Passport Guide for Krum, TX: First-Time, Renewals, Kids & More

Getting Your U.S. Passport in Krum, TX

Residents of Krum, a small community in Denton County (ZIP 76249), frequently need passports for trips through nearby DFW International Airport, family visits abroad, or quick getaways to Mexico and Europe. Application volumes spike during Texas spring break in March-April, summer months from June to August, Thanksgiving, and year-end holidays, plus urgent needs like medical emergencies or job relocations. Book appointments 4-6 weeks ahead at regional facilities, as North Texas demand can cause 2-3 week delays, especially on weekends. Steer clear of errors like showing up without an appointment—most sites require one—or during typical lunch hours (12-1 PM) when passport services pause. This guide details first-time applications, renewals, child passports, replacements, and corrections, addressing pitfalls such as the 25% photo rejection rate from improper sizing, expressions, or expired images, and missing original documents that require return trips.[1]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Misjudging your form choice often results in rejections or months-long delays. Follow this State Department-inspired decision guide tailored for Krum applicants:

1. Never had a passport, lost it years ago, or it was issued before you were 16 and now expired over 15 years? → First-time application (DS-11, must apply in person).
2. Current undamaged passport issued when 16+, within 15 years, and sent directly by the State Department? → Renewal by mail (DS-82, easiest for eligible adults).
3. Lost, stolen, or damaged passport? → Report via DS-64 first, then DS-11 in person (full fees) or DS-82 if you qualify.
4. Applicant under 16? → DS-11 in person with both parents or guardians present (or notarized consent).
5. Name change, data error, or correction needed post-issuance? → DS-5504 (free if within 1 year of issue) or DS-82 with supporting documents.

First-Time (DS-11): Required in person for new applicants, severely damaged passports, those expired over 15 years, or issued under age 16. Common mistake: Assuming an old passport qualifies for mail renewal—treat unclear cases as DS-11 to avoid returns.

Renewal (DS-82): Mail-eligible only for undamaged adult passports meeting strict rules (no minors involved). Pitfall: Ineligible mail renewals get shipped back after 4-6 weeks, resetting your timeline.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacement: File DS-64 online or by mail, then pursue DS-11 (new p

assport fees) or DS-82 if eligible. Expect a $60 execution fee for lost cases. Smart prep: Digitally scan your passport's info page before travel and obtain a police report for theft to strengthen claims.

Child Under 16: In-person DS-11 with both parents/guardians or a notarized DS-3053 form (valid for 90 days). Rejections occur in 30-40% of cases from absent parental IDs or expired consents—always carry photocopies of all IDs as backups.

Corrections: Use DS-5504 for free fixes within 1 year (no photo needed); otherwise, renew via DS-82 with certified documents like marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders.

Key Timelines: Routine processing takes 6-8 weeks plus 2 weeks for mailing. Expedited service (2-3 weeks) adds $60. For travel in 14 days or less, contact the Dallas Passport Agency (about 2 hours from Krum; appointment and proof required). Life-or-death emergencies can yield results in under 3 days. In peak North Texas seasons like July, start 10+ weeks early—guarantees don't apply.[2]

Gather Required Documents and Fees

Bring only originals for citizenship proof (photocopies of everything on standard 8.5x11 paper for backups). Texas natives should request certified long-form birth certificates from the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit or Denton County Clerk (allow 2-4 weeks standard; expedited options exist). Photos must be one recent (under 6 months) 2x2-inch color print on photo paper with a white or off-white background and neutral expression—no glasses or selfies. Use the State Department's online validator tool; skip big chains like Walmart or CVS if they've caused mismatches, opting for passport specialists ($15-20).

Documents and Fees Reference Table (always confirm latest at travel.state.gov):

gov't ID | N/A | 1 x 2x2" | $130 application (to State) + $35 execution (to facility) + $60 expedite optional | Laminated certs; missing citizenship photocopy; forgetting Social Security # | | Adult Renewal | DS-82 (mail) | N/A (attach old passport) | Old passport serves | N/A | 1 x 2x2" | $130 application (no execution fee) | Mailing ineligible/damaged passport; omitting photo | | Minor (<16) | DS-11 (in-person) | Child's certified birth cert | Both parents' IDs | Both present or notarized DS-3053 (<90 days) + ID photocopy | 1 x 2x2" | $100 application + $35 execution | Only one parent; expired consent; missing parental SS# if asked | | Lost/Stolen/Damaged| DS-11/DS-82 | As above | As above | As above | 1 x 2x2" | Above rates + $60 lost fee | No DS-64 or police report | | Name Change/Correction | DS-5504/DS-82 | Certified marriage/divorce/court order | Current passport/ID | N/A | 1 x 2x2" (DS-82 only) | Free (DS-5504 <1 yr); otherwise standard | Uncertified name-change docs |

