Applying for a Passport at a Houston Public Library

Many people don't realize that public libraries across Houston, TX, accept U.S. passport applications. If you'd rather skip long post-office lines or county-clerk waits, an appointment at a public library can be a much faster, more convenient, and just as reliable option.

In this guide, you'll find every form and fee you'll need, plus steps to take to get your US passport application at a Houston library.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service.

Table of Contents

• Why Use a Public Library for Your Passport Application?
• 14 Participating Houston Libraries
• Apply for a Passport at a Houston Public Library in 7 Steps
• Tips for Applying at a Houston Public Library

Why Use a Public Library for Your Passport Application?

• Extended Hours & Weekends. Some branches stay open later on weekdays and Saturdays.
• Smaller Crowds. Fewer applicants means less waiting once you arrive.
• Helpful Staff. Librarians can answer basic questions ("Do I need my birth certificate?") and point you in the right direction.

Note: Not every branch offers passport services every day. Always check the branch's passport services page or call ahead.

14 Participating Houston Libraries

All participating public libraries in Houston require an appointment for passport services. Walk-ins are not accepted. Contact information and links are provided for each location listed below.

Harris County Public Library (HCPL) - 8 Branches

Harris County Public Library has eight participating branches that offer passport services by appointment only:

1. Aldine Branch
   11331 Airline Dr
   Houston, TX 77037
   Phone: (832) 927-5410
   Email: ald@hcpl.net
2. Barbara Bush Branch
   6817 Cypresswood Drive
   Spring, TX 77379
   Phone: (832) 927-7800
   Email: cc@hcpl.net
3. Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch
   16616 Diana Lane
   Houston, TX 77062
   Phone: (832) 927-5420
   Email: fm@hcpl.net
4. Katherine Tyra @ Bear Creek
   16719 Clay Road
   Houston, TX 77084
   Phone: (832) 927-5590
   Email: bc@hcpl.net
5. Lone Star College-Tomball Community Library
   30555 Tomball Parkway
   Tomball, TX 77375
   Phone: (832) 559-4200
   Email: tb@hcpl.net
6. North Channel Branch
   15741 Wallisville Road
   Houston, TX 77049
   Phone: (832) 927-5550
   Email: nc@hcpl.net
7. Octavia Fields Branch
   1503 South Houston Avenue
   Humble, TX 77338
   Phone: (832) 927-5500
   Email: of@hcpl.net
8. Parker Williams Branch
   10851 Scarsdale Boulevard
   Houston, TX 77089
   Phone: (832) 927-7870
   Email: pw@hcpl.net

Schedule Your Appointment: Click Make a Passport Appointment on the HCPL site to schedule your appointment at any one of the eight locations listed above.

Houston Public Library (HPL) - 6 Branches

Houston Public Library has six participating branches that offer passport services by appointment only:

1. Alief-Henington Regional Library
   11903 Bellaire Blvd.
   2nd Floor
   Houston, TX 77072
   Passport Service Link: https://kiosk.qless.com/kiosk/app/home/22372
   Phone: (832) 393-7277
2. Central Library
   500 McKinney St.
   1st Floor
   Houston, TX 77002
   Passport Service Link: https://kiosk.qless.com/kiosk/app/home/22322
   Phone: (832) 393-7277
3. Collier Regional Library
   6200 Pinemont Dr.
   Houston, TX 77092
   Passport Service Link: https://kiosk.qless.com/kiosk/app/home/22362
   Phone: (832) 393-7277
4. McGovern-Stella Link Regional Library
   7405 Stella Link Rd.
   Houston, TX 77