Getting a Passport in San Marcos, TX: Facilities & Steps

Getting a Passport in San Marcos, TX

San Marcos residents in Hays County enjoy easy access to international travel—Texas State University students for study abroad, locals for Mexico border trips, or pros for conferences. Demand peaks during spring break (Bobcat events), summer road trips along I-35, and holidays, with risks like theft at highway stops or campus areas. Book facilities 4-6 weeks ahead or monitor for cancellations. Start routine service 10-13 weeks pre-travel; expedite under 6 weeks. Use pros for 2x2-inch photos (white background, no selfies) to dodge rejections. Verify at travel.state.gov.

San Marcos Passport Facilities at a Glance

No openings? Drive to Kyle Post Office or Austin (20-30 miles). Search State Dept locator.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Match your situation to the right form and method to avoid $30+ rejection fees and wasted trips to crowded facilities.

Download single-sided from travel.state.gov. Hays growth means slots vanish fast—have mail backups if eligible.

First-Time Adult Passport (Age 16+)

Use **DS-11 in-person

** if no prior adult passport or issued >15 years ago. Common for local first-timers or cruises.

Quick Check: Eligible for DS-82 mail renewal? Only if prior passport issued at 16+, undamaged, <15 years old.

Timeline: Routine 6-8 weeks +2-3 mail; expedite 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent? Post-submission options.

Reference the full documents checklist below. Pitfalls: Mismatched names (fix at SSA); peak rushes (spring/summer); no pre-signing DS-11.

Adult Renewal

Eligible? DS-82 by mail—skips lines during peaks. Include old passport, photo, fees. Processing mirrors first-time but faster. Ineligible? DS-11 as new.

Child Passport (Under 16)

DS-11 in-person with child + both parents (or DS-3053 notarized from absent one + ID copy). Texas notaries at banks/USPS. No mail renewals.

Pitfalls: Photocopied birth certs; no child present; summer delays (apply 3+ months early). See checklist.

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport

I-35 traffic and campus thefts hit hard—report via DS-64 online immediately (+ police report if stolen).

• Eligible DS-82 mail: Issued at 16+, <15 years, current name.
• DS-11 in-person: Otherwise.

Include DS-64/police report. Timeline same as above. Prevent: RFID blockers for high-risk zones.

Passport Card (Land/Sea Only)

Cheaper for Mexico/Canada—request with book or alone. Same process. Use State tool.

Gather Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Order Texas birth certs early (DSHS, 15-20 days; Hays Clerk local help).

1. Form: DS-11 (PDF) in-person; DS-82 (PDF) mail. Fill online, print single-sided; no sign till instructed.
2. Citizenship (orig + copy): Certified birth cert (raised seal), naturalization, prior passport.
3. ID (orig + copy): TX DL, military ID. Name change? Marriage/court docs.
4. Photo: 1x 2x2" compliant (details below).
5. Fees: App $130 adult/$100 child (check to State Dept); exec $35 separate. Expedite +$60.
6. Minors Extra: DS-3053 (PDF) if needed; parental proofs.
7. Photocopies: All docs, plain paper.

2 sets recommended.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% Texas rejections fr

om photos. Walgreens/CVS in San Marcos: $15, confirm specs.

Checklist:

• 2x2" exactly.
• Color, white background, head 1-1⅜" chin-top.
• Neutral face, eyes open, no glasses/hats/shadows/selfies.
• <6 months old.

Texas glare tip: Indoor natural light.

Step-by-Step Application Process

In-Person (DS-11):

1. Book facility appt.
2. Arrive early, organized.
3. Review/sign/pay.
4. Get receipt (track here after 5-7 days).

Mail (DS-82):

1. Complete/sign.
2. Old passport + photo + 2 checks.
3. Send tracked Priority to Natl Passport Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.

15-30 min at facilities if prepared.

Processing Times and Expedited Services

No guarantees in TX peaks—students apply pre-breaks. Details.

Special Cases for San Marcos Residents

• Birth Certs: Hays Clerk or DSHS.
• Military/Students: IDs OK; TX State office assists.
• Name Changes: TX decrees accepted.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• No Appts: Daily checks; nearby alts 20-30 mi.
• Minors: Notarize DS-3053 early.
• Peaks: 9+ wks early; I-35 thefts—report fast.
• Delays: Track online; USPS Priority for mail.

FAQs

Summer timeline in San Marcos? 6-8 wks routine, longer peaks—early appts.
Post office photos? Yes, call (512) 396-8371.
Absent parent? Notarized DS-3053 + ID copy.
TX birth cert? Certified/raised seal only.
3-wk job trip? Expedite, no peak promise.
Lost abroad? DS-64 + police report, replace.
TX State priority? No, but campus guidance.
Track? passportstatus.state.gov.

Sources

• [1] Passports - How to Apply
• [2] Passports for Children
• [3] Interactive Passport Tool
• [4] Texas Vital Statistics
• [5] Hays County Clerk
• [6] [Form DS-11](https://pptform.state.gov/pdf/DS-

11.pdf)

• [7] Form DS-82
• [8] Passport Photo Requirements
• [9] USPS Passport Services
• [10] Expedited Service
• [11] San Marcos Post Office
• [12] Texas State University International
• [13] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
• [14] Check Application Status
• [15] USPS Tracking