Payment Details: Pay execution fees (e.g., $35) to "Postmaster" or "County Clerk"; application fees to "U.S. Department of State." Pre-fill forms online and print single-sided. Track progress at travel.state.gov. For Denton County births, use dshs.texas.gov/vs or the local clerk (processing 1-2 weeks).[3]

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Poor photos cause 25% of application returns due to glare, shadows, wrong dimensions, or age. Strict specs: Exactly 2x2 inches (head 1-1 3/8 inches tall), even lighting, matte or glossy paper, taken within 6 months.[4]

Photo Checklist for Success:

1. Find providers via USPS or pharmacies accessible from Krum (e.g., in Denton, a short drive).
2. Pose correctly: Direct front view, eyes open and visible, mouth closed, no uniforms, hats, or eyeglasses (unless medically required).
3. Ensure proper print: Head centered, plain background, high contrast.
4. Avoid traps: Smiling, poor shadows, or selfies—test with travel.state.gov's photo tool.
5. Budget $15-20; sessions take 10-15

minutes, with Denton spots reachable in under 20 minutes from Krum.

Find and Book a Passport Acceptance Facility

Krum lacks a full-service passport office, so head to Denton County options. Always verify current status, hours, and acceptance via official tools—services at smaller sites like post offices can fluctuate, with few weekend slots.[5]

Regional Facilities Near Krum (ZIP 76249):

• Denton County Clerk: 1100 N Elm St, Denton, TX—check for appointments Monday-Friday.[6]
• Denton Main Post Office: 401 N Elm St, Denton, TX—limited walk-ins; phone first.[5]
• Krum Post Office: 100 E 5th St, Krum, TX 76249—call (940) 482-7132 to verify passport services.[5]
• Lewisville Post Office: 410 N Cowan Ave, Lewisville, TX (about 20 minutes away)—handles higher volume.[5]

How to Book:

1. Search travel.state.gov/passport-locations using ZIP 76249.
2. Choose appointment or walk-in; contact Krum directly for details.
3. Anticipate 2-4 week waits during busy periods.

For DS-82 renewals, mail to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.[1] At sites, plan for 15-30 minute processing: Staff check documents, witness your signature, and collect fees—arrive early with a printed checklist.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

In-Person DS-11 Process:

1. Complete DS-11 online and print.
2. Gather original citizenship proof + photocopy.
3. Prepare ID original + photocopy (names must match).
4. Bring two identical 2x2 photos.
5. For minors: Include DS-3053 if one parent absent.
6. Have fees and separate checks ready.
7. Verify appointment and hours.
8. Arrive 15 minutes early; sign form on-site.
9. Note application locator number for tracking (available after 7-10 days).[2]

Mail Renewal DS-82:

1. Fill out the form completely.
2. Enclose old passport, photo, and payment.
3. Send via trackable mail (USPS Priority recommended).
4. Check status online regularly.[1]

For urgency, request expediting at the counter; Dallas agency handles sub-14-day needs.

Processing Times and Urgent Travel

Full timeline: 6-8 weeks standard (add mailing); 2-3 weeks expedited (+$60, optional overnight return +$21.36). High season in North Texas means applying 9-10 weeks ahead. For trips under 14 days, book Dallas Passport Agency (proof of travel mandatory, appointments scarce). Private expediters offer 1-2 week turnaround ($80+ fees). Students or business travelers: Build in buffers for school/program deadlines.[2][7

]

Tracking and Aftercare

Enter your application number at travel.state.gov after submission. If over 8 weeks delayed, call 1-877-487-2778 (7 AM-10 PM ET). Address delivery problems via the site's report tool.[2]

FAQs

Can I apply for a passport at the Krum Post Office?
Call (940) 482-7132 to confirm availability—small offices like Krum's often require appointments; fallback to Denton sites if needed.[5]

How soon can I get a passport for urgent travel within 14 days?
Expedited takes 2-3 weeks (unsuitable for imminent trips). Use Dallas Passport Agency for verified emergencies—requires appointment and travel proof; no walk-ins.[2]

What if my child’s other parent can’t attend?
Submit notarized DS-3053 plus photocopies of that parent's ID and citizenship proof.[1]

My passport photo was rejected—why?
Likely shadows, glare, incorrect 2x2-inch size, or image over 6 months old. Retake following exact guidelines.[4]

Can Texas residents renew passports online?
Not yet—use mail-in DS-82 if eligible. Watch travel.state.gov for future online pilots.[1]

Where do I get a Texas birth certificate for my application?
Order a certified copy (raised seal) from dshs.texas.gov/vs or Denton County Clerk.[3]

How do I replace a lost passport while in Krum?
File a police report, submit DS-64, then DS-11 in person with the $60 lost fee.[1]

Are passport appointments available on weekends in Denton County?
Uncommon—primarily weekdays. Check the USPS locator for any changes.[5]

Sources

[1] U.S. Passports & International Travel
[2] Passport Processing Times
[3] Texas Vital Statistics
[4] Passport Photo Requirements
[5] USPS Passport Locations
[6] Denton County Clerk
[7] Private Expedite Services