Getting a Passport in Texas City, TX: Facilities, Steps & Tips

By GovComplete Team • Published on: January 10, 2026

Location: Texas City, TX

Getting a Passport in Texas City, TX

Residents of Texas City in Galveston County, Texas, often need passports for international business trips tied to the local petrochemical and shipping industries, Gulf Coast tourism, or family visits abroad. Texas sees high volumes of seasonal travel during spring break, summer vacations, and winter holidays, plus student exchange programs near Houston-area universities. Urgent needs arise from last-minute work assignments or emergencies. However, high demand at acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments, especially in peak seasons. This guide helps you navigate the process efficiently, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to avoid common pitfalls like photo rejections or form errors [1].

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before starting, determine your specific need to use the correct process and forms. Texas City residents follow standard federal rules, but local facilities handle submissions.

First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport. Use Form DS-11. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility [1].
Renewal: Eligible if your previous passport was issued when you were 16+, valid for 10 years, and expired within the last 5 years (or will expire soon). Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing data [2]. Not eligible if it expired over 5 years ago or was damaged/lost—treat as first-time or replacement.
Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Use Form DS-64 to report (free) and DS-11 or DS-82 depending on eligibility. Apply in person if urgent [3].
Child Passport (under 16): Always first-time process with DS-11; both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent [1].
Name Change or Data Correction: Use DS-5504 if within 1 year of issuance; otherwise, full renewal/replacement [4].

If unsure, check your old passport or use the State Department's online wizard [5]. Misusing forms causes delays—many Texans submit wrong renewals during busy travel seasons.

Eligibility Requirements

U.S. citizens and nationals qualify. Prove citizenship with an original birth certificate (Texas vital records if born here), naturalization certificate, or previous undamaged passport [1]. Identity proof: driver's license, military ID, or similar—Texas DL works [6]. For minors, additional parental ID and consent forms are mandatory. Photocopies of all docs required.

Texas-born applicants can order birth certificates from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics: $22 fee, 15-20 business days standard mail [7]. Expedite for $5 extra + overnight shipping. Galveston County residents may access local clerk records for pre-1960s births, but DSHS handles most [8].

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Texas City

Texas City has limited but accessible facilities. Book appointments early via the locator tool, as slots fill fast in spring/summer and holidays [9]. No walk-ins for new applications.

Texas City Post Office: 2001 5th Ave N, Texas City, TX 77590. Phone: (409) 945-2821. Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM-3 PM for passports. Handles DS-11; photos available on-site ($15) [10].
Galveston Post Office: 601 Church St, Galveston, TX 77550 (15 miles away). Larger facility with more slots [10].
Galveston County District Clerk: 722 Moody Ave, Galveston, TX 77550. By appointment; check for passport services [11].
League City (nearby): Post Office at 3020 Marina Bay Dr, League City, TX 77573 [10].

For urgent travel (within 14 days), contact facilities for life-or-death emergencies only—expedite elsewhere [12]. Use the official locator for real-time availability [9].

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or Child Passport (DS-11)

Follow this checklist in order. Complete before your appointment.

Fill Form DS-11: Download from state.gov; do not sign until instructed [1]. Black ink, no corrections.
Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate + photocopy (front/back on 8.5x11). Previous passport if applicable.
Prove Identity: Valid photo ID + photocopy. If no ID, secondary proofs like school ID + bills.
Get Passport Photos: 2 identical 2x2-inch color photos on white background. Specs: head 1-1 3/8 inches, neutral expression, no glasses/shadows/glare [13]. Local Walgreens/CVS or post office ($15). Rejections common—check rules [13].
Parental Consent (for minors): Both parents appear, or one with Form DS-3053 notarized from absent parent. Divorce decrees may require specifics [1].
Fees: $130 adult/$100 child execution (paid to facility by check/money order), $130/$100 application (check to State Dept.), optional expedite $60 [14]. Total ~$260 adult routine.
Book Appointment: Call facility 4-6 weeks ahead for routine [9].
Attend Appointment: Submit unsigned form, docs, photos, fees. Oath taken; receive receipt.
Track Status: Online after 7-10 days [15].

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewal by Mail (DS-82)

Eligible applicants only—saves time.

