Need to apply for a U.S. passport in Houston? Whether you're planning ahead or need it fast, you've got options. The offices below are local passport acceptance facilities that can accept Form DS-11 applications for first-time passports, child passports, and other cases that require an in-person application.
Start Here: Is This the Right Place to Apply?
- Use this Houston office list if: this is a first-time passport, a child passport, or another situation that requires applying in person with Form DS-11.
- This is usually not the right page if: you qualify to renew your passport by mail or online using Form DS-82, or if you need data corrections using Form DS-5504.
- Need a passport urgently? If you have proof of international travel within 14 days or a life-or-death emergency, review our urgent passport options or the Houston Passport Agency process.
- Not sure which form you need? Start with our passport requirements guide.
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Houston Passport Application Acceptance Facilities
These are the Houston-area offices where applicants can submit a new passport application in person. For more locations outside Houston, see the full Texas passport acceptance facility list.
Almost all the locations require an appointment. The majority have special hours for walk-ins but they are very limited
How to Apply for a New Passport/a>
How to Schedule a Passport Appointment at USPS
How to Get a New Passport Fast
Routine application processing is currently taking 4 to 6 weeks. Add $60 to the payment to cover the expedited service fee and $22.05 for rush delivery of your new passport. This cuts the processing time to 2 to 3 weeks.
We also recommend you write the word "Expedite" on the outside of the envelope.
Need a passport faster? Apply for urgent new passport service for an adult or minor at a regional agency to get your application processed in less than 2 weeks. Applicants who are unable to get an appointment or personally travel to the regional agency can apply through a registered passport courier.
Houston Passport Agency
If you're traveling internationally soon the Houston Passport Agency can handle urgent passport needs by appointment only.
Location & Hours:
1919 Smith Street, 4th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Closed federal holidays)
When Should You Go?
This agency is for applicants who have travel within ~14 days, or need a visa (regular, e-visa or ETA) within ~28 days. Walk-ins are NOT allowed.
Houston Passport Expediting Services
If you can't get an appointment at the Houston passport agency or simply don't want to deal with long waits, a passport courier service might be your best option for fast, reliable help.
These professional expediters are registered with the Houston regional agency and have access to a limited number of daily submission slots. That means they can get your passport application processed even when appointments aren't available to the public. Many couriers offer next-day turnaround, and a few even provide same-day passport services for urgent travel. Just keep in mind that you'll pay an additional fee on top of the standard government charges, but for many travelers, the time saved is well worth the cost.
How to Renew Your U.S. Passport in Houston
Renewing a passport is simpler than applying for the first time. However, renewals are not handled at a post office, library, or local passport acceptance facility. The correct way to renew depends on your current passport and how soon you need the new one.
Do You Qualify to Renew by Mail?
You can renew by mail using Form DS-82 if all of the following are true:
- Your most recent passport was issued when you were 16 or older.
- It was issued within the last 15 years.
- It is undamaged and available to submit with your application.
- It was issued in your current name, or you can document a legal name change.
If any of these do not apply, you cannot renew by mail. For example, if your passport was lost, stolen, damaged, issued when you were under 16, or issued more than 15 years ago, you must apply in person to submit Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility or the Houston Passport Agency.
How Mail-In Passport Renewal Works
- Complete Form DS-82.
- Include your most recent passport. It will be returned separately.
- Attach a new passport photo that meets current requirements.
- Include payment for the required passport fee.
- Mail everything to the address listed on the DS-82 form.
Pro tip: Mail-in renewals follow the same processing timelines as new applications: 4 to 6 weeks for routine service or 2 to 3 weeks with the expedite fee. There is no walk-in renewal counter at USPS locations, so allow enough time before your trip.
Fsst Track Your Passport Renewal
If mail-in renewal will not get your passport back in time, you have two faster options. If you are traveling internationally within 14 days, you qualify for an appointment at the Houston Passport Agency. If appointments are unavailable or you personally visiting the location are difficult, a registered Houston passport expediter may be able to submit your renewal application and return your passport in days instead of weeks.
Before Visiting a Houston Passport Acceptance Facility
- Complete Form DS-11, but wait to sign it until instructed at your appointment.
- Bring physical proof of U.S. citizenship and supporting documents.
- Bring a current government-issued photo ID and a photocopy of the front and back.
- Bring a photocopy of your citizenship evidence.
- Bring one official passport photo.
- Be prepared to pay two separate passport fees: the U.S. Department of State passport application fee and the local execution/acceptance fee.
Many USPS and county acceptance facilities require appointments, so it is smart to call ahead or check the National Passport Information Center guidelines before visiting. Note: The Department of State does not charge a fee to book an appointment. Beware of third-party scheduling scams.
Watch: How to Fill Out Form DS-11
This quick walkthrough can help first-time applicants avoid common mistakes before heading to a Houston acceptance facility.
Not the Right Passport Path? Go Here Instead
Houston Passport FAQs
Usually no. These Houston passport acceptance facilities are mainly for Form DS-11 applicants, including first-time applicants, children, and others who must apply in person. Many renewal applicants should renew by mail or online instead.
Most acceptance facilities do require appointments. Before visiting a Houston location, confirm the current appointment rules, office hours, and whether passport photo service is available. Follow the steps in our guide to scheduling a passport appointment.
If travel is very close, a local acceptance facility may not be the fastest path. Review our urgent passport options, the Houston Passport Agency process, or registered courier options if your situation qualifies.
Most DS-11 applicants should bring an unsigned Form DS-11, proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID, photocopies of citizenship evidence and ID, one passport photo, and the required fees. Our passport requirements guide can help with the full checklist.
First-time applicants submitting Form DS-11 must pay two separate fees: a passport application fee payable to the U.S. Department of State, and a local execution/acceptance fee payable to the facility. Review the current passport fees before your visit.
Standard processing times vary, but routine service typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. You can request expedited service at the facility for an additional government fee to receive your passport in 2 to 3 weeks. If you need it even faster, consider an urgent passport service.
Yes. All minors, including infants, must appear in person at the acceptance facility. For children under 16, both parents or guardians must authorize the issuance of the child's passport.
Compare Your Fast Passport Options
If routine service is too slow, you may need an agency appointment or help from a registered courier. Compare your options before you decide.
