La Feria TX Passport Guide: DS-11, DS-82, Facilities & RGV Tips

Passport Services in La Feria, TX: A Complete Guide

La Feria, in Cameron County's Rio Grande Valley (RGV), sees heavy passport demand from cross-border travel to Mexico—think Matamoros or Reynosa visits for family, business, or shopping—plus RGV tourism spikes to South Padre Island and Caribbean cruises. Spring break, summer, and holidays overwhelm local facilities, with waits for appointments stretching weeks. This guide cuts through confusion on DS-11 vs. DS-82 choices, common pitfalls like photo rejections (affecting 25% of Texas apps), and minor documentation gaps, helping RGV residents get passports faster.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick the right form to avoid delays—mismatches cause 20% of rejections in busy South Texas spots.

• DS-11 (New/First-Time/In-Person Only): Adults or minors under 16 with no prior U.S. passport, or if expired over 15 years/issued before age 16/damaged/lost. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility; no mailing. Expect 15-30 minutes: agent reviews docs, you sign under oath, app sealed.

• DS-82 (Renewal by Mail): Eligible if prior passport issued age 16+, within 15 years, undamaged/not lost/stolen, and same name. Mail from La Feria—ideal for RGV locals skipping post office lines. Ineligible? Use DS-11 in person.

• Lost/Stolen/Damaged: Report via DS-64 (free), then DS-82 if renewable by mail or DS-11 in person. Police report speeds replacements.

• Corrections/Name Changes: DS-5504 free if <1 year post-issuance; otherwise, DS-82 or DS-11.

RGV tip: High Mexico travel volume? Renew by mail if possible—USPS Priority from La Feria PO ensures tracking without seasonal queues.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near La Feria

No full passport agency in La Feria—use these State Department-authorized spots for DS-11 apps or in-person DS-82. They verify identity, administer oaths, and forward to processing centers (no on-site issuance). Call ahead: appointments fill fast in peak RGV seasons (March-June, Dec); walk-ins rare, especially La Feria PO.

• La Feria Post Office: 100 E Expressway 83, La Feria, TX 78559. (956) 797-8591. Appointments required for passports; call for slots, hours (typically Mon-Fri mornings best), and walk-in policies. High demand from locals heading to Mexico.

• Cameron County Options:

  • Cameron County Clerk's Office (Brownsville): 835 E Levee St, Brownsville, TX 78520. Handles first-time/minor apps; appointments via website recommended.
  • Harlingen Post Office: 1102 E Tyler Ave, Harlingen, TX 78550—busier near Valley International Airport.
  • San Benito Post Office: 115 W Tpke, San Benito, TX 78586.

Urgent (within 14 days)? Get confirmed itinerary, apply locally first, then book Houston agency appt (3.5-hour drive) at 1-877-487-2778. Use USPS locator or travel.state.gov for updates.

Busy times: Mondays/mid-days peak; early weekdays best. Bring completed form, 2 photos, ID/citizenship proofs + photocopies, fees. Minors need both parents.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Your Application

DS-11 In-Person (New/Minor/Ineligible Renewal)

Prep (1-2 Weeks Ahead):

1. Fill DS-11 online at travel.state.gov (print single-sided, black ink; don't sign yet).
2. 2x2 photos (specs below; pro at Walgreens/Harlingen CVS, $15).
3. Citizenship proof: Original birth cert (Texas DSHS online rush $22+) + photocopy.
4. ID: Driver's license + photocopy (names match).
5. Minors: Both parents on form; DS-3053 notarized if absent.
6. Fees (table below).
7. Itinerary for expedite.

At Facility: 8. Agent reviews/signs/seals (15-30 min). 9. Pay dual fees. 10. Get receipt; track after 7-10 days.

DS-82 Mail Renewal:

1. Fill online/print.
2. Old passport + photo + fees.
3. USPS Priority to address on form.

Pitfalls: No photocopies (20% rejections); minor docs mismatch; signed DS-11 early.

Passport Photo Requirements and Rejections

25% Texas apps fail photos—glare from Valley sun common. Strict rules:

• 2x2 inches, white background, head 1-1⅜ inches.
• Neutral face, even light, no shadows/glasses/uniforms. Pro shots only; retakes free same-day if rejected.

Fees (As of 2024; Verify at travel.state.gov)

State fee: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State." Execution: Cash/card/check.

Processing Times and Expedites

Routine: 6-8 weeks (facility to delivery; add 2 weeks mail). Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks. RGV peaks add 2-4 weeks from Mexico/tourism volume—often 10+ weeks routine. Urgent (≤14 days): Agency only + itinerary/proof. Track: passportstatus.state.gov. Private services? $200+ fees, same rules.

Special Notes for RGV Residents and Minors

Texas birth certs: DSHS Vital Statistics online ($22 rush). Minors: Both parents mandatory; Valley student programs need extra lead time. Lost passport? DS-64 + police report.

Urgent Travel Checklist (≤14 Days)

1. Confirmed itinerary.
2. DS-11 at local facility (expedite).
3. Agency appt call.
4. Life/death: Special <3-day slot.

Border proximity helps Mexico, but check entry rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

DS-11 or DS-82 for me?
DS-82 if eligible renewal (age 16+ at issue, <15 years old, undamaged). Else DS-11.

Same-day passport?
No; Houston agency minimum weeks away.

La Feria PO walk-ins/hours?
Appointments key; call (956) 797-8591 for policies/hours.

Expedited vs. urgent?
Expedited 2-3 weeks anywhere; urgent agency-only ≤14 days.

Lost Texas birth cert?
Rush from DSHS ($22+, 2-3 days).

Peak delays?
Yes, book 4-6 weeks ahead for RGV post offices.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[2] USPS Passport Services
[3] USPS La Feria PO
[4] Cameron County Clerk
[5] Passport Agencies
[6] Photo Requirements
[7] Texas DSHS Vital Statistics
[8] Application Status
[9] Expedited Services
[10] Country Info