Getting a Passport in Sunray, TX: Forms, Steps & Local Sites

Getting a Passport in Sunray, TX

Sunray, a rural gem in Moore County's Texas Panhandle with around 2,000 residents, has no local passport acceptance facility—residents typically drive 20 minutes to Dumas or up to an hour to Amarillo. Demand surges for quick Mexico border runs, family reunions, or summer escapes, especially amid Panhandle's wide-open travel culture. Slots at nearby spots vanish fast during peaks (spring breaks, holidays), so book 4-6 weeks early. This guide draws directly from U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) for eligibility, form choices (DS-11 for new/in-person vs. DS-82 for mail renewals), detailed steps, rejection pitfalls (which hit 20-30% of Texas apps), timelines, and Panhandle-specific strategies to cut delays and drives.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Picking the wrong form causes most rejections—use the State Department's wizard (pptform.state.gov) first. Key differences:

Decision tips: Urgent travel? Expedite everywhere (+$60). Rural mail reliable but track it. Common Panhandle mistake: Assuming old DL proves citizenship (it doesn't).

First-Time or In-Person Application (Form DS-11)

Triggers: First passport, child <16, prior passport before age 16 or >15 years ago, changes/loss/damage.

Steps:

1. Fill DS-11 online (pptform.state.gov)—print single-sided on white paper, do not sign until agent watches.
2. Gather docs (below).
3. Book appointment via iafdb.travel.state.gov.
4. Arrive: Agent reviews originals, you sign oath (5-10 min), they mail to center.

What to expect: 30-60 min total; no passport issued on-site (rural facilities forward apps). Panhandle drives: Leave early for wind/dust delays.

Timelines: Routine 4-6 weeks from receipt; expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60). Add 1-2 weeks mailing each way.

Pitfalls (top Texas rejectors): Pre-signing DS-11 (voids it), uncertified birth certs (e.g., hospital-issued), ID name mismatch, blurry photocopies.

Renewal by Mail (Form DS-82)

Strict eligibility: Issued when 16+, <15 years ago (issue date matters), undamaged (minor wear OK), signature name matches, from U.S.

Steps:

1. Download/fill DS-82 (travel.state.gov).
2. Include old passport, 2x2 photo, fees (check to "U.S. Department of State").
3. Mail USPS Priority (tracking!) to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
4. Track after 5-7 days (passportstatus.state.gov).

Pitfalls: Wrong date (expiration vs. issue), creased passport, missing name-change proof (e.g., marriage cert)—apps bounce back, wasting 4+ weeks/$30+ shipping.

Replacement for Lost/Stolen/Damaged

1. Immediate: File free DS-64 online (travel.state.gov/passport-lost-stolen)—5 mins, print confirmation. Skip this? Weeks of holds.
2. Then apply:
   • DS-82 mail (eligible adults): $130+ fees, photo, DS-64 proof. Routine 4-6 weeks.
   • DS-11 in-person (others): Same as new app.
3. Urgent (<14 days): Proof + expedite at facility; extreme (<3 days)? Call 1-877-487-2778 for agency slot (e.g., Dallas, 5+ hr drive).

Sunray hack: Mail replacements to skip Dumas trip—USPS in Sunray handles outgoing.

Eligibility and Basic Requirements

U.S. citizens/nationals only.

• Citizenship proof: Original/certified birth cert (Texas DSHS order: dshs.texas.gov/vs, 15-20 days), naturalization cert, or old passport (<15 yrs).
• ID: DL, passport, military ID—exact name match; photocopy front/back on plain 8.5x11.
• Photos: 2 identical 2x2" color, white/cream background, <6 mo old, head 1-1⅜", no glasses/smiles/shadows/glare. (30% rejections here—use CVS in Dumas.)

Current fees (travel.state.gov/fees; use calculator):

Mail renewals: No execution fee. Texas tip: Stock birth certs via Moore County Clerk for family apps.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply In Person

1. Prep: Wizard confirm form/docs/photos/fees; photocopy everything.
2. Book: iafdb.travel.state.gov (Dumas/Amarillo).
3. Fill: DS-11 unsigned.
4. Go: Arrive 15 min early, organized folder. Agent oath, fees split (check app fee; cash/check execution).
5. Track: 7-10 days in (passportstatus.state.gov).

Mail: No book—drop at Sunray USPS.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Sunray

Sunray lacks one—drive to:

• Dumas Post Office: 1411 F Ave, Dumas, TX 79029 (20 min); 806-935-6441; usps.com for appts.
• Moore County District Clerk: 719 N Alsbury Blvd, Dumas, TX; 806-935-2850; call for passport policy.
• Amarillo Main Post Office: 2409 E 3rd Ave, Amarillo, TX 79102 (60 min; busier).

Always call ahead—no guaranteed walk-ins; Mon-Fri appts fill fast in Panhandle peaks. They review/forward; not issuance sites.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Specs cause 25%+ Texas fails. Get at Dumas Walgreens/CVS ($15, digital check). Panhandle sun? Indoor only, even light. See examples (travel.state.gov/photos).

