Richland Hills TX Passport Guide: Apply, Renew, Minors 2024

Getting a Passport in Richland Hills, TX

Richland Hills residents, in Tarrant County's bustling North Texas suburbs, frequently travel internationally via nearby Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), a top global hub. Peak seasons—spring break, summer vacations, holidays, and business surges in energy or aviation—drive high demand at local acceptance facilities, often causing appointment shortages and processing backlogs. Early planning counters this, especially for students, families, or urgent family/work trips.

This guide offers a complete roadmap for new passports, renewals, replacements, and minors, with Texas-specific tips like obtaining certified birth certificates from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Always cross-check travel.state.gov for latest rules.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Select the correct path to prevent rejections, which add 4-6 weeks. Key factors: prior passport status, age at issuance, damage, and name changes.

Decision Tree:

Have a U.S. passport?
├── No → DS-11 in person (first-time)
├── Yes
    ├── Issued >15 years ago or before age 16? → DS-11 in person
    ├── Lost/stolen/damaged? → DS-64 report, then DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11
    └── Eligible for mail? (Issued <15 years ago, age 16+ at issue, undamaged, no major changes)
        ├── Yes → DS-82 by mail
        └── No → DS-11 in person

Minors under 16 always require DS-11 in person with parental consent.

Common Pitfalls:

• Assuming eligibility for mail renewal—check issue date/age strictly.
• Delaying DS-64 for lost passports, risking replacement denial.
• Overlooking name/gender changes needing legal proof (marriage cert, court order).

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

First-timers, minors, and ineligible renewals go in person. Expect 15-45 minutes: staff verify docs, witness signature, collect fees, and mail to a regional agency (no on-site printing).

1. Complete (but don't sign) DS-11 from travel.state.gov; black ink, single-sided.
2. Secure citizenship proof: original certified birth certificate (Texas long-form) + front/back photocopy on 8.5x11 paper.
3. Prepare photo ID (e.g., Texas DL) + photocopy.
4. Obtain 2x2" passport photo (specs below).
5. Calculate fees (see table); two payments: app fee to "U.S. Department of State," execution to facility.
6. Locate facility via tools below; book appointment (USPS requires online/phone).
7. Arrive early with extras; sign DS-11 on-site

. 8. Track online after 7-10 days.

Texas Tip: DSHS birth certs take 10-15 days standard; use VitalChek for 2-3 day rush ($38+).

Documents Checklist by Applicant Type

Adult First-Time/DS-11 (16+):

• Unsigned DS-11.
• Citizenship proof + photocopy (certified birth cert, naturalization cert).
• Photo ID + photocopy.
• Passport photo.
• Fees.

Minor Under 16 (Both Parents/Guardians): Heightened rules prevent abduction—40% rejections from incomplete consent.

• Unsigned DS-11 (child's details exact).
• Child's birth cert (certified, long-form) + photocopy.
• Both parents' IDs + photocopies.
• Parental proof:

  Scenario	Documents
  Both present	None extra
  One absent	Notarized DS-3053 (within 90 days, names trip/child, include absent parent's ID copy/contact)
  Sole custody	Court order/divorce decree (full certified copy)
  Deceased parent	Death cert

• Passport photo.
• Fees.

Pitfalls: Hospital "keepsake" certs invalid; expired/vague DS-3053; mismatched names. Bring backups—rejections common in high-volume Tarrant County.

Adult Renewal by Mail (DS-82, Eligible Only):

• Signed DS-82.
• Old passport (undamaged).
• Passport photo.
• Name change docs (certified marriage cert/court order).
• Fees (one check).

Photocopy Rule: Legible, same-size, plain paper—no staples.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% of North Texas apps rejected for photos. Strict specs:

• 2x2" (51x51mm), head 1-1⅜" tall.
• Color, white/off-white background, neutral face, eyes open.
• No glasses/hats (medical/religious exceptions with proof).
• Even light, no shadows/glare/red-eye; <6 months old.

Local Tips: Texas glare fools DIY shots—use CVS/Walgreens ($15, passport ring ensures size). Validate via travel.state.gov photo tool. Pro services near Richland Hills beat self-rejects.

Where to Apply Near Richland Hills

Routine apps use acceptance facilities (USPS post offices, clerks, libraries)—not agencies. No dedicated agency in Richland Hills; nearest urgent is Dallas Passport Agency.

Types Near Richland Hills (Confirm via Locators):

• USPS post offices (e.g., in North Richland Hills, Hurst—search for current).
• Tarrant County Clerk offices (e.g., Fort Worth).
• Municipal halls/libraries (North Richland Hills City Hall, Tarrant libraries).

Current Policies: Most require appointments (book 4-6 weeks ahead via facility site/phone); walk-ins limited. Call ahead for slots/emai

l confirmations. Expect verification only—no forms/photos sold on-site.

Locators:

• State Dept. Finder
• USPS Tool
• Google Maps: "passport acceptance facility Richland Hills TX"

Busy Times & Tips (DFW Area): Mondays/midday peaks from travel rushes; avoid spring/summer/holidays. Early AM/late PM best. High DFW demand: students/business travelers book early. What to expect: 15-45 min wait, oath, fee split, receipt issued.

Urgent (≤14 Days): Dallas Agency (1100 Commerce St, Dallas); call 1-877-487-2778 with flight proof. No routine apps.

Fees and Processing Times (as of 2024; Verify Current)

Processing:

• Routine: 4-6 weeks.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).
• Agency Urgent: 1-3 days (travel proof required).

DFW Warnings: Seasonal delays add 1-2 weeks; apply 9+ weeks pre-travel. Track: travel.state.gov (last name/DOB/fee).

Expedited vs. Urgent Travel

Expedited: 2-3 weeks, $60 extra at acceptance facility—ideal for Texas holidays/study abroad. Urgent: ≤14 days/life-or-death; agencies only, itinerary/proof mandatory. Mistake: Confusing the two—facilities can't rush beyond expedite.

Texas Birth Certificates and Name Changes

Order certified long-form from DSHS (dshs.texas.gov/vs) or Tarrant County registrar: $22/copy, 10-15 days mail. VitalChek rush: $38+.

Name changes: Certified marriage license (Tarrant Clerk) or court order. Include with DS-82/DS-11.

Tracking and Aftercare

Wait 7-10 days, then track at travel.state.gov. Passports mailed (signature required); no international forwarding. Lost in mail? File police report.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

DS-11 or DS-82?
DS-11 if first-time, minor, >15 years expired, or ineligible; DS-82 mail for qualifying adults.

Child with one parent?
Need DS-3053 notarized (Texas banks/UPS) or custody proof—top rejection cause.

Texas DL for ID?
Yes, + photocopy; Real ID compl

iant.

Photos from Walmart/CVS?
Accepted if specs met; local stores use sizing tools.

Lost abroad?
U.S. Embassy emergency passport; DS-64 on return.

Name change post-renewal?
Submit proof; can't mail if major change without docs.

Appointment wait too long?
Try multiple locators; off-peak or nearby cities.

Sources

U.S. Department of State - Passports
Texas DSHS Vital Statistics
U.S. Department of State - Passport Photos
USPS Passports
Tarrant County Clerk