Stowell, TX Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms, Fees & Steps

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Stowell, TX
Stowell, TX Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms, Fees & Steps

Getting a Passport in Stowell, TX

Stowell residents in Chambers County, Texas, often need passports for quick trips to Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Gulf Coast cruises from Galveston, or oil and gas business travel to Latin America and beyond. Seasonal rushes hit during spring break (Cancun runs), summer vacations, and winter escapes, while family emergencies or student exchanges from nearby Lamar University add urgency. Limited local slots mean planning ahead—avoid delays from photo rejects or doc mismatches with this streamlined guide [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose the right form upfront to dodge rejections. Use the State Department's Passport Wizard at travel.state.gov for your scenario.

Quick Decision Table for Stowell Residents:

Situation Form Method Key Tips & Common Mistakes
First-time, under 16 issue, lost/stolen/damaged, name change DS-11 In person No pre-signing; bring originals (birth cert, TX DL, 2x2 photos). Mistake: Photocopies only—always originals + copies. Ideal for Gulf cruises or IAH flights.
Eligible renewal (issued 16+, <15 years ago, undamaged, same name) DS-82 Mail Saves a trip; common for repeat travelers. Mistake: Using if damaged—triggers DS-11.
Minor under 16 DS-11 In person (both parents) Notarized DS-3053 if one absent; court docs for sole custody. Mistake: Skipping consent—top rejection.
Name change (post-issue) DS-11 or DS-5504 In person/mail* TX marriage/divorce decree required. Mistake: No certified proof.
Lost/stolen (U.S.) DS-11/DS-82* In person/mail* Report online first; police report helps. Mistake: Delaying report (identity theft risk).

*Eligibility-based. Download forms from travel.state.gov—fill DS-11 by hand, sign only at facility.

What to Expect: Routine processing 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60). For trips <14 days, call 1-877-487-2778 for agency appt (e.g., Houston, proof needed). Chambers County locals: Factor drive times (~20-60 min to facilities) [2].

Gather Required Documents and Fees

Prep 1-2 weeks early. Texas quirks: Chambers births need long-form certs from County Clerk or DSHS.

Core Checklist (DS-11 Adult):

  • Proof of citizenship: Original U.S. birth cert (raised seal, not short/hospital form), naturalization cert + single-sided photocopy.
  • Photo ID: TX DL/REAL ID (valid/enhanced OK) + front/back

photocopy on plain paper.

  • 2x2 photos (2 identical): White background, <6 months old, head 1-1⅜", neutral face.
  • Fees: See table below (separate payments).

Fees (check travel.state.gov for latest):

Fee Type Amount Pay To Notes
Adult book (DS-11) $130 U.S. Dept of State (check/money order) +$100 child.
Execution $35 Facility (cash/check/card varies) Per app.
Expedited +$60 U.S. Dept of State 2-3 weeks.
1-2 day delivery +$22.80 USPS + overnight return ~$20.

Mistakes to avoid: Personal checks for State fee (use money order), no photocopies, mismatched names (update TX DL first) [1].

Minors: Add child's birth cert, parents' IDs/photos/consent (DS-3053 notarized). Both parents or docs required.

Passport Photo Requirements

25%+ rejections from bad photos. Strict specs [4]:

  • 2x2" color print, white/cream background.
  • Head 1-1⅜", even light, no shadows/glasses/hats/selfies/uniforms.
  • Neutral expression, recent (<6 months).

TX tip: Houston-area sun/glare ruins shots—use CVS/Walgreens/USPS (~$15, reliable). Bring extras.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Stowell

No facility in Stowell—use nearby in Chambers/Jefferson Counties (~5-30 miles). Book via iafdb.travel.state.gov (ZIP 77577); walk-ins limited, peaks overwhelm.

Examples:

  • Winnie Post Office (~5 miles): 603 S. Gulf Coast Hwy, Winnie, TX 77665. (409) 296-2152. Photos available.
  • Anahuac Post Office/Chambers County Clerk (~15 miles): 409 Chambers St, Anahuac, TX 77514. (409) 267-8308. Vital records too.
  • Mont Belvieu Post Office (~20 miles): 15102 Eagle Dr, Mont Belvieu, TX 77535.
  • Beaumont Main Post Office (~30 miles): 1045 Corsicana St, Beaumont, TX 77701.

Aim early mornings/Tues-Wed; peaks (spring/summer) book weeks out. Staff verifies docs/oath—forwards to agency. No legal advice/expedites here [5].

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Preparation:

  • Run Passport Wizard; download/fill form (no pre-sign DS-11).
  • Gather originals + photocopies, photos, fees (2 checks if needed).
  • Minors: Consent/docs ready.
  • Book appt via locator.
  • Track processing needs (6-8w routine).

At Facility:

  • Arrive early, present all.
  • Sign form, pay, get receipt/tracking #.

**Post-Submission:

**

  • Track at travel.state.gov.
  • Urgent? Agency appt w/ itinerary.

DS-82 Mail Renewal:

  • Eligible passport + photo + fee to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. Certified mail [3].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Service Time Cost Add-On Best For
Routine 6-8 weeks None Planned trips (e.g., Galveston cruises).
Expedited 2-3 weeks +$60 IAH business flights.
Urgent (<14 days) Days Agency appt Call w/ proof; Houston ~2hrs drive.
Life/death 3 days Agency Emergencies only.

Peaks delay—apply 9+ weeks early. No guarantees [1].

Special Considerations for Texas Residents

  • Birth Certs: Chambers County Clerk (Anahuac) or DSHS (2-4w delivery) for long-form [7].
  • Oil/Gas Travel: Multiple books OK w/ DS-11 justification.
  • Students: Lamar group sessions; bulk photos.
  • REAL ID: Counts as ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day in Stowell? No—agency appt for urgent only [1].

Minor apps? Both parents or DS-3053; top reject [2].

Expiring soon? Renew early (6mo validity rule) [3].

Damaged passport? DS-11 only [2].

Track status? travel.state.gov w/ locator # [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] How to Apply
[3] Renew
[4] Photos
[5] USPS Passports
[6] Facility Search
[7] Texas DSHS Vital Statistics

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