Passport Guide Midlothian TX: Steps, Forms, Local Facilities

Getting a Passport in Midlothian, TX

Midlothian residents in Ellis County, Texas, often need passports for international business in Europe or Asia, family trips to Mexico or the Caribbean, student exchange programs from Midlothian High School, or urgent family emergencies. High demand from DFW-area travelers strains local facilities, especially March-June and December, leading to booked appointments weeks out. Frequent issues include photo rejections (glare from Texas sun, wrong size), missing minor consent forms, and form confusion (DS-11 vs. DS-82). This guide provides a tailored, step-by-step process with local tips to avoid delays. Verify all details on official sites.

Choose the Right Passport Service

Determine your form and method upfront to avoid reapplying. Use the State Department's wizard if unsure [2]. Key decisions:

• DS-11 (New/First-Time): Never had a passport, issued before age 16, ineligible for renewal, minors under 16, or name/citizenship correction after 1 year. Requires in-person at acceptance facility.
• DS-82 (Renewal): Passport issued <15 years ago, age 16+, undamaged/not lost. Mail-only for most.
• Lost/Stolen/Damaged: File DS-64 report, then DS-11 or DS-82 based on issue date.
• Name Change (within 1 year): DS-5504 by mail with old passport.

Gather Required Documents

Consolidate prep into this comprehensive checklist by application type. Texas birth certificates from DSHS Vital Statistics ($22, order online/mail [3]) are common for DS-11; photocopy all except old passport for renewals. Midlothian City Hall doesn't issue vital records—use Ellis County Clerk or DSHS.

Universal Items

• One 2x2" color photo (specs below).
• Fees: Adult book $130 + $35 execution (facility); child book $100 + $35. Check/money order for State fees; facility varies.

Common mistake: Forgetting front/back photocopies or using short-form birth certificates (get long-form from DSHS).

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Pitfalls

25-30% of rejections stem from photos [1]. Texas glare and selfies fail often—use pros.

Strict Specs [4]:

• 2x2", head 1-1⅜" tall, color on photo paper, <6 months old.
• White/off-white background, neutral face, no shadows/glare/glasses/hats (medical/religious OK with proof).
• View samples at travel.state.gov [4].

Local Options in/near Midlothian (confirm pricing):

• Walgreens (1201 N Hwy 67): $16.99 for two [5].
• CVS (1401 S Midlothian Pkwy): Similar [6].
• UPS Stores or select USPS (check via locator [7]).

Tip: Arrive with multiple photos; agents reject ~1 in 4 DIY attempts.

Locate Acceptance Facilities Near Midlothian

Limited local spots serve Ellis County/DFW demand—book 4-8 weeks early via USPS Passport Appointment Scheduler [7]. No walk-ins; confirm services/availability there. Nearby options:

• Midlothian Post Office (1520 S 7th St, Midlothian, TX 76065; 972-723-1214): Primary spot, Mon-Fri by appt.
  

• Ellis County Clerk (101 W Main St, Waxahachie, TX 75165; ~10 miles): Mon-Fri [8].
  

• Waxahachie Post Office (400 N Rogers St, Waxahachie): Appts required [7].
  

• Red Oak Post Office (~5 miles north): Backup [7].
  

Submit Your Application: Step-by-Step Process

Reference the documents checklist above. Expect 10-20 min at facility: agent verifies, you sign DS-11, pay, watch sealing.

In-Person (DS-11)

1. Book appt via USPS scheduler [7] (4-8 weeks early for Midlothian peaks).
2. Arrive 15 min early with checklist items.
3. Agent reviews (ask questions—they help minor fixes); sign DS-11 on-site.
4. Pay: Execution ($35) to facility; app fee to State Dept (check exact methods).
5. Get receipt/tracking email; passport mails in 6-8 weeks.

Pitfalls: Pre-signing DS-11 (voids it), wrong payee, poor photos. What to expect: Busy waits, no privacy—bring patience.

Mail Renewal (DS-82)

Assemble checklist, mail to Philly address. Track at travel.state.gov [10]. Tip: Use trackable mail.

Expedited and Urgent Options

• Expedite (+$60, 2-3 weeks): Add at submission; ideal if <6 weeks to travel.
• Urgent (<14 days): Life/death only—call 1-877-487-2778 for Dallas Agency (~100 miles) [9]. No vacations/business.

Special Considerations for Minors and Texas Families

DS-11 in-person; both parents or DS-3053 (notarized). Texas custody papers required for sole guardians. Students: Start 3 months early for exchanges.

Processing Times and Realistic Expectations

Routine: 6-8 weeks door-to-door [1]. Expedited: 2-3 weeks. Peaks add 2-4 weeks for Texas mail. Check live times via official tracker: travel.state.gov/passports/how-apply/processing-times [10]. Track apps at passportstatus.state.gov [10]. Avoid last-minute: Facilities reject incompletes >50% in rushes.

FAQs

How long in Midlothian? 6-8 weeks routine; check tracker [10]. Add mail time.

Renew at PO? No, mail DS-82 if eligible [1].

Urgent trip? Dallas Agency for emergencies only [9].

Birth cert? DSHS online ($22) [3]; not City Hall.

Photo rejected? Glare/size—use Walgreens [4].

Appt needed? Yes, book usps.com [7].

Book vs. Card? Book worldwide; card ($30) land/sea to Canada/Mexico [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms
[2] Passport Wizard
[3] Texas DSHS Birth Certificates
[4] Photo Requirements
[5] Walgreens
[6] CVS
[7] USPS Locator/Appointments
[8] Ellis County Clerk
[9] Urgent Travel
[10] Processing Times/Status