Passport Guide for Wharton TX: Facilities, Checklists, Timelines

Getting a Passport in Wharton, TX

Wharton residents frequently apply for passports to support energy sector jobs in Mexico's oil fields, agribusiness trade shows in Latin America, family trips during Texas spring break (March-April), summer vacations, or winter escapes, and student programs from Wharton High School or Wharton County Junior College. Hurricane season (June-November) can trigger urgent Gulf Coast evacuations or relocations abroad. With peak demand from local industries and IAH airport traffic, nearby facilities face 4-6 week appointment waits—plan 10-13 weeks ahead standard, or 4-6 weeks expedited. This guide offers tailored decision tools, step-by-step checklists, timelines, common pitfalls (e.g., 25% rejections from bad photos), and Wharton-specific tips to avoid delays [1]. Fees updated October 2024 [7].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Use this sequential decision tree to pick the right form—errors here cause 30% of returns:

1. First U.S. passport ever? Yes → DS-11 (in-person only).
2. Existing passport to renew? Issued at 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, your current name → DS-82 (mail-in option). Otherwise → DS-11.
3. Lost/stolen/damaged? Report via DS-64 first, then DS-82 if eligible or DS-11.
4. Name/gender/parental changes? DS-11 with proof (e.g., Texas marriage cert).
5. Child under 16? Always DS-11, both parents or notarized consent.
6. Travel <14 days? Expedite ($60) or life-or-death emergency.

State Dept. wizard at travel.state.gov confirms your path [2]. Download forms single-sided, black ink.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Wharton and Nearby

Apply in-person for DS-11 at these State Dept.-authorized spots, which verify docs, witness signatures, collect fees, and forward to processing centers (6-8 weeks routine). Expect 10-20 minute interviews: arrive early midweek mornings, bring complete docs to skip reschedules. Walk-ins limited—call ahead.

• Wharton County Clerk's Office (primary): 100 South Fulton Street, Room 107, Wharton, TX 77488. (979) 531-1742. Handles first-time, minors, non-mail eligibles [4].
• El Campo Post Office (20 miles south): 1733 N Mechanic St, El Campo, TX 77437 [5].
• Victoria County Clerk (40 miles east): 115 N Bridge St, Victoria, TX 77901 [4].

Search iafdb.travel.state.gov for "Wharton, TX" slots—book 4-6 weeks early, especially spring/summer/holidays. No same-day; Houston Agency (2-hour drive) for <14-day urgents [10].

Fir

st-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

For first-timers (16+), kids <16, expired >15 years, changes, or lost/damaged. In-person only—no mail.

Checklist:

• Original citizenship proof (Texas long-form birth cert from DSHS) + photocopy.
• Valid photo ID (Texas DL) + photocopy.
• Unsigned DS-11 (sign on-site).
• 2x2" photo (specs below).
• Fees: $130 adult book/$100 minor + $35 execution (two checks: State Dept./Clerk) [7].
• Old passport if any.

What to Expect: Agent reviews, you sign under oath, receipt with tracking # issued. Track at travel.state.gov [9]. Pro tip: Rural Texas spots like Wharton process name checks slower—add 1-2 weeks.

Passport Renewal (DS-82)

Eligible adults only: Passport issued 16+, <15 years ago, undamaged/in possession, no major changes.

Mail-in Steps:

1. DS-82 (sign per instructions), old passport, new photo, name docs.
2. Fees: $130 book/$30 card (check to U.S. Dept. of State); +$60 expedite [7].
3. USPS Priority to address on form (trackable).

Ineligible? DS-11 in-person. Kids always DS-11. Common error: Mailing ineligible apps—returned 4 weeks later.

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

File DS-64 online/mail first. Then DS-82 if eligible, else DS-11 + police report. Urgent? Expedite [3].

Required Documents and Photos Checklist

Universal:

• Photo: 2x2", <6 months, white background, 1-1⅜" head height, neutral face, no glare/shadows/glasses (med/religious OK w/docs). Get at CVS/Walgreens/UPS in Wharton/El Campo ($15); DIY risks rejection [8].
• Texas birth cert: Long-form certified from dshs.texas.gov/vs (15-20 days; VitalChek rush). Short-form invalid [6].

Minors <16 (DS-11): Child's DSHS birth cert, parents' IDs/photocopies, DS-3053 notarized if absent.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Decide/Prep: Wizard [2], docs/photo/fees.
2. Book: Call facilities or locator [4].
3. Attend: Early, complete packet. Agent seals.
4. Track: Receipt # online [9].
5. Receive: Mailed 6-8/2-3 weeks.

Post-Appt: Weekly checks; delays peak seasons.

Processing Times and Expedited Service

• Routine: 6-8 weeks.
• Expedite: +$60, 2-3 weeks (+$21.36 courier).
• <14 days: Houston Agency appt (1-877-487-2778, itinerary proof) [10].

Energy workers/students: 3 months buffer for Mexico trips.

Special Cases

• Minors: Both parents/custody docs; no glasses in photos.
• Urgents: Life-or-death free w/obit/proof.
• Name Changes: Legal docs (DSHS marriage/divor

ce).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong form (30% delays).
• Bad photos (25% rejections—glare from Texas sun).
• Short birth certs.
• Signing DS-11 early.
• One check for fees.
• Late booking (hurricane/school rushes).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Wharton? No; Houston Agency only [10].

Renewal mailing address? On DS-82; track USPS [2].

Texas birth cert? DSHS long-form only [6].

Absent parent? Notarized DS-3053 + ID [2].

Expedite 3-week trip? Yes, but peaks delay [9].

Wharton Clerk walk-ins? Call first [4].

Photo rejection? Specs exact; pro vendors [8].

Child cost? $100 + $35 [7].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Forms
[3] U.S. Department of State - Lost/Stolen
[4] Passport Locator
[5] USPS Passports
[6] Texas DSHS
[7] Fees
[8] Photos
[9] Times
[10] Urgent