Getting a Passport in Schertz, TX: Steps, Facilities, Tips

Getting a Passport in Schertz, Texas

Schertz residents, spanning Bexar and Guadalupe Counties near San Antonio, face high passport demand for Mexico business trips, European holidays, or flights from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) during spring break and family visits. Peaks hit March-June and December due to tourism, student exchanges, and urgent travel, quickly filling local slots. This guide draws from U.S. Department of State data to provide Schertz-tailored steps for new, renewal, or replacement passports, flagging Texas-specific issues like birth certificate delays and photo rejections (travel.state.gov).

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Schertz applicants often err by using DS-82 for first-timers, minors, or ineligible renewals—double-check with the State Department wizard to avoid rejection and re-appointment.

For travel in <14 days, seek expedited service or urgent agency appointment (nearest: San Antonio) with proof like itinerary [5].

Required Documents and Eligibility

Bring originals only, plus photocopies (front/back on 8.5x11 white paper). Texas tip: Request long-form birth certificates early from Bexar or Guadalupe County Clerks, as processing delays snag family applications (Bexar Clerk).

• Proof of Citizenship: U.S. birth certificate (long form for minors), naturalization certificate, or prior U.S. passport [1].
• Photo ID: Texas DL/Real ID, military ID; include name change docs (marriage certificate, court order) [1].
• Photos: Two 2x2-inch color photo

s (<6 months old, head 50-69% of height, no glare/shadows/glasses); Texas heat causes 25% rejections—use CVS/Walgreens [6].

• Fees (check current at travel.state.gov): Adult book $130 application + $35 execution (to facility) + optional $60 expedited; child $100 + $35. Separate checks: one to "U.S. Department of State," one to facility [1].

Minors require both parents' IDs/photocopies, relationship proof, and DS-3053 (notarized <90 days) if one parent absent [4].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Schertz

Local spots book up fast amid San Antonio-area demand—call or check online 4-6 weeks ahead; mid-week mornings best. Expect 15-30 minutes: staff review docs, witness DS-11 signature, issue receipt/tracking number (no passports issued on-site). Use State Dept Locator or USPS Locator [7][8]. Mail renewals bypass facilities [2].

Acceptance Facilities:

• Schertz Post Office: 501 Main St, Schertz, TX 78154. (210) 945-0427. USPS appointment page. Handles new applications, renewals (witnessing), minors [8].
• Selma Post Office: 15330 Lookout Rd, Selma, TX 78154. State Dept Locator [7].
• Universal City Post Office: 215 S Flower, Universal City, TX 78148. State Dept Locator [7].

For Urgent Needs (<14 days, itinerary proof): San Antonio Passport Agency, 10127 Morocco St, San Antonio, TX. 1-877-487-2778. Appointment only [5].

Document Resources: Bexar County Clerk offices for birth certificates (bexar.org/1563/County-Clerk); Texas DSHS for statewide (dshs.texas.gov/vs) [9][10].

Step-by-Step Checklist for New Applications (DS-11)

1. Complete DS-11 online but do not sign until at facility [2].
2. Gather citizenship proof + photocopy.
3. Valid photo ID + photocopy.
4. Obtain compliant photos (check photo template).
5. Prepare separate fees/checks.
6. Book facility appointment; arrive 15 minutes early with all items.
7. At facility: Present docs, sign DS-11 in staff presence, submit—receive tracking receipt.
8. Track status at [passportstatus.state.

gov](https://passportstatus.state.gov/) using gold number [11].

Minors: Add parental IDs/photocopies, DS-3053, relationship proof (birth certificate) [4].

Renewal by Mail (DS-82, if eligible): Include old passport, photo, fees (one check to State Dept), mail with tracking to address on form [1][2].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks (add 2-3 weeks for Texas peaks).
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60 fee + $21.36 return shipping). Plan 9+ weeks ahead for Schertz demand. Urgent: Agency appointment or life-or-death emergency call (1-877-487-2778) [1][5][11].

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Photos: 25% rejected for glare/shadows—use professionals, verify against template [6].
• Wrong Form: First-timers/minors can't mail renew—use wizard [1].
• Appointments: Slots vanish; check multiple facilities daily, prioritize mid-week AM.
• Documents: Missing minor consents or old birth certs; order from Bexar/Guadalupe Clerks early [4][9].
• Delays: Peaks + errors add 4-6 weeks; apply 3-6 months before Mexico/SAT trips.
• Fees/Payment: Exact amounts, separate checks; no refunds or cards at most sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Schertz? No—nearest agency for urgent cases only [5].

Bexar/Guadalupe County birth certificate? Order from Bexar Clerk or Texas DSHS [9][10].

Texas Real ID as photo ID? Yes, compliant [1].

Child with one parent? DS-3053 notarized + travel itinerary [4].

Passport validity for travel? Adults 10 years, children 5 years; renew 9 months early for 6-month country rules [1].

Track application? passportstatus.state.gov with gold tracking number [11].

Schertz Post Office appointments? Required; book via USPS page [8].

Sources

[1] U.S. Passports & International Travel
[2] Passport Forms
[3] Lost or Stolen Passport
[4] [Children Under 16](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/unde

[5] Passport Agencies (travel.state.gov)
Urgent needs only (e.g., travel within 14 days); San Antonio has regional agencies—check eligibility first to avoid wasted trips. Common mistake: Assuming all agencies accept routine apps.

[6] Texas Vital Statistics (dshs.texas.gov/vs)
Order birth/death certificates here for most Texas-born applicants (including Schertz-area births). Go online/mail for speed; walk-ins limited. Tip: Have exact birth details ready—fuzzy dates cause delays. Local registrars handle births <75 years old but often refer to state.

[7] Passport Photo Requirements (travel.state.gov)
2x2" color photo on white background, no selfies. Schertz pharmacies/USPS often provide ($15–20); DIY fails 80% of time due to glare/eyes closed—get pro help.

[8] Passport Acceptance Facility Search (iafdb.travel.state.gov)
Enter "Schertz, TX 78154" for nearest USPS/clerk offices (many by appt). Decision guide: Routine apps (4–6 weeks) here; avoid if expedited. Common error: Not confirming hours/appts online first.

[9] USPS Passport Services (usps.com)
Schertz-area post offices handle most apps affordably. Book appts via locator; bring DS-11 form completed (not signed). Pro tip: Arrive early—slots fill fast; no appt often means wait/deny.

[10] Bexar County Clerk (bexar.org)
For marriage licenses or Bexar-recorded vitals (near Schertz). Cross-check if your records are county-specific vs. state; don't default here for births—use [6] first.

[11] Check Application Status (passportstatus.state.gov)
Enter info 7–10 days post-submission. Schertz filers: Track weekly; if >4 weeks routine, call 1-877-487-2778. Mistake: Panicking at 3 weeks—processing varies by volume.