Confirm Eligibility: Passport issued 16+, <5 years expired, undamaged, same name/gender [2].
Fill Form DS-82: Online fillable PDF; print single-sided [2].
Include Old Passport: Sign and submit it.
Photos: 2 new photos [13].
Fees: $130 adult check to State Dept.; $30 child. Expedite +$60 [14].
Mail To: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [2].
Track: Use receipt number online [15].

For replacements, report via DS-64 first [3].

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Photos cause 25%+ rejections [13]. Rules from State Department [13]:

2x2 inches exactly.
Color, white/cream background.
Full face forward, eyes open, neutral expression.
No uniforms, hats (except religious), glasses (unless medical note), shadows, glare.
Recent (within 6 months).

Texas City options: USPS ($15), Walmart (3020 Palmer Hwy), CVS (3710 9th Ave N). Selfies fail—professional best. Upload checker tool available [13].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail time included). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent (14 days or less): In-person at Houston Passport Agency (180 miles away, by appointment only for documented travel) [12]. Life-or-death: Same-day possible [12]. Peak seasons (spring/summer, holidays) add 2-4 weeks—plan ahead, no guarantees [16]. Track weekly [15]. Texas volumes spike with business travel and breaks.

Common Challenges and Tips for Texans

Limited Appointments: Book ASAP; use multiple facilities. Spring/summer waits 4+ weeks.
Expedited vs. Urgent Confusion: Expedite speeds routine; agencies only for proven imminent travel (itinerary required) [12].
Minors' Docs: Incomplete consent delays 30% cases—get notary early [1].
Renewal Errors: 20% misuse DS-82; expired >5 years? DS-11 required.
Texas Birth Certs: Order early from DSHS; apostille for some countries ($15-30) [7].
Peak Travel: Avoid last-minute; business pros schedule off-season.

Tip: Use USPS Informed Delivery for mail tracking [17].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Texas City

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations where individuals can submit their passport applications for official review and processing. These facilities, often found at post offices, county clerk offices, public libraries, and some municipal buildings, do not issue passports on-site. Instead, trained staff verify your identity, review your application for completeness, administer the oath, and forward your materials to a regional passport agency for final processing. Expect to bring a completed application form, a valid photo ID, passport photos meeting U.S. State Department specifications, evidence of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), and payment for fees. The process typically involves a short interview, and you may need to sign documents in the presence of the agent. While many facilities operate on a walk-in basis, others require appointments, so it's wise to confirm procedures in advance through official channels.

In and around Texas City, several acceptance facilities serve residents of Galveston County and nearby areas. These include options within the city itself and in surrounding communities, providing convenient access for first-time applicants, renewals, or expedited services when eligible. Surrounding regions like Galveston, League City, and Houston offer additional facilities to accommodate higher volumes, especially for those needing urgent processing. Always use the U.S. Department of State's online tool to locate the nearest option based on your zip code, as availability can vary.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to see heavier traffic during peak travel seasons, such as summer months, spring breaks, and holidays when vacation planning surges. Mondays often bring crowds from weekend backlog, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can be particularly congested due to lunch-hour rushes. To navigate this, plan visits early in the week or later in the day if possible, and prioritize making appointments where offered to minimize wait times. Prepare all documents meticulously beforehand to avoid delays, and monitor official websites for any advisories on temporary closures or capacity limits. Arriving with everything organized ensures a smoother experience amid fluctuating demand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to get a passport in Texas City during summer?
Expect 8-12 weeks routine due to demand; expedite to 3-5 weeks. No same-day local options [16].

Can I use my Texas driver's license for identity proof?
Yes, valid unexpired DL + photocopy suffices [6].

What if my child passport renewal is needed urgently?
Children always require in-person DS-11; no mail renewal. Expedite at acceptance facility [1].

Do I need an appointment at Texas City Post Office?
Yes for DS-11; call ahead. Renewals mail-only [10].

My passport was lost on a cruise from Galveston—what now?
Report with DS-64 online, apply DS-11 in person with police report if available [3].

Can I get an apostille for my Texas birth certificate here?
Order from DSHS first, then Texas Secretary of State ($15) [18].

Is there a passport fair in Galveston County?
Check USPS events; rare but announced locally [9].

How do I add visa pages to my current passport?
Renewal only; transfer not allowed [2].

Sources

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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