Whitehouse TX Passport Guide: Forms, Facilities, Checklists

Getting Your Passport in Whitehouse, TX: A Complete Guide

Whitehouse, TX, in Smith County, lies in East Texas near Tyler, where passports support energy sector travel to Mexico or the Middle East, family visits abroad, and student exchanges at Tyler Junior College or UT Tyler. Demand peaks in spring break (March-May from college schedules), summer vacations, and December holidays, plus steady needs from oilfield workers facing assignment deadlines. Local facilities book up fast—plan 8-11 weeks ahead to avoid delays from form errors or photo issues. This guide provides tailored steps, checklists, and a decision tree, with all info verifiable via cited official sources (always confirm details directly).[1]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose the right form to avoid rejections—common in high-volume areas like Smith County.

First-Time Applicants or Ineligible for Renewal

Use Form DS-11 (in-person only) if:

• First-time applicant.
• Prior passport issued under 16.
• Prior passport (within 15 years adult/5 years minor) lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Name change without legal docs linking old/new names.

Decision Check: Passport >15 years old (adult)/5 years (minor), undamaged, name matches ID? → DS-82 renewal (mail OK). Otherwise, DS-11.

Local Tips: Book appointments 4-6 weeks early at Whitehouse or Tyler spots; walk-ins unreliable. Bring originals: citizenship proof, photo ID, two 2x2" photos (CVS/Walgreens nearby), photocopies. Fill DS-11 by hand, sign in-person only. Standard: 6-8 weeks; expedited +$60 (2-3 weeks).[1]

Avoid: Wrong form (biggest delay cause), no photocopies, poor photos (10% rejection rate).

Renewals

DS-82 (Renewal by Mail): Use this form if your most recent U.S. passport meets all these federal eligibility rules—renewal by mail is convenient for eligible Texas residents, avoiding in-person trips:

• Issued when you were age 16 or older (check issue date against your birthdate).
• Issued within the last 15 years (not expired >15 years).
• Undamaged (no water stains, tears, holes, or alterations—minor wear like edge fraying is usually OK if readable).
• In your physical possession (not lost, stolen, or held by someone else).
• Name unchanged, or you can document legal change (e.g., marriage certificate, court order—include certified copy).

Practical Clarity & Checklist:

1. Locate your passport and verify issue date (inside back cover).
2. Assess condition under good light—Texas humidity can cause subtle warping; clean gently with soft cloth if needed, but don't alter.
3. Gather: Completed DS-82 (download from travel.state.gov), one new 2x2" color photo (white background, <6 months old, head size 1-1⅜"), old passport, fee ($130 application + optional $60 expedited).
4. Mail via USPS (tracked, no FedEx/UPS to Dept. of State).

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Renewing a child passport (<16 at issue) by mail—must use DS-11 in person.
• Submitting blurry/poor photos (use passport photo service; specs strict).
• Paying with personal check (use cashier's check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of State").
• Mailing without signature or photo—automatic return.
• Ignoring name change docs—leads to delays/rejection.

Decision Guidance:

If unsure, use the State Dept.'s online wizard at travel.state.gov for confirmation.

Replacements (Lost/Stolen/Damaged)

Determine your situation first to choose the right path—having your passport physically changes everything:

• You still have your passport (e.g., damaged but not lost/stolen):
  File Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport) online or by mail to report the issue, then submit Form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal Application) by mail for replacement.
  Practical steps: Download forms from travel.state.gov; include your current passport, photo, fees (~$130 adult renewal), and evidence of U.S. citizenship/identity. Mail to the address on DS-82 instructions. Processing: 6-8 weeks (expedite for extra fee).
  Common mistakes: Skipping DS-64 (delays approval); using a damaged photo or forgetting to sign.
  Decision tip: Ideal if passport is intact enough to mail back—faster and cheaper than in-person.

• You do not have your passport (lost, stolen, or destroyed):
  Apply in person using Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) at a passport acceptance facility (e.g., local post office or clerk's office). For theft, first report it to Whitehouse or local Texas police and bring the report—it's required for faster processing.
  Practical steps: Find facilities via travel.state.gov (search by ZIP); bring proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, passport photo, fees (~$130 application + $35 execution), and police report if stolen. First-time applicants or those without old passport must appear in person.
  Common mistakes: Attempting mail-in with DS-82/DS-5504 (won't work without passport); no police report for theft (causes rejection); poor-quality photos (must be 2x2 inches, recent, plain background).
  Decision tip: Use this if no passport to mail—plan for travel to a nearby facility, as Whitehouse-area options may require a short drive; book appointments online to avoid waits. Expedite in-person for 2-3 weeks if urgent.

