost/stolen, or prior passport issued <16 or >15 years ago? DS-11 in person.
2. Renewal eligible (issued ≥16, <15 years ago, undamaged, in possession)? DS-82 by mail.
3. Urgent (<14 days)? Expedite DS-11/DS-82; <5 days needs agency proof-of-travel.
4. Name/gender change or minor? DS-11 in person.

Confirm with travel.state.gov wizard. Report lost/stolen via DS-64 first (free, online).

First-Time or Ineligible Renewal (DS-11)

In-person only at acceptance facilities. Do not sign form until agent instructs.

Steps:

1. Gather: Certified U.S. birth certificate (Texas: raised seal from DSHS; short forms rejected), photo ID (TX DL + photocopy), 2x2 photo.
2. Fill DS-11 (travel.state.gov; print single-sided).
3. Book appointment; arrive early.
4. Agent verifies, oaths, seals app.
5. Pay split fees (State Dept app fee by check/MO; facility execution by cash/check).

Expect at facility: 15-30 min; agent checks docs completeness. Originals returned except if needed.

Texas tip: Order birth cert early (dshs.texas.gov/vs/; 2-4 weeks mail).

Passport Renewal (DS-82)

Eligibility: Issued ≥16, <15 years ago, undamaged, possessed. No expedite by mail.

**Mail st

eps:**

1. Fill DS-82 by hand (travel.state.gov).
2. Attach photo, old passport, check/MO.
3. Mail to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (Priority Mail Express).

Ineligible? Use DS-11. Name change? Add docs (marriage decree).

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Replacement

1. File DS-64 online (travel.state.gov) to invalidate.
2. Get police report (Hallsville PD/sheriff—recommended proof).
3. Apply DS-11 in person (safer than DS-82).
4. Bring extras: Photo, ID, birth cert.

Passports for Minors (Under 16)

DS-11 in person; 5-year book. Both parents/guardians or notarized DS-3053. 30% rejections from missing consent.

Required Documents Checklist

• Citizenship: Certified birth cert (TX: DSHS certified only), naturalization cert, old passport + photocopies (front/back, plain paper).
• ID: Valid photo ID (TX DL/state ID) + photocopy + secondary if needed.
• Photo: One 2x2 (specs below).
• Forms: As above (unsigned DS-11).
• Fees: Split payments.
• Minor extras: DS-3053 if one parent absent.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

40% apps fail here. Specs (travel.state.gov/photos):

• 2x2 inches; head 1-1⅜ inches chin-to-top.
• White background; even light, no shadows/glare.
• Neutral face (eyes open, mouth closed); no glasses/hats/selfies.

Local options: CVS/Walgreens/Walmart Photo (Longview area, ~20 miles). Facilities may offer on-site ($15).

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Hallsville

Limited in small-town Hallsville—use nearby Harrison County sites. Verify services/hours/appointments via iafdb.travel.state.gov or usps.com [5][6]. Distances from Hallsville:

• Hallsville Post Office: 104 W Main St, Hallsville, TX 75650. (903) 668-8371. Appointments required [5].
• Harrison County Clerk: 200 W Houston St, Rm 142, Marshall, TX 75670 (~15 miles south). (903) 935-8404 [7].
• Longview Main Post Office: 1801 N Eastman Rd, Longview, TX 75601 (~20 miles west). (903) 753-5051 [5].
• Marshall Post Office: 1200 E Grand Ave, Marshall, TX 75670. Book online [5].

What to expect: Agent reviews docs, oaths you, collects fees (check/MO preferred; cash varies), seals envelope. 15-45 min; busier midweek mornings, peak seasons (summer/holidays).

Planning: Early mornings quieter; backups ready. Texas rural traffic

light, but surges delay.

Step-by-Step In-Person Application (DS-11)

1. Complete unsigned form.
2. Gather checklist docs.
3. Book slot.
4. Arrive prepared; sign on-site.
5. Pay/Submit.
6. Track after 7-10 days (passportstatus.state.gov) [8].

Fees and Payment (Verify Current at travel.state.gov)

As of 2024 [1]:

Check/MO only for app fee; facility varies (no cards federally). Exact change advised.

