San Antonio TX Passport Guide: DS-11 DS-82 Bexar Facilities

Getting a Passport in San Antonio, TX

San Antonio's border proximity fuels frequent trips to Mexico, while SAT airport handles surges for Europe, the Caribbean, and student exchanges at UTSA and Trinity University. Spring break (March–May) and holiday peaks overwhelm Bexar County facilities, creating 4–6 week appointment waits. Last-minute emergencies for family events or business often hit backlogs—sidestep them with precise form choices, pro photos, and early planning aligned to State Department rules.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick DS-11 or DS-82 upfront to avoid returns: DS-11 requires in-person witnessing; DS-82 allows mailing your old passport.

• First-Time, Lost/Stolen/Damaged, or Very Old (DS-11): No prior passport, issued before age 16, over 15 years old, or compromised. Must apply in-person—no mailing.

• Renewal (DS-82): Issued when 16+, under 15 years old, undamaged, signature matches, in your current name (or with name-change docs). Eligible for mail-in.

• Replacement After Loss/Theft: File DS-64 report first; use DS-82 if eligible, else DS-11.

• Minors Under 16: DS-11 only, with both parents or notarized DS-3053 to block child trafficking risks.

Use the State Department's online wizard: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/apply-in-person.html. Bexar County mail renewals shine during Alamo City festival crowds.

Decision Tip: Inspect your old passport—expiration over 15 years from issue date? Water damage or name mismatch? Default to DS-11. Common pitfall: Assuming eligibility, leading to 4-week mail rejections.

Required Documents and Eligibility

Essentials for smooth acceptance:

• Citizenship Evidence: Original birth certificate (order Texas DSHS via Texas.gov or VitalChek), naturalization certificate, or prior passport—plus front/back photocopies on standard paper.
• Photo ID: Texas driver's license, military ID, or passport card—photocopy both sides; names must align exactly.
• Passport Photo: 2x2 inches, color, white/neutral background, head 1–1⅜ inches from chin to top, no smiles/glasses/selfies (San Antonio lighting causes 30% rejects at facilities).
• Fees: Execution fee ($35 adult/$30 child) paid to facility (cash/check); application fee ($130 adult book/$100 child) to State Department (check/money order).

Extras: Name change (marriage license/decree), minors (parental IDs/birth certificates). Non-U.S. citizens ineligible.

**Timeli

ne Hack**: Rush birth certificates via VitalChek for 3–10 day delivery ($38+ fees).

Step-by-Step Checklist for New Applications or Replacements (Form DS-11)

Prep everything before in-person visits to Bexar facilities—staff won't help complete forms.

1. Download DS-11 from pptform.state.gov—fill but do not sign until instructed.
2. Gather original citizenship proof + photocopy.
3. Secure ID proof + photocopy.
4. Get compliant photo (CVS MinuteClinic, Walgreens, or USPS).
5. Prepare fees separated correctly.
6. Locate facility and book via iafdb.travel.state.gov (call Bexar Clerk at 210-335-2106 for slots).
7. Arrive with all items: Staff checks docs (10–15 min), administers oath, you sign, they seal—no apps/emails from phone.
8. Track status at passportstatus.state.gov (routine 6–8 weeks).

Pro Tip: SAT-bound? Apply by January for March peaks. Under 14 days urgent? Drive to Houston Passport Agency (life-or-death proof required).

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals (Form DS-82)

Streamlined for San Antonio commuters—handle from home.

1. Confirm eligibility (old passport pristine, under 15 years).
2. Complete/sign DS-82, include old passport, new photo, fees.
3. Mail via USPS Priority (tracked) to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
4. Expedite option: Add $60 fee, overnight return label.
5. Monitor online—no phone updates.

If ineligible, switch to DS-11 process.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in San Antonio and Bexar County

These sites witness, seal, and collect fees—State Department mails your passport. Bexar County's network supports Mexico day-trippers and SAT passengers; mid-morning Mondays and peaks see lines—opt for USPS walk-ins.

Comprehensive List of Key Locations (always verify current status, hours, and appointments via iafdb.travel.state.gov or usps.com—services can change):

• Bexar County Clerk Offices: Primary at 101 W Nueva St, San Antonio, TX 78205 (210-335-2106; bexar.org/156/Passports). Satellite locations available; appointments recommended.
• USPS Branches (20+ in San Antonio; many walk-ins): Example at 302 San Pedro Ave. Nationwide locator: usps.com/international/passports.htm. Confirm passport hours.
• San Antonio Public Library Branches: Select locations offer limited services—search iafdb.travel.state.gov.
• Other Clerks/Locations: County substations and clerks; full directory at iafdb.travel.state.gov.

Photos Nearby: UPS Stores, Walmart, AAA—$15 average.

**What to Expect at F

acilities**: 15–45 min visit. Bring unsigned form, originals, copies, photo, fees. Staff scans for issues (e.g., photo glare from Texas sun, mismatched docs), oaths you, seals envelope. No federal printing on-site. Execution fee mandatory; arrive 30 min early for parking crowds.

Regional urgent: Houston Agency (4+ hour drive, appointment via 1-877-487-2778).

Processing Times and Expedited Services

• Routine: 6–8 weeks (add 2–4 in Texas peaks like December escapes).
• Expedited (+$60 at acceptance): 2–3 weeks.
• Urgent Life-or-Death (<14 days): Agencies only (itinerary + proof).
• Private Expediters: Avoid—State warns of scams overcharging for routine mail.

Plan 9–12 weeks buffer for families; track weekly at passportstatus.state.gov.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Under 16: DS-11 in-person mandatory, both parents/guardians present (or DS-3053 notarized with ID copy). Frequent errors: Forgetting parent's citizenship proof or assuming mail OK. UTSA students: Group apps at campus events; pre-fall semester rush.

Family of 4: ~$700 total fees; stagger apps to manage docs.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Backup everything with photocopies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are walk-ins available in San Antonio? Yes at many USPS; Bexar Clerk prefers appointments (usps.com or bexar.org).

What are busy season timelines? Routine stretches to 10+ weeks March–June/December.

Expedited vs. urgent services? Expedited ($60+) at any facility (2–3 weeks); urgent agency-only with proof.

How to get a birth certificate? Texas DSHS, Bexar Clerk, or VitalChek.

Can children renew by mail? No until age 16.

Lost passport abroad? Report DS-64 online; replace upon U.S. return.

Is REAL ID required? No—Texas DL suffices.

Family fees example? Adults $165 each, kids $135 (includes execution).

Sources

[1] [U.S. Department of State - Passports](ht

tps://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html)
[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 - Children
[5] Texas DSHS Vital Statistics
[6] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[7] State Department Forms
[8] State Department Acceptance Facility Search
[9] Passport Status Check
[10] National Passport Information Center
[11] Bexar County Clerk - Passports
[12] USPS Passport Services
[13] U.S. Department of State - Expedited Services