Getting a Passport in Keller, TX: Step-by-Step Guide & Local Tips

Getting a Passport in Keller, TX

Keller, TX, residents often need passports for frequent international business trips, family vacations, or student exchange programs. Texas sees high travel volumes, especially during spring and summer breaks or winter holidays, when demand spikes at acceptance facilities [1]. Last-minute trips for urgent business or family emergencies are common, but processing times can stretch due to seasonal backlogs. This guide helps you navigate the process efficiently, addressing local challenges like limited appointments at busy post offices and county offices, photo rejections from glare or sizing errors, and confusion over forms for renewals or minors.

Expect high demand at Tarrant County facilities serving Keller—book appointments early, as walk-ins are rare. Always verify details on official sites, as requirements can update.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right path prevents delays. Use this section to identify your situation:

• First-Time Passport: No prior U.S. passport, or previous one issued before age 16 (even if expired). Requires in-person application at an acceptance facility using Form DS-11 [2].

• Renewal: Current passport issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, undamaged, and sent with your application. Eligible applicants mail Form DS-82 from Keller—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing name/gender [3].

• Replacement for Lost/Stolen/Damaged: Report it via Form DS-64 (free replacement if eligible), then apply as new (DS-11 in-person) or renew (DS-82 mail) depending on prior passport status [4].

• Name/Gender Change: Use DS-5504 within one year of change (no fee, mail with docs); otherwise, treat as new or renewal [5].

• For Minors (Under 16): Always in-person with both parents/guardians; more docs required [6].

Texas families with exchange students or minors often trip on consent forms. Business travelers might need urgent service—clarify if your trip is within 14 days for expedited options.

Key Requirements and Documentation

Gather everything before applying to avoid rejections, common in high-volume Tarrant County.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy):

• U.S. birth certificate (Texas Vital Records: order online if needed) [7].
• Naturalization Certificate.
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Photocopy on plain white 8.5x11" paper.

Proof of Identity (original + photocopy):

• Driver's license, military ID, or government-issued photo ID.

Photos: One 2x2" color photo, taken within 6 months. Texas sunlight causes glare/shadows—use indoor neutral lighting. Specs: white/plain background, head 1-1 3/8", even expression, no glasses unless medically required [8]. Rejections here delay 20-30% of apps locally.

Fees: Payable by check/money order (two separate payments: application to State Dept., execution to facility) [9].

For minors: Both parents' IDs/presence, or notarized consent (DS-3053) [6].

Where to Apply in Keller and Tarrant County

Keller has no passport agency (those handle urgent only, by appt) [10]. Use acceptance facilities:

• Keller Post Office (1851 S Main St, Keller, TX 76248): By appointment; call 817-431-1200 [11].

• Tarrant County Clerk Offices (e.g., Fort Worth Main: 100 W Weatherford St): Handles passports; book online [12].

• North Richland Hills Post Office (nearby, 6301 NE Loop 820): Frequent option for Keller [11].

• Hurst Public Library or other clerks: Check USPS locator [11].

Search "passport acceptance facility" on USPS.com for Keller ZIPs (76244, 76248). Peak seasons (spring/summer, holidays) fill slots weeks ahead—monitor cancellations.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Keller

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and other services. These include common sites like post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. They do not process passports on-site; instead, staff review your completed forms (such as DS-11 or DS-82), verify your identity, administer the oath, collect fees, and forward the application to a regional passport agency for processing.

In and around Keller, various acceptance facilities are typically available within local post offices, nearby libraries, and government administrative centers in surrounding areas like Fort Worth or Tarrant County. To locate them, use the official State Department website's search tool or check with local postal services and county resources. Always confirm eligibility and requirements beforehand, as not every branch offers full services—some handle only specific application types.

When visiting, expect a straightforward but thorough process: arrive with two passport photos (meeting exact size and quality specs), a valid photo ID (like driver's license or military ID), proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate), and payment (checks or money orders preferred; credit cards may incur fees). Applications are by appointment at many spots, so book ahead online or by phone where possible. Processing times start at 6-8 weeks for routine service, longer during peaks.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges. Weekday mornings, especially Mondays, and mid-day periods (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) tend to be busiest due to working professionals and lunch-hour rushes. Weekends may offer lighter crowds but limited availability.

Plan cautiously by scheduling appointments early, aiming for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays. Monitor official sites for any advisories, prepare all documents meticulously to avoid rescheduling, and consider expedited options if time is short. Patience is key—arrive prepared to wait, even with reservations.