Expedited and Urgent Services

• Expedited: +$60 at facilities/mail (2-3 weeks) [2].
• Urgent (<14 days): Agency appt (Dallas: 214-239-0055; itinerary + emergency proof) [9].
• Life-or-death: <5 days, same process.

Peak delays: 10+ weeks possible—apply 8-12 weeks early.

Processing Times and Tracking

Routine: 6-8 weeks + mailing. Expedited: 2-3 weeks. Texas spikes add 2 weeks. Track weekly [2][8].

Common Mistakes and Fixes

• Wrong form: DS-82 ineligible? Restart with DS-11 (weeks lost).
• Photos/docs: Pro photos; certified TX birth certs only.
• Fees: Split payments; verify amounts.
• Minors: Consent forms.
• Timing: Book early; protect docs from TX humidity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Hallsville? No; Dallas agency for emergencies [9].
Expired 16+ years? DS-11 new [1].
TX birth cert? DSHS certified (dshs.texas.gov/vs/) [3].
Mail first-time? No [1].
3-week trip? Expedite now; buy insurance [2].
Appointment needed? Yes, call/online [5].

Sources

[1] travel.state.gov/passports
[2] Processing Times
[3] Texas DSHS Vital Statistics
[4] Photo Requirements
[5] USPS Passports
[6] Facility Locator
[7] Harrison County Clerk
[8] Status Check
[9] [Urgent Travel](https://travel.state.gov/content

Passport Emergencies: Getting One Fast

If you're in Hallsville, TX, facing an urgent need for a U.S. passport—such as international travel within 14 days or a life-or-death emergency abroad—act quickly to qualify for expedited processing. Routine services won't cut it; emergencies require specific steps through federal channels.

Key Qualifications

• Urgent Travel: Confirmed ticket for international departure within 14 calendar days (not including mailing time).
• Life-or-Death: Immediate travel required due to a family member's death abroad, or similar dire circumstances (provide death certificate or similar proof).
• Not Covered: Job interviews, business meetings, or non-urgent vacations—even if soon—don't qualify.

Decision Guidance:

• Check your travel dates first. If under 14 days with proof, pursue an agency appointment (1-3 business days). Otherwise, opt for expedited service (2-3 weeks) at a local acceptance facility.
• No proof of urgency? Save time and money by using standard expedited mail-in ($60 fee + overnight shipping).

Step-by-Step Process

1. Gather Documents Immediately:

   • Completed DS-11 (new) or DS-82/DS-5504 (renewal/correction) form.
   • Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization cert).
   • Valid photo ID and photocopy.
   • 2x2 passport photo (many pharmacies in the area offer this).
   • Urgency Proof: Airline itinerary, death certificate, or doctor's letter.

2. Call for Appointment (Required for Fastest Service):

   • Dial 1-877-487-2778 (Mon-Fri 8 AM-10 PM ET) ASAP—slots fill fast.
   • Have all docs ready; they'll verify eligibility over the phone.

3. Visit a Passport Agency:

   • Travel to the nearest agency (plan 4+ hours drive from Hallsville; check travel times).
   • Arrive with appointment confirmation, docs, and $30 execution fee (credit/debit accepted).

4. Alternative for Non-Qualifying Cases:

   • Use a local passport acceptance facility for expedited service ($60 fee, 2-3 weeks delivery).
   • Add 1-2 day return shipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming Local Help is Fast Enough: Small-town post offices handle applications but cannot issue passports same-day or in emergencies—only agencies can.
• Incomplete Proof: Vague emails or screenshots aren't enough; need official tickets/hard docs. Mistake delays approval.
• Wrong Form: Always DS-11 for first-time/in-person; using DS-82 remotely wastes time.
• Weekend Delays: No phone/appointment service weekends—call early Monday.
• Photo Fails: DIY photos often rejected (wrong size/background); use a pro service.

Pro Tips for East Texas Residents

• Start overnight shipping early for any mail-ins (USPS or FedEx to agency).
• Track status online at travel.state.gov after applying.
• Kids under 16? Both parents must appear—no exceptions for urgency.
• Lost/Stolen Passport? Report via phone first, then apply with Form DS-64.

Fees: $130+ adult book (first-time), $30 execution, $19.53 expedited, shipping extra. Budget $250+ total for rush. If denied, fall back to expedited mail—no refunds. Call the National Passport Information Center for personalized advice. Safe travels!