Getting a Passport in Midland, TX: Local Guide & Facilities

Getting a Passport in Midland, TX

Midland, TX residents often need passports due to the region's energy industry, which fuels frequent business travel to Mexico, Canada, and beyond. Tourism patterns in Texas include high-volume seasonal trips—spring break to the Caribbean, summer vacations in Europe, and winter escapes to warmer climates—along with students from the University of Texas Permian Basin engaging in exchange programs. Urgent scenarios, like last-minute family emergencies or sudden work deployments, add pressure. However, high demand at local facilities leads to limited appointments, especially during peak spring/summer and holiday breaks. This guide covers eligibility, documents, local options, and pitfalls, drawing from official U.S. Department of State resources [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right process prevents delays. Texas applicants commonly misunderstand renewal eligibility, leading to unnecessary in-person visits.

• First-Time Passport: Use if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16; it expired over 15 years ago; or it's damaged/lost/stolen. Requires in-person application on Form DS-11 at an acceptance facility [1].

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were 16+ at issuance, it's undamaged, and issued in your current name (or you can document a name change). Mail Form DS-82—no in-person visit needed [2]. Not available for child passports.

• Replacement: For lost, stolen, or damaged passports. If eligible to renew, use DS-82 by mail with Form DS-64 for reporting loss/theft. Otherwise, apply in-person like first-time [3].

• New Passport Book/Card or Both: Book for worldwide travel; card for land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean (cheaper, limited) [1].

Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm: https://pptform.state.gov/ [4]. For minors under 16, always in-person with both parents [5].

Required Documents and Forms

Gather everything before applying— incomplete applications, especially for minors, cause 30% of rejections [1].

Core Documents (All Applicants):

• Proof of U.S. citizenship: U.S. birth certificate (original/certified copy), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Texas births require a long-form certificate from the state or Midland County Clerk (if born in county) [6]. Hospital certificates or short forms won't work [7].
• Proof of identity: Driver's license, military ID, or government-issued ID. Name must match citizenship document exactly [1].
• Photocopy of ID and citizenship evidence (front/back on standard paper) [1].
• Passport photo (see next section).
• Form DS-11 (first-time/minors/replacements): Print single-sided, do not sign until instructed [8].
• Fees: Book (adult $130 + $35 execution + $30 optional card); child $100 + $35. Payable by check/money order; execution fee separate [9].

For Renewals (DS-82):

• Old passport (must be sent).
• New photo.
• Fees: $130 adult book by check [2].

Minors Under 16:

• Both parents' presence or notarized consent (Form DS-3053) [5].
• Parents' IDs and citizenship proof if names differ.
• Child's birth certificate.

Name Changes: Marriage certificate, court order, etc. [1].

Obtain Texas birth certificates via Vital Statistics (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vs/) or Midland County Clerk at 500 N Loraine St, Midland, TX 79701 (call 432-688-4409 for appointments) [10]. Processing takes 15-20 business days; expedited available [7].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos account for many returns due to shadows, glare, or wrong dimensions—Texas heat and indoor lighting exacerbate issues [11].

• Specs: 2x2 inches, color, white/cream/off-white background, head 1-1 3/8 inches, full face (eyes open, neutral expression), no glasses (unless medically required), recent (within 6 months), printed on thin photo paper [11].
• Local Options: Walmart Photo (4101 N Midland Dr), CVS (2900 W Loop 250 N), or USPS locations in Midland. Cost: $15-17 [12].
• Tips: Natural light outdoors (avoid direct sun), even lighting, no selfies. Use State Dept photo tool to validate: https://tsg.phototool.state.gov/ [13].

Where to Apply in Midland, TX

Midland has several passport acceptance facilities (PAFs), but book early—high demand means slots fill weeks ahead, especially pre-spring break [14]. Use the official locator for hours/availability: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ [15]. All execute DS-11 (cannot process renewals).

Key Local Facilities:

• Midland Post Office (Main): 319 W Ohio Ave, Midland, TX 79701. Phone: 432-687-1791. By appointment; walk-ins limited [16].
• North Midland Post Office: 700 N Loop 250 W, Midland, TX 79703. Phone: 432-697-1470. Appointments required [16].
• Westway Post Office: 4700 Midland Dr, Midland, TX 79707. Phone: 432-697-2892 [16].

No Midland County Clerk passport acceptance; they handle vital records only [10]. Nearest regional passport agency is in Houston (8-hour drive)—for urgent travel within 14 days only, by appointment [17]. Private expeditors exist but add fees; not affiliated with government [18].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Midland

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 qualified individuals. These facilities do not process passports themselves; instead, they verify your identity, review your paperwork, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types of acceptance facilities include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In Midland and nearby areas such as Odessa, Big Spring, and Andrews, you can generally find these services at larger post offices, government administrative centers, and select public libraries.

