Getting a Passport in Weston Lakes, TX: 2024 Guide

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Weston Lakes, TX
Getting a Passport in Weston Lakes, TX: 2024 Guide

Getting a Passport in Weston Lakes, TX

Last Updated: September 2024. Fees, processing times, and facility details change frequently—always verify on travel.state.gov or by calling locations directly for the latest information.

Weston Lakes residents in Fort Bend County, Texas, frequently travel internationally for business to Mexico, family trips to Europe during school breaks, or winter getaways. Texas's seasonal peaks—spring breaks, summer vacations, and student exchanges—spike demand at nearby facilities in Fulshear, Katy, and Rosenberg, leading to booked appointments and longer waits. This guide streamlines your process with tailored decision tools, checklists, local tips, and edge-case coverage to dodge pitfalls like photo rejections (often from Texas sun glare), minor consent errors, or renewal ineligibility.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Match your situation to the right form and method using this decision tree—wrong choices cause 40% of rejections.

Situation Form Method Timeline (Standard) Pro Tip for Weston Lakes
First-time adult/child, passport >15 years old, or issued <16 DS-11 In-person only 10-13 weeks Book Fulshear/Katy post office ASAP; peaks overwhelm locals.
Eligible renewal (issued ≥16, <15 years ago, undamaged, your name) DS-82 Mail (preferred) or in-person 6-8 weeks Cheapest/fastest; mail from home, track USPS.
Lost/stolen DS-64 (report) + DS-11 or DS-82 Report online; replace per eligibility Varies Report immediately to block ID theft—common in travel-heavy TX.
Damaged DS-11 In-person only 10-13 weeks No mail option; bring damaged book for inspection.

Key Decisions:

  • DS-11 vs. DS-82? Quiz at pptform.state.gov. DS-11 never mails; DS-82 mails if eligible.
  • Common mistakes: Mailing DS-11 (always rejected); assuming damage is minor (inspectors decide); forgetting minor consent.

Start with the State Department's wizard: pptform.state.gov.

First-Time (DS-11) Steps

  1. Locate facility via iafdb.travel.state.gov (ZIP 77441).
  2. Download/fill DS-11 (unsigned).
  3. Gather: citizenship proof, ID, photo, fees.
  4. Attend appointment: Sign/oath there.

Renewal (DS-82) or Replacement

Mail if eligible: Include old passport, photo, fees to National Passport Processing Center. Ineligible? DS-11 in-person.

Gather Required Documents

Texas-specific: Order certified birth certificates from DSHS Vital Statistics (texas.gov or dshs.texas.gov/vs)—short-form/hospital copies rejected. Allow 10-15 days online (expedite +fee), 4-6 weeks mail. Photocopy originals on plain paper.

Checklist:

  • Citizenship: Certified U.S. birth cert (Texas seal required), naturalization cert, etc.
  • ID: Texas DL, passport card, military ID (+ secondary if no primary).
  • Photo: 2x2", <6 months old.
  • Minors: DS-3053 notarized if one parent absent; court order for sole custody.
  • Name change: Marriage/divorce decree.
  • Corrections: DS-5504 (<1 year post-issue).

Edge case: No birth cert? Use delayed registration via DSHS or secondary evidence (school records).

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% of local apps fail here—glare from Houston-area sun, poor sizing (head 1-1⅜"), or selfies. Specs: Color, white background, neutral face, even light, no glasses shadows unless medical note.

Local spots: CVS/Walgreens/Walmart in Katy/Fulshear (~$15). Use kiosks or shade outdoors. Validate: travel.state.gov photo tool.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Weston Lakes

No on-site facility in Weston Lakes (ZIP 77441)—use these nearby Fort Bend County options. All handle DS-11 in-person; confirm passport services, hours, appointments via iafdb.travel.state.gov or phone (slots fill in peaks: spring/summer/winter breaks). Expect: Oath, document review, sealing—no on-site issuance (forwarded to agency, 6-8+ weeks). Bring folder of docs; arrive early; limited parking.

Static List (Verify Current Status):

  • Fulshear Post Office: 35510 Fulcher Rd, Fulshear, TX 77441 | (281) 346-1443 | Appointments required.
  • Katy Post Office - Crossing Finance Station: 25331 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77494 | (832) 331-6878 | Call for walk-in policy.
  • Rosenberg Post Office: 2402 Ave H, Rosenberg, TX 77471 | (281) 232-4472 | Busy mid-week.
  • George Memorial Library (Fort Bend County): 1001 Golfview Dr, Richmond, TX 77469 | (281) 342-4455 | Confirm passport hours.

What to Expect: 15-45 min process. Busy times: Mondays, lunch hours, peaks. Book online; off-peak (Jan/Sept) = shorter lines. Some offer photos/fees by card.

Fees and Payment

As of September 2024—check travel.state.gov for updates.

Separate payments: Application (check/money order to "U.S. Department of State") + $35 execution (cash/check at facility).

Service Book (34 pgs) Book (52 pgs) Card
Adult New/Renewal $130 $190 $30
Minor (<16) $100 $135 $15
Expedite +$60 +$60 N/A
1-2 Day Delivery +$21.52 +$21.52 N/A

No cards for app fee at most posts.

Processing Times and Expedited Service

Current as of September 2024—delays common in TX peaks; add 1-2 weeks mailing.

  • Routine: 6-8 weeks mail, 4-6 in-person (from receipt).
  • Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).
  • Urgent (<14 days): Life/death only—regional agency (e.g., Houston/Dallas, 1-877-487-2778). Tourism/business: No priority.

Track: passportstatus.state.gov (after 7-10 days). Buffer 13 weeks for routine travel.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

DS-11 In-Person (New/Minor/Lost/Damaged):

  1. Wizard: pptform.state.gov → DS-11 (print unsigned).
  2. Docs/photo/fees ready (Texas birth cert ordered?).
  3. Book facility appt.
  4. Attend: Sign/oath.
  5. Track online.

DS-82 Mail Renewal:

  1. Eligibility check.
  2. DS-82 + old passport/photo/fees.
  3. Mail/track.

Print/tick off.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Both parents appear or DS-3053 notarized (20% rejections from incompletes). TX exchange students: Plan 3+ months ahead. International rules vary—check I-94 for return.

Lost Abroad: U.S. embassy replacement.

Errors/Name Changes: DS-5504 or supporting docs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

DS-82 at post office? No—mail if eligible; post for DS-11 only.

Texas birth cert time? 10-15 days online; expedite.

Photo rejected? Retake: Shadows/size common. On-site options vary.

Expedite for vacation? Yes (+$60, 2-3 weeks); no guarantees peaks.

Appointment needed? Yes, most Fort Bend spots.

One parent for minor? No—notarized form required.

Track status? passportstatus.state.gov.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] Renew by Mail: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/renew.html
[3] Texas DSHS Vital Statistics: dshs.texas.gov/vs
[4] Passport Photos: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
[5] Facility Search: iafdb.travel.state.gov
[6] Fees: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html
[7] Get Fast: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html
[8] Form Finder: pptform.state.gov

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