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 4-6 weeks (mail adds 2).
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60 at submit).
• Urgent travel (<14 days): Itinerary proof for facility expedite; life/death fastest via 1-877-487-2778.

Panhandle advice: Apply 9-12 weeks pre-trip; track obsessively.

Special Cases: Minors Under 16

DS-11 in-person always. Both parents + IDs, or DS-3053 notarized consent + ID copy. Valid 5 yrs. Pitfall: Vague consent—huge rejector.

Step-by-Step Checklist

Pre-Application

• Correct form confirmed via Passport Wizard (state.gov): Use DS-11 for first-time, child, or name change passports; DS-82 for eligible adult renewals (last passport issued <15 yrs ago, same name/gender); DS-64 for lost/stolen replacements. Common mistake: Picking wrong form—run wizard first. Guidance: Renewals can mail in (no appt needed); others require in-person.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (original + single-sided photocopy): Birth certificate (TX hospital/certified copy), naturalization cert, or prior passport. Clarity: Photocopy on plain 8.5x11 paper; return original after. Mistake: Using hospital souvenir birth cert (needs official version). Guidance: TX vital records online for rush certified copies if needed.
• Valid photo ID (original + single-sided photocopy; must exactly match application name): TX driver's license, military ID, or expired passport (<5 yrs). *Clarity*: Both sides if double-sided. *Mistake*: Name variations (e.g., maiden vs. married) or expired ID (>15 yrs old invalid). Guidance: Update DL at TX DPS first if name changed; two IDs if primary weak.
• 2+ passport photos (2x2", color, specs verified on state.gov): White/cream background, head 1-1⅜", no glasses/selfies/uniforms, taken <6 months. Clarity: Get from CVS/Walgreens/pharmacies ($15/pair). Mistake: Smiling, shadows, or wrong size—rejections common (20%+). Guidance: Bring extras; verify with photo checklist printable from site.
• Fees ready (separate payments; check usps.com or state.gov for current amounts): Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" for app fee; cash/card/check to acceptance facility for execution fee. Clarity: No personal checks for State Dept. Mistake: Single payment or wrong payee. Guidance: Expedite (+$60) or 1-2 day (+$22) if traveling soon; Sunray-area waits average 6-8 weeks standard.
• In-person appointment booked (if not mailing renewal): Required for DS-11/64; check usps.com locator for nearby post offices/clerk spots. Clarity: Book 4-6 weeks ahead; walk-ins rare/limited. Mistake: Showing without appt (turn-away likely). Guidance: Mail renewals from home; for new apps, prioritize weekdays AM to avoid lines.

Application Day

• DS-11 unsigned, single-sided. Print on plain white 8.5x11" paper; do not sign until the acceptance agent witnesses it in person. Common mistake: Pre-signing or double-sided printing—both get rejected outright. Guidance: Double-check your printer settings; bring extras if applying for multiple people.

• Folder: All docs/photos. Use a clear plastic folder or envelope to organize originals, copies, photos (2x2" identical, recent, light background), ID, and fees. Common mistake: Loose papers that get lost or mixed up. Guidance: Label sections (e.g., "Photos," "Proof of Citizenship") for quick agent review; photocopy everything as backup.

• Minors (under 16): Both parents/guardians present with IDs, or submit signed DS-3053 from absent parent (notarized). Common mistake: Forgetting DS-3053 or mismatched parent IDs. Guidance: If one parent can't attend, get DS-3053 notarized ahead; all adults must show photo ID matching application names.

• Early arrival. Aim for 30-60 minutes before opening, especially in smaller Texas towns like Sunray where slots fill fast and walk-ins are limited. Common mistake: Assuming drop-off without wait times. Guidance: Check facility hours online the night before; bring water/snacks/chairs for potential lines, and confirm no appointment is needed via usps.com.

Post-Submission

• Tracking # saved.
• Status check >7 days.
• Monitor timeline; expedite if tight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Walk-ins in Sunray/Dumas? Rare—appt only.

Passport 16 years expired? DS-11.

Name change? Docs + DS-11 (or DS-82 if minor).

Passport card for flights? No—land/sea to Mexico/Canada/Caribbean only.

Lost overseas? DS-64 + U.S. embassy.

TX DL as birth proof? No, ID only.

Photo smiles/earrings? Neutral mouth; small earrings OK (no glare).

Additional Tips for Texas Panhandle Travelers

Mexico hauls? Cards suffice. Theft hotspot: Photocopy/passphrase. Order Moore Clerk certs early. USPS Priority everywhere. 3-month buffer for students/ranchers.

Sources

[1]: Passports Overview
[2]: Renew by Mail
[3]: Passport Wizard
[4]: Texas Vital Records
[5]: ID Requirements
[6]: Processing Times
[7]: Acceptance Locator
[8]: Form DS-11
[9]: Track Status
[10]: USPS Passports
[11]: Moore County Clerk
[12]: Photo Examples