Stamford TX Passport Guide: DS-11, DS-82, Local Facilities

Obtaining a Passport in Stamford, Texas

Stamford residents in Haskell County often need passports for Mexico trips, European vacations, student exchanges, or emergencies. Texas peaks (spring break, summer, holidays) cause 4+ week delays at rural facilities—apply 6-8 weeks early for routine service or secure expedited slots. Avoid pitfalls like invalid photos (glare, wrong size), early DS-11 signing, missing minor consents, or confusing expedited (2-3 weeks +$60) with urgent (<14 days, needs itinerary proof). Verify forms at travel.state.gov; damaged passports over 15 years old (adults) require DS-11. Follows U.S. State Department guidelines [1] with local timing tips.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Wrong form causes 30% of rejections. Use this table:

Quick Tree: Valid recent passport? DS-82 mail. Else: DS-11 in-person. Minor? +parents. Fast? +fees/proof. Stamford tip: Mail DS-82 early; track USPS.

First-Time or Ineligible Renewal (DS-11)

Applies to first-timers, minors <16, lost/damaged, major changes. In-person only at facilities.

Bring (originals + photocopies):

**Expect

**: 30-60min rural TX wait; agent reviews, you sign/pay/seal. Book ahead; track online [10]. Urgent? Proof for expedite.

Passport Renewal (DS-82)

Mail if: Issued ≥16yo, <15yr ago, undamaged/in-hand, no major changes.

Checklist:

1. DS-82 signed [2]
2. Old passport
3. Photo [9]
4. $130 check (State)
5. Mail to Natl Processing Ctr [1]

Pitfalls: Strict eligibility—misplay = return. Damaged? DS-11. Track USPS.

Ineligible: DS-11 at facility.

Lost/Stolen Replacement

1. Report DS-64 online/phone ASAP [3] (stops fraud).
2. Police report (Stamford PD) for theft.
3. DS-11 (usual) or DS-82 (if eligible undamaged renewal).
4. Statement if lost/damaged.

Adds weeks; default DS-11 locally. Texas DL as ID.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Stamford, TX

No Stamford agency—use these verified acceptance facilities (per USPS [5] & State locator [7]; call confirm services/slots, as rural TX changes). Expect thorough doc review, 30-60min, appts advised for peaks.

• Stamford Post Office (primary local): 508 S Waco St, Stamford, TX 79553 | (325) 773-2811 | Google Maps | Handles DS-11; photos? Call.
• Haskell Post Office (15mi N, county seat): 300 N 1st St, Haskell, TX 79521 | (940) 823-2611 | Google Maps | Reliable for Haskell residents.
• Abilene Main Post Office (~40mi S, more slots): 100 S Walnut St, Abilene, TX 79601 | (325) 677-0645 | Google Maps | Higher volume, weekdays best.
• Haskell County District Clerk: 1401 Moore St, Haskell, TX 79521 | (940) 823-2370 | Google Maps | Verify passports [6].

Search iafdb.travel.state.gov [7] for updates. Early mornings avoid rushes; Mon/midday peaks.

Required Documentation Checklist

DS-11 (all in-person):

• Unsigned DS-11 [2]
• Citizenship orig + copy (TX birth cert [8])
• ID orig + copy
• Photo [9]
• Fees/checks
• Minors: DS-3053/parents

DS-82 (mail): As above + old passport.

Texas: Rush birth certs via Vitalchek [8] (15-20d std, +$ for fast).

Passport Photos: Rejection-Proof Tips

25% rejections [9]. TX sun glare common—indoor only.

• 2x2", head 1-1⅜", white bg, no glasses/hats, neutral face, even light.
• Get at CVS/Walmart/PO ($10-15); selfies fail.
• Check: No shadows, eyes open, recent

.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Assess form/table above.
2. Gather checklist.
3. Photo [9].
4. Book facility (2-4w ahead).
5. Attend: Review/sign/pay/seal.
6. Track [10] (5-7d wait).
7. Receive: 6-8w routine; peaks +4w [1].

Urgent <14d: Dallas agency [4] (appt/proof, 200mi drive).

Processing Times & Texas Warnings

Routine 6-8w; Expedited 2-3w (+$60). Rural Haskell delays common—no local rush. Peaks: Mar-May/Dec. Check travel.state.gov [1].

Texas-Specific Tips

• Birth certs: DSHS [8] or Haskell Clerk [6]; apostille unnecessary.
• Changes: Court order + amended cert.
• Rural waits: Appts essential; Abilene for volume.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Stamford PO for renewal? No—DS-82 mail only [1].
Expedited time? 2-3w; peaks longer [1].
Missing parent? DS-3053 notarized [2].
Photo reject? Retake specs [9].
Fast TX birth cert? Vitalchek rush [8].
Local agency? No; Dallas [4].
Track? passportstatus.state.gov [10].
Expiring soon? Renew early; valid til date [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Dept of State - Apply
[2] Forms
[3] Lost/Stolen
[4] Agencies
[5] USPS Locator
[6] Haskell Clerk
[7] Facility Search
[8] TX DSHS
[9] Photos
[10] Status