San Diego TX Passport Guide: Checklist, Forms & Local Facilities

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: San Diego, TX
San Diego TX Passport Guide: Checklist, Forms & Local Facilities

Quick-Start Checklist for San Diego, TX Passports

TL;DR: First-Time Adult Path

  1. Use Passport Wizard to pick DS-11 (new) or DS-82 (renewal).
  2. Gather: Certified birth certificate (Texas Vital Stats, $22+), TX DL + photocopy, 2x2 photo ($15 Walgreens), unsigned form.
  3. Book appt: USPS Locator or Duval Clerk (361-279-2808).
  4. Pay: $130 State check + $35 facility fee (cash/check).
  5. Track: passportstatus.state.gov (6-8w routine).

Renewal? Mail DS-82 if passport issued <15y ago at age 16+. Minors/Lost? DS-11 in-person. Urgent? Expedite (+$60, 2-3w) or prove emergency for San Antonio agency. Pro Tip: Apply 9+ weeks early—border demand (Mexico SENTRI) clogs rural slots.

Guide to Obtaining a Passport in San Diego, Texas

Nestled near the Texas-Mexico border, San Diego (ZIP 78384, pop. ~4k) sees spikes in passport needs for Matamoros runs, family ties, or Gulf getaways. Duval County facilities handle basics but book fast during spring break or holidays—aim 4-6 weeks ahead. Rejections hit 20-30% from form errors, poor photos, or minor consent gaps. Always verify at travel.state.gov; track apps online.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Scenario Form Method Timeline Key Tip
First-time, minor <16, lost/stolen, ineligible renewal DS-11 In-person 6-8w routine; 2-3w expedited (+$60) Both parents/DS-3053 notarized for minors
Eligible renewal (undamaged passport, issued age 16+, <15y old) DS-82 Mail 6-8w routine; 2-3w expedited No in-person needed—mail wrong? Returned
Urgent (<14 days) DS-11 Agency (e.g., San Antonio, 2+hr drive) Same/next-day possible Emergency proof (death cert/itinerary) required
Name change DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11 Mail/in-person As above Certified TX marriage/court order

Decision Helper: Start with Wizard—wrong form means full restart. Border-only? Passport card ($30+) for land/sea Mexico.

Passport Requirements and Documentation

Core Rules: Originals + 8.5x11 photocopies (ID/citizenship front/back). Fees separate: State Dept check ($130 adult book/$100 card/minor), $35 facility, optional $60 expedite/$21.36 1-2 day.

Checklist:

  • Citizenship Proof: Raised-seal birth cert (Texas Vital Stats, $22, 1-2w; hospital versions invalid), naturalization cert, or old passport.
  • Photo ID: TX DL (best), military ID + color photocopy. Secondary: SS card + 90-day bill (local co-op/AEP).
  • Photo: One 2x2" color (<6mo old, 1-1⅜" head, white bg, no glasses/shadows/gloss; $15 Walgreens/Alice)—print 2-3, 40% rejections here.
  • Form: DS-11 (unsigned, new apps); DS-82 (signed, renewals). Fill online at pptform.state.gov, single-sided.

TX Specifics: Order vitals early (backlogs common); name mismatches trigger extra checks at rural clerks.

Local Acceptance Facilities (ZIP 78384)

These review/forward apps (no on-site issuance). Confirm appts/hours via links/phones—high border demand, midweek mornings best. No walk-ins typical.

  • Duval County Clerk (DS-11/82): 400 E. Zavala St., San Diego. Call (361) 279-2808 or visit co.duval.tx.us/clerk.
  • San Diego Post Office (DS-11/82): 409 S. Garcia St. Book USPS appt or call 1-844-661-8730.
  • Nearby (20-40mi): Alice/Kingsville POs quieter; Corpus Christi for extras. Use State Locator for all.

At Facility: 15-60min (oath, sign, pay/receipt). Peaks (Mon midday, holidays): 1hr+ waits—arrive organized.

Step-by-Step Processes

First-Time/Minor/Lost (DS-11 In-Person)

Mandatory for new apps, kids <16, lost passports. Book 4-6w ahead.

  1. Fill DS-11 online (pptform.state.gov), print unsigned/single-sided. Pitfall: Early signature invalidates.
  2. Gather: Citizenship orig + copy, ID + copy, photo, fees ($130+). Minors: Both parents/DS-3053 + their docs. Pitfall: Laminated/fuzzy items rejected.
  3. Book: USPS or State Locator, ZIP 78384.
  4. Attend: Oath/sign/receipt (15min early). Add expedite here.
  5. Track: passportstatus.state.gov weekly; call 1-877-487-2778 after 2w.

Renewal (DS-82 Mail)

Eligibility first: Undamaged, <15y, issued 16+.

  1. Confirm via Wizard.
  2. Fill/print DS-82 online.
  3. Include: Old passport, photo, $130 check.
  4. Mail: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
  5. Track online.

Special Cases

Minors <16: DS-11 + parents/DS-3053 (notarized) + all IDs/birth certs. 5y validity; custody docs if needed. Lost/Stolen: Report DS-64 online + Duval PD form, then DS-11. Expedited/Urgent: +$60 at acceptance (2-3w); <14d agency via travel.state.gov/fast + proof. Corrections/Name Change: DS-82 if eligible; certified TX docs.

Common Mistakes and Local Tips

  • Top Errors: Signed DS-11, bad photos/forms, no photocopies/consents—20-30% return rate.
  • Timing: 9w buffer; TX surges add 1-2w. Track weekly.
  • Duval Hacks: Order vitals now (1-2w); border cards for land Mexico. Students: TAMUK/Coastal Bend drives. Call facilities pre-appt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Appt required? Yes, book online/phone—no reliable walk-ins. Summer delays? +1-2w; no local same-day. No second parent? DS-3053 notarized or court order. Expired >15y? DS-11 if issued young. Certified birth cert? Vital Stats only—clerks issue non-certified. Card for flights? No, book needed. Stolen abroad? DS-64 + embassy/DS-11.

Sources

[1] U.S. Dept of State Passports
[2] Apply In-Person
[3] Renew by Mail
[4] Lost/Stolen
[5] Texas Vital Stats
[6] Photos
[7] Fees
[8] Facility Locator
[9] Duval Clerk
[10] USPS Passports
[11] Fast Track

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations