How to Get a Passport in Kemah, TX: Steps, Locations, Fees

By GovComplete Team Published on:

Location: Kemah, TX
How to Get a Passport in Kemah, TX: Steps, Locations, Fees

Getting a Passport in Kemah, TX

Kemah, TX, in Galveston County, sits in a region popular for its coastal vibe and proximity to Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), making international travel convenient for residents. Texas sees frequent international trips for business, tourism to Mexico and the Caribbean, and seasonal peaks in spring/summer for family vacations and winter breaks for escapes to warmer climates. Students in exchange programs and urgent last-minute business trips are also common. However, high demand at passport acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments, especially during these busy periods. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you avoid pitfalls like photo rejections or incomplete applications [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before gathering documents, identify your specific situation to use the correct form and process. Mischoosing, such as using a renewal form for a first-time application, is a top reason for delays.

  • First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16. Also applies if your passport was issued 15+ years ago, damaged beyond use, or issued in your previous name without legal documentation [1].
  • Renewal: Eligible only by mail (or online for some) if your current passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, is undamaged, and was issued in your current name. Use Form DS-82 [2].
  • Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Report it lost/stolen via Form DS-64, then apply using DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (mail if eligible). Expedited options available [1].
  • Child Passport (under 16): Always first-time process in person with both parents/guardians; renewals treated as new [3].
  • Name Change or Correction: Provide legal proof (marriage certificate, court order) with your application [1].

For urgent travel within 14 days, life-or-death emergencies abroad, or if sending your current passport, contact a passport agency like the one in Houston (about 30 miles from Kemah). Routine service takes 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks—do not count on last-minute processing during peak seasons like spring break [1].

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals; photocopies won't suffice. Texas residents often face issues with birth certificates for minors or name changes, so verify early via Texas Vital Statistics [4].

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

  1. Complete Form DS-11: Download from travel.state.gov, fill by hand (black ink, no signing until instructed). Available at acceptance facilities [1].
  2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (long form preferred; Texas-issued from 1987+ may lack parental info—get amended if needed [4]), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Include photocopy.
  3. Photo ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Provide photocopy on same page front/back.
  4. Passport Photo: One 2x2 inch color photo (details below).
  5. Parental Consent (for minors under 16): Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized Form DS-3053. Common issue: incomplete consent leads to rejection [3].
  6. Fees: Check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State" ($130 adult book/execution fee + $35 acceptance fee); optional expedited $60 [5].
  7. Book vs. Card: Book ($130+$35) valid all countries; card ($30+$35) land/sea to Canada/Mexico only [1].

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals by Mail (Form DS-82, Eligible Cases Only):

  1. Complete Form DS-82: Online or print; sign only after instructions [2].
  2. Include Old Passport: Must be undamaged.
  3. Photo: One 2x2 inch.
  4. Fees: $130 adult book; no acceptance fee. Expedite optional.
  5. Mail To: Address on form; use USPS Priority with tracking [2].

For lost/stolen: File DS-64 online first [1]. Always photocopy documents before submitting.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos account for 25-30% of rejections in Texas due to Texas lighting (glare from humidity/sun) causing shadows or poor dimensions [1]. Specs [6]:

  • 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), head 1-1 3/8 inches.
  • Color, white/cream/off-white background.
  • Full face, front view, eyes open/neutral expression.
  • No glasses (unless medically necessary with no glare), hats (unless religious), uniforms.
  • Recent (within 6 months).

Local options in Kemah/Galveston:

  • CVS/Walgreens (e.g., 403 FM 517 Rd E, Kemah): $15, instant [7].
  • Kemah Post Office: May offer or direct.

Selfies fail—use professionals. Check sample photos on state.gov [6].

Where to Apply Near Kemah

Kemah lacks a passport agency (nearest: Houston, 1520 State St, by appointment only for urgent cases [8]). Use acceptance facilities for routine/expedited. Book ahead—Texas peaks fill slots fast.

  • Kemah Post Office (682 Lawrence St, Kemah, TX 77565): By appointment Mon-Fri; call 281-334-2055. Handles DS-11/DS-82 [9].
  • Galveston County Clerk (722 Moody Ave, Galveston, TX 77550): Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; walk-ins limited. Fees include $35 execution [10].
  • League City Post Office (3020 Marina Bay Dr, League City, TX 77573): Nearby, appointments via usps.com [9].
  • Clear Lake Post Office (1580 El Dorado Blvd, Houston, TX 77062): High volume, book early.