Track status online at travel.state.gov. Always check current rules/fees there.[1]

Corrections (Name/Data)

DS-5504 (free, mail) if <1 year post-issuance; else DS-11/DS-82.[1]

Decision Tree:

1. Valid undamaged passport <15 yrs, issued ≥16? → DS-82 (mail).
2. No/doesn't qualify? → DS-11 (in-person).
3. Lost/stolen? → Report, then DS-64+DS-82 or DS-11.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Your Application

Texas backlogs hit East Texas hard—start 8-11 weeks pre-travel.[2]

1. Forms: Download from travel.state.gov; DS-11/DS-82/DS-64. No DS-11 signature yet.[1]
2. Documents: Original citizenship proof + photocopy, ID + photocopy, photo.[1]
3. Photos: CVS/Walgreens (Whitehouse/Tyler); 2x2", white background.[3]
4. Fees: Use calculator; book $130 adult/$100 child, card $30/$15, execution $35.[2]
5. Book: Call/online local facilities (peaks fill 2-4 weeks out).[4]
6. Attend (30-60 min): Originals, sign DS-11, pay (check for State Dept).[1]
7. Track: travel.state.gov post-submission.[2]
8. Receive: Mailed (rare pickup).[1]

Minors: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized; always DS-11.[1]

Required Documents Checklist

Photocopy front/back on 8.5x11 white paper.[1]

Adults (16+)

• Form: DS-11/DS-82.
• Citizenship: Original primary (e.g., TX birth cert[6]) + photocopy; secondary if needed.

• ID (TX DL) + photocopy.
• 2x2" photo.
• Fees.

Minors (<16)

• DS-11; both parents/DS-3053 + IDs/photocopies.
• Same citizenship as adults.
• Pitfall: Missing parent docs = 20%+ rejections.[1]

TX Birth Certs: Order from DSHS ($22+ expedited) or Smith County for recent.[6]

Renewal Mail (DS-82): Old passport, photo, fees to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.[1]

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Top rejection reason: Specs strict.[3]

• 2x2"; head 1-1⅜" chin-top.
• White/off-white background, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No glasses/hats/uniforms/shadows/glare (summer sweat common).

Local: Whitehouse PO (check), Walgreens (16225 FM 850), CVS/Tyler. Get extras.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities in Whitehouse and Smith County

No local agency (nearest Dallas for urgent); use these for DS-11/execution ($35). Confirm hours/services/phone via USPS/State Dept locator or sites—policies change.[4][7][8] Peaks (Mar-Jun college breaks, Dec holidays, energy travel) cause 2-4 week appointment waits; Smith County Clerk/Tyler PO often have online calendars. Energy workers/students: book mid-week mornings to dodge rushes (Mondays busiest from weekend catch-up).[4]

1. Whitehouse Post Office
   16225 FM 850, Whitehouse, TX 75791
   Phone: 903-839-2809
   Hours: Mon-Fri ~9AM-4PM (confirm passport window). Photos? Call.[7]

2. Smith County Clerk's Office (Tyler, ~10-min drive)
   136 W. Ferdinand, Tyler, TX 75702
   Phone: Check site for passport line.
   Mon-Fri ~8AM-4:30PM. Appointments via site; high local demand.[8]

3. Tyler Main Post Office (~15-min drive)
   105 W. Patten, Tyler, TX 75701
   Mon-Fri ~8:30AM-4PM passport hours.[7]

4. Whitehouse Public Library (limited services)
   Phone: 903-216-5550 to confirm.[4]

Map:

(Fallback: Search "passport acceptance facility Whitehouse TX" on Google Maps; iframe may not load on all devices.)

Expect: ID check, oath, forwarding to agency (no on-site passports).

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Peaks (spring break to Cancun, energy assignments) delay; track weekly.[2]

• Routine: 6-8 weeks.
• Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks.
• Urgent (<14 days, emergency only): Call 1-877-487-2778 for Dallas agency (travel required).[5]

Special Considerations for Texas Residents

• Minors: TX courts aid consent if parent unavailable.
• Energy/Business: Prove itinerary for expedite.
• Students: UT Tyler groups book together.
• Name Changes: TX marriage/divorce OK.[1][6]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Advance application time? 8-11 weeks; +4 in East TX peaks.[2]

Photos at Whitehouse PO? Call 903-839-2809; else Walgreens/CVS.[3][7]

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited 2-3 weeks ($60); urgent agency for <14-day emergencies.[5]

Smith County Clerk appt? Recommended; check site for calendar.[8]

Old TX birth cert? Yes if certified; replace via DSHS ($22).[6]

Lost abroad? Local police/U.S. embassy; DS-11 on return.[1]

Minor renewal mail? No, DS-11 in-person.[1]

Track status? travel.state.gov after 7-10 days.[2]

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[2] U.S. Department of State - Fees/Times
[3] U.S. Department of State - Photos
[4] U.S. Department of State - Facility Search
[5] U.S. Department of State - Fast Service
[6] Texas DSHS - Vital Statistics
[7] USPS - Passports
[8] Smith County Clerk - Passports