Rowlett TX Passport Guide: First-Time, Renewal, Facilities

Getting a Passport in Rowlett, TX: A Complete Guide

Always confirm fees, times, and availability on official sites like travel.state.gov.

Rowlett residents in Dallas County often need passports for DFW flights, Mexico beach trips, or European vacations, with demand spiking in spring/summer and winter. Families with urgent needs—like student exchanges or emergencies—face appointment shortages at local spots. This guide covers tailored steps, DS-11 vs. DS-82 decisions, photo pitfalls (glare/shadows reject 20% of apps), minor form errors, and timelines to avoid delays.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Match your situation to the right form—missteps like using DS-82 for first-timers add weeks.

First-Time Passport

Use DS-11 in person if: never had one, issued under 16, over 15 years old, damaged/lost (no police report), or name changed (bring certified docs).

Decision help: Check issue date inside cover. Eligible for DS-82 renewal? Skip the visit—mail it. Online "renewal" skips ID oath, so no for new apps.

Expect at facilities: 20-45 min; staff witness signature, verify docs. Texas tip: Book via travel.state.gov; bring certified birth cert (short form OK), DL + copy, 2x2 photos (no Walmart home prints), fees. Processing: 8-10 weeks routine; peaks hit Rowlett hard.

Passport Renewal

Mail DS-82 if: issued <15 years ago (age 16+), undamaged, current name, not card-only.

Quick check: Inspect for tears/water marks—questionable? Go DS-11. Include photo ($15 CVS), old passport, check to State Dept.

Not eligible? DS-11 in person + $35 execution fee. 6-8 weeks routine.

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport

1. Report via DS-64 online (print confirmation).
2. DS-11 in person: citizenship proof, ID, photo, fees + DS-64.

Routine (trip >14 days): Local facility, 6-8 weeks. Urgent (≤14 days): Dallas agency appt + itinerary proof. Skip DS-64? Fraud risk + delays.

Additional Passports (Child's or Second Book)

Minors <16: DS-11, both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent. Frequent travelers: Justify second book at agency.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Adult First-Time or Replacement Applications

1. DS-11 (unsigned, from travel.state.gov).
2. Citizenship: Original Texas birth cert (Dallas Clerk/DSHS) + photocopy.
3. ID: DL (REAL ID OK) matching name + photocopy; name change docs.
4. Photo: 2x2, white background, no glare/glasses.
5. Fees: App ($130 book) to State; execution ($35) to facility.
6. Appt: Via site/phone.
7. Visit: Arrive early; expect oath/review.

Prep: 1-2 weeks. Mistakes: Unsigned form, no originals = reject.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Minors Under 16

1. DS-11 (unsigned).
2. Child's birth cert.
3. Both parents' IDs (or DS-3053 + notary).
4. Child photo (pro only).
5. Fees: $100 book + $35 execution.
6. Appt: Book early for exchanges.

Both parents cut rejections 30%; court order if solo custody.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Rowlett and Nearby Dallas County

Consolidate visits here—no processing on-site, just verification/oath. Expect 20-45 min; peaks (Mon lunch) = waits. Bring unsigned DS-11/DS-82, originals, photos, fees (check/money order; verify amounts).

Key local facilities (confirm via iafdb.travel.state.gov):

• Rowlett Station Post Office: 6702 Dalrock Rd, Rowlett, TX 75089. Phone: 972-475-0506. Appts Mon-Fri; DS-11 OK. USPS Locator
• Rowlett Public Library: Check iafdb.travel.state.gov for participation.
• Dallas County Clerk (George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building): 600 Commerce St, Dallas, TX. Appts: dallascounty.org. Dallas County
• USPS Garland/Mesquite: 10-15 min drive; higher volume.

Dallas agency (4400 Blue Ridge Blvd) for urgent only: 1-877-487-2778. Book 4-6 weeks ahead; Tuesdays-Thursdays quieter.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Pitfalls

2x2 inches, head 1-1⅜", white background, even light, neutral face. Texas issues: Sun glare, shadows—20% rejected.

Rowlett spots: CVS (8601 Lakeview Pkwy, ~$15), Walmart (4000 President George Bush Hwy, $14.99). Get digital proof.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks. Track: passportstatus.state.gov. Peaks +2-4 weeks. Urgent (≤14 days): Agency + proof (not vacations).

Texas-Specific Documentation Tips

Birth certs: Dallas County Clerk (post-1980 Rowlett) or DSHS (txapps.texas.gov/tolappov). Rush: 20 days/$22. No SS card needed. Marriage/divorce decrees OK for names.

Preparing for Peak Seasons and Urgent Scenarios

DFW/students: Mar-May/Dec peaks. Renew mail early; 3 months for kids. Last-minute? Domestic or Visa Waiver.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Rowlett? No—mail to agency. Urgent: Dallas proof ≤14 days.

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited anywhere (+$60, 2-3w); urgent agency/emergency.

Expiring soon? Renew 9 months early (6-month rule abroad).

Rowlett Post Office appt? Yes, call 972-475-0506.

Child consent issue? DS-3053/court order.

REAL ID OK? Yes.

Lost abroad (Mexico)? U.S. Consulate Juarez/Matamoros.

Passport card for Galveston cruises? Yes, closed-loop.

Final Tips for Rowlett Residents

Proofread with someone; photocopy all; track obsessively. Poor prep = denied abroad.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[3] Texas DSHS - Birth Certificates
[4] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[5] USPS - Passport Services
[6] Dallas County Clerk - Passport Services
[7] U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies
[8] U.S. Department of State - Passports Abroad