Search usps.com/locations or galvestoncountytx.gov for hours/fees. Clerk offices charge extra execution fees (~$15-20). No Walmart/CVS for submissions—only photos [5].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Kemah

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for processing. These are not passport issuance centers; they handle the initial acceptance step before forwarding applications to a regional passport agency. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and some municipal buildings. In the Kemah area, which sits along Galveston Bay near Houston's Clear Lake region, you'll find such facilities scattered across nearby communities like Seabrook, League City, Bacliff, and into Harris and Galveston Counties. Travelers often explore options in these locales for convenience, especially if heading to larger hubs like Houston for additional services.

When visiting a passport acceptance facility, come prepared with a completed DS-11 form (for first-time applicants or renewals ineligible for mail-in), a valid photo ID, a passport photo meeting State Department specs (2x2 inches, white background, recent), and payment for application and execution fees—typically via check or money order for the government portion. Expect the staff to review your documents for completeness, administer an oath, and seal your application in an official envelope. The process usually takes 15-30 minutes per applicant, assuming no issues. Passports are not issued on-site; standard processing takes 6-8 weeks, or 2-3 weeks for expedited service. Always verify eligibility and requirements on the official State Department website, as facilities have varying capacities and may require appointments.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities near Kemah tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons, such as summer vacation periods and major holidays like spring break or year-end festivities, when demand surges. Weekdays, particularly Mondays, often bring crowds from weekend backlog, while mid-day slots (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can fill up quickly due to lunch-hour visits. To plan effectively, check facility websites or call ahead for current wait times and appointment availability—many now offer online booking to streamline visits. Arrive early in the day, ideally first thing in the morning, and avoid peak seasons if possible. Bring all documents in order to minimize delays, and consider mail renewal if eligible to bypass lines altogether. Patience is key, as unexpected rushes can occur anytime.

Fees, Payment, and Processing

Service Application Fee (State Dept) Acceptance Fee Expedited 1-2 Day Urgent
Adult Book (DS-11) $130 $35 +$60 +$22.05 overnight [1]
Adult Renewal (DS-82) $130 None (mail) +$60 N/A
Child Book (DS-11) $100 $35 +$60 +$22.05
Card (Adult/Child) $30/$15 $35/$35 +$60 N/A

Pay acceptance fee by check/money order/card (varies); State Dept fee separate. Track status at travel.state.gov [11]. Avoid peaks (Mar-May, Dec); add 2-4 weeks buffer.

Expedited and Urgent Services

Expedited: Add $60, 2-3 weeks (no guarantee). For travel <14 days: Houston Passport Agency (call 1-877-487-2778, proof of travel required) [8]. Life-or-death: Call for appointment [1]. Confusion arises—expedited ≠ urgent agency service.

Special Situations for Texas Residents

  • Minors: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized. Texas DSHS issues birth certs; order online if delayed [4].
  • Name/Gender Change: Court order or amended birth cert [1].
  • Military/Federal Employees: Expedited discounts [12].

Tracking and After Submission

Create account at travel.state.gov for status. Passports undeliverable? Check informed delivery via USPS [13]. Report issues to State Dept.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a passport from Kemah?
Routine: 6-8 weeks processing + mailing. Expedited: 2-3 weeks. High demand in Galveston County adds delays—plan ahead [1].

Can I get a passport same-day in Kemah?
No local facilities offer this. Urgent <14 days requires Houston agency appointment with itinerary proof [8].

What if my child’s birth certificate lacks parents’ names?
Common in Texas post-1987 short forms. Get long form or amended from DSHS Vital Statistics [4].

Is my Texas REAL ID enough for passport ID?
Yes, enhanced driver's license works as primary ID [1].

Can I renew my passport at Kemah Post Office?
DS-82 renewals by mail only if eligible. Post office for DS-11 new apps [2].

What if my photo gets rejected?
Resubmit entire app with new photo; no refunds. Check state.gov specs to prevent [6].

Do I need an appointment at Galveston County Clerk?
Recommended; walk-ins possible but wait times long during peaks [10].

How do I handle a lost passport while traveling?
Report via DS-64 online, apply for new at embassy/consulate abroad [1].

Sources

[1]Passports
[2]Renew by Mail
[3]Children
[4]Texas Vital Statistics
[5]USPS Passport Services
[6]Passport Photo Requirements
[7]CVS Passport Photos
[8]Houston Passport Agency
[9]USPS Location Finder
[10]Galveston County Clerk Passports
[11]Check Status
[12]Military
[13]USPS Informed Delivery

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