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.
How to use this page: The offices below are local passport acceptance facilities. They can accept DS-11 applications with routine or expedited service, but they do not provide service faster than standard expedited processing. Always confirm appointments, office hours, and photo service availability before visiting.
Houston Passport 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.
How to Get a New Passport Fast
Step 1: Visit a local office above.
Step 2: Get your application witnessed and sealed.
Step 3: Let a registered courier expedite your processing and return your passport in days, not weeks.
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, usually 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 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.
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
✈️ Need Your Passport Fast?
Expedited courier services help avoid delays and missed travel — a small cost compared to rebooking flights or canceling plans.
Same-Day for 15% off (limited availability) to 7–9 Day Priority for $299
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.
Many 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.
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?
Get answers to these questions and more in our Ultimate U.S. Traveler's Guide to Passport Expediters.
You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting.