When visiting, expect to bring a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on your situation), a valid photo ID, a passport photo meeting State Department specs, and payment for application and execution fees—typically via check or money order. Staff will administer an oath, seal your application in an envelope, and provide a receipt with tracking info. Processing times vary from 6-8 weeks standard or 2-3 weeks expedited, so apply well in advance of travel. Not all locations offer photos or expedited service, so confirm capabilities beforehand through official channels like the State Department's website locator tool.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring breaks, and holidays, as well as on Mondays when weekend backlogs accumulate. Mid-day hours, particularly 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., often bring the most crowds due to working professionals and families. To navigate this, plan visits early in the morning or late afternoon on weekdays, avoiding Mondays and seasonal rushes. Check for appointment options where available, as walk-ins can face long waits. Always verify service details online or by phone in advance, and prepare all documents meticulously to minimize delays. Patience and flexibility are key for a smoother experience.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications

Follow this checklist to minimize errors. Complete before your appointment.

• Confirm eligibility using https://pptform.state.gov/ [4].
• Gather citizenship proof (e.g., order birth cert if needed [7]).
• Get valid photo meeting specs; validate online [13].
• Fill Form DS-11 (unsigned, single-sided [8]).
• Prepare photocopies of ID/citizenship docs.
• Calculate/pay fees: Two checks (applicant fee to State Dept, execution to facility) [9].
• For minors: Both parents or DS-3053 [5]; child's docs.
• Book appointment via facility site or https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ [15].
• Arrive early with all items; sign DS-11 in front of agent.
• Track status online after 7-10 days: https://passportstatus.state.gov/ [19].

Renewal by Mail Checklist:

• Verify eligibility (passport <15 years old, etc. [2]).
• Complete DS-82 [2].
• Attach old passport, photo, fees (one check).
• Mail to address on DS-82 instructions (no PO boxes).
• Track via USPS or status site [19].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail) or 4-6 weeks (in-person) from receipt—does not include mailing [20]. Peaks (spring/summer, Dec-Jan) add 2-4 weeks; plan 3+ months ahead [20].

• Expedited (2-3 weeks): +$60, available at PAFs or mail. Mark forms clearly [20].
• Urgent (within 14 days): Life/death emergency or travel proof required for passport agency appointment [17]. No guarantees during peaks; Houston agency books fast [17]. Expeditors can help but verify legitimacy [18].

Avoid relying on last-minute processing—State Dept warns of nationwide backlogs [20].

Special Cases and Common Challenges

Minors: Highest rejection rate from missing parental consent. Both parents must attend or provide DS-3053 (notarized within 90 days) [5]. Texas notaries at banks/USPS.

Lost/Stolen: Report via DS-64; police report helps but not required [3].

Challenges in Midland:

• Limited appointments: Book 4-6 weeks early [15].
• Expedited vs. urgent confusion: Expedited shortens processing but needs 5+ weeks total; urgent only for <14 days at agencies [17].
• Photo issues: Glare from fluorescent lights common indoors.
• Docs: Many forget certified birth certs; order early [7].

Track application: Enter details at https://passportstatus.state.gov/ after receipt notice [19].

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a passport in Midland, TX?
Routine service is 4-6 weeks processing plus mailing; expedited 2-3 weeks +$60. Plan ahead for peaks [20].

Can I apply for my child's passport without both parents?
No, unless one parent is deceased (death cert), or with DS-3053 notarized consent from absent parent [5].

Where do I get a birth certificate in Midland?
Midland County Clerk (500 N Loraine St) for local births, or Texas Vital Statistics online/mail [7][10].

What's the difference between passport book and card?
Book for air/international; card for land/sea to Canada/Mexico (valid only with those borders) [1].

Can I renew my passport at the Midland Post Office?
No—renewals by mail only if eligible. Post offices handle DS-11 only [2].

What if my appointment is full?
Check other local USPS or try nearby Odessa. Use locator daily [15].

Do I need an appointment for passport photos?
Usually walk-in at Walmart/CVS, but call ahead [12].

How do I expedite for urgent travel?
Add $60 at application; for <14 days, prove travel and book agency appt [17].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - How to Apply for a Passport
[2]U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[3]U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passport
[4]U.S. Department of State - Passport Application Wizard
[5]U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
[6]Texas DSHS - Birth Certificates
[7]Texas DSHS - Order Birth Certificate
[8]U.S. Department of State - Form DS-11
[9]U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees
[10]Midland County Clerk
[11]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[12]USPS - Passport Photos
[13]U.S. Department of State - Photo Tool
[14]U.S. Department of State - Acceptance Facilities
[15]U.S. Department of State - Facility Locator
[16]USPS Location Finder
[17]U.S. Department of State - Urgent Travel
[18]U.S. Department of State - Expedited Couriers
[19]U.S. Department of State - Check Status
[20]U.S. Department of State - Processing Times