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

Follow this sequentially. Complete Form DS-11 online (don't sign until instructed) [2].

1. Confirm Eligibility: Trip >14 days away? Standard processing. Within 14? Expedited (+$60, 2-3 wks) or urgent (agency appt) [13]. Life-or-death? Call 1-877-487-2778 [10].

2. Gather Documents:

   • Completed DS-11 (unsigned).
   • Citizenship proof + photocopy.
   • ID proof + photocopy.
   • Parental consent if minor.
   • Prior passport if replacement.

3. Get Photo: Professional or home—check specs religiously [8]. Avoid selfies.

4. Calculate Fees:

   Applicant Type	Application Fee	Execution Fee	Expedite	1-2 Day Urgent
   Adult (16+)	$130	$35	+$60	+$22 (+overnight)
   Minor (<16)	$100	$35	+$60	+$22 (+overnight) [9]

   Pay State fee by check to "U.S. Department of State"; execution to "Postmaster/USPS/Clerk."

5. Book Appointment: Call facility 4-6 weeks early, especially pre-summer.

6. Attend In-Person: Bring all originals/photocopies. Sign DS-11 there. Surrender old passport.

7. Track: Note application locator number; check online [14].

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

Only if eligible—many Keller applicants misuse DS-11.

1. Verify Eligibility: Passport <15 yrs old, issued at 16+, signature yours, not damaged [3].

2. Complete DS-82: Online, print single-sided [3].

3. Gather:

   • Old passport.
   • New photo (on back: name, DOB, app locator).
   • Name change docs if applicable.

4. Fees: $130 adult/$100 minor; check to "U.S. Department of State." Include prepaid return envelope [9].

5. Mail: Priority Express to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [15]. Texas mail delays possible—insure.

Renewals take 6-8 weeks standard; no execution fee.

Processing Times and Expediting

Standard: 6-8 weeks (routine), 2-3 weeks expedited. No guarantees—peak Texas seasons (Mar-Jun, Dec) add 2-4 weeks [13]. Avoid relying on last-minute; State Dept. warns facilities overload.

• Expedited: +$60, faster mail.
• Urgent (<14 days): Agency appt (Dallas: 1100 Commerce St) [10].
• Life-or-Death: Call for emergency [10].

Track weekly [14]. Lost tracking? Waitlisted service during peaks.

Special Considerations for Texas Residents

Minors: Texas courts handle custody issues—bring orders. Both parents or DS-3053 notarized [6]. Exchange programs need school letters.

Birth Certificates: Order from Texas DSHS if missing ($22) [7]. Rush available.

Photos: Local Walgreens/CVS fail specs often—use passport specialists.

Business/Seasonal Travel: Pre-book for spring break rushes.

Common Pitfalls in Keller/Tarrant Area

• Appointments: USPS books 4+ weeks out; use county clerks as backup.
• Expedited Confusion: Not for >14 days; urgent only for emergencies.
• Photos: 51% rejections from poor quality [8].
• Docs: Minors forget consent; renewals send wrong form.
• Peaks: Spring/summer tourism, winter escapes overwhelm facilities.

Double-check forms via travel.state.gov/forms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Keller?
No routine same-day service. Urgent travel requires Dallas Passport Agency appt (proof needed) [10].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited: 2-3 weeks, for non-urgent. Urgent: <14 days or life-or-death, agency only [13].

My child is 17—can they renew by mail?
Yes, if prior passport at 16+ [3]. Under 16 always in-person.

What if my passport is lost abroad?
Contact U.S. Embassy; apply for replacement upon return [16].

Do I need a birth certificate for renewal?
No, if eligible for DS-82 [3].

How do I add visa pages?
Renew and request 52-page book ($30 extra) [9].

Can Texas REAL ID substitute for passport ID?
Yes, for identity proof [17].

Photo rejected—what now?
Retake per exact specs; no resubmit without new app [8].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Form DS-11
[3]Passport Renewal (DS-82)
[4]Lost/Stolen Passport (DS-64)
[5]Change/Correct (DS-5504)
[6]Passports for Minors
[7]Texas Vital Statistics
[8]Passport Photo Requirements
[9]Passport Fees
[10]Passport Agencies
[11]USPS Passport Locations
[12]Tarrant County Clerk - Passports
[13]Processing Times
[14]Track My Application
[15]Renewal Mailing Address
[16]Lost Abroad
[17]REAL ID