Littlefield TX Passport Guide: DS-11 Applications & DS-82 Renewals

Passport Services for Littlefield Residents

This guide provides Littlefield, TX (Lamb County) residents with step-by-step instructions for U.S. passport applications. Local acceptance facilities handle new applications (DS-11); renewals (DS-82) can often go by mail. High Texas volumes cause delays—apply 3+ months early for routine needs. Use official State Department tools for eligibility and status checks [1][2].

Determine Your Passport Service Type

Select the right form and method to avoid rejections. Key decision: DS-11 (in-person new applications) vs. DS-82 (mail renewals for eligible passports).

• Use DS-11 (In-Person): First-time, minors under 16, lost/stolen/damaged passports (if ineligible for mail), name/gender changes >1 year old. Expect 30-60 minutes at facility for verification, oath, and signing.

• Use DS-82 (Mail): Renewals if passport issued ≥16 years old, ≤15 years ago, undamaged/not lost/stolen. No facility visit; ideal for Littlefield's routine travelers. Common mistake: Using DS-11 when DS-82 eligible—wastes time/fees.

• Lost/Stolen: Report via DS-64 (free), then DS-82/DS-11 based on eligibility.

• Urgent (<14 days): DS-11 in-person + expedite + itinerary proof.

Check eligibility with State Department's wizard [3]. Timelines: Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60) [4].

Passport Requirements and Documentation

Prepare everything upfront—missing items cause 20-30% rejections in Texas [1].

• Citizenship Proof: Original birth certificate (Texas Vital Records [5]), naturalization cert, or prior passport + front/back photocopy on standard paper.

• ID Proof: TX driver's license, passport card, or federal ID (name must match citizenship doc) + photocopy.

• Photo: 2x2-inch color (details below).

• Fees (adults, book): $130 application (check to "U.S. Department of State") + $35 execution (to facility). Minors: $100 + $35. Cu

rrent fees [6].

• Minors Extra: DS-3053 consent from absent parent (notarized) + relationship proof.

Forms: Download single-sided from travel.state.gov [7]. Common mistake: Signing DS-11 early—voids it.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities

Littlefield facilities process DS-11 new applications (no on-site issuance; mail to agency). No local passport agency—use for routine only. Book appointments early; peaks (spring/summer) fill fast. Details verified October 2023 via official sites [8][9][10]—call to confirm hours/services/appointments.

In Littlefield:

• Lamb County District Clerk: 320 W 3rd St, Littlefield, TX 79339. Phone: (806) 385-7340. Handles new apps by appointment [9].
• Littlefield Post Office: 1602 W 3rd St, Littlefield, TX 79339. Phone via locator. Walk-ins possible; confirm [10].

Nearby (Distances from Littlefield):

• Plainview (25 miles): Hale County Clerk or USPS—shorter drive for overflow.
• Lubbock (35 miles): USPS Main or Texas Tech-area options, useful for students/energy workers.

Search real-time: iafdb.travel.state.gov [8]. What to expect: 15-45 min wait; staff review docs, witness signature. Bring extras (photos, copies). For Mexico land trips, consider passport cards ($30) at same sites [6].

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Applications (DS-11)

1. Fill DS-11: Black ink, no signature yet [7].
2. Organize Docs: Citizenship/ID + copies; minor extras.
3. Photos: Compliant 2x2 (one per app).
4. Fees Ready: Two payments; cash/check for execution.
5. Book Slot: Call 4-6 weeks early.
6. Visit:
   • Arrive 15 min early.
   • Staff verifies docs/photo.
   • Sign DS-11 on-site.
   • Pay/receipt issued.
7. Track: After 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov [11].

Mail DS-82: Include old passport, photo, fees to form address [12].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25%+ Texas rejections from photos [13]. Specs [14]:

• 2x2 inches exactly.
• White/cream background, even light (no shadows/glare).
• Head 1-1⅜ inches high, eyes open/neutral.
• No glasses/hats/uniforms (med/religious exceptions).
• <6 months old.

Checklist:

• Exact size/position.
• Plain clothes, no patterns.
• Pro service (Littlefield Walgreens/CVS, ~$15).

Renewal e-photos must match.

Special Rules for Minors Under 16

DS-11 in-person only. Both parents or DS-3053 (notarized, recent) + birth cert proving relationship. Fees: $100 app + $35 exec. Common pitfall: Missing consent delays st

udent trips (e.g., Texas Tech exchanges) [4].

Expedited and Urgent Travel Services

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedite (+$60): 2-3 weeks. Urgent (<14 days): Facility DS-11 + expedite + itinerary; <7 days/life-or-death: Agency appt (El Paso/Dallas, 1-877-487-2778) [15]. Lamb County tips: Energy jobs/Mexico family trips spike demand—plan ahead.

Overcoming Common Challenges in Lamb County

Frequently Asked Questions

DS-82 eligible? Use online tool [3]; saves facility trip.

Same-day possible? No in Littlefield; nearest agency 5+ hours [15].

Renewal timeline? 4-6 weeks mail; track postmark [12].

One-parent minor travel? DS-3053 required [4].

Post Office walk-in? Limited; call first [10].

Passport card for Mexico? Yes, land/sea only, lower fee [6].

Track status? passportstatus.state.gov [11].

Sources

[1] travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/apply-in-person.html
[3] travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html
[4] travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html
[5] dshs.texas.gov/vs/
[6] travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html
[7] travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html
[8] iafdb.travel.state.gov/
[9] lambcountytx.gov/page/lamb.district.clerk
[10] tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport
[11] passportstatus.state.gov/
[12] travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html
[13] travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
[14] travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos/photo-examples.html
[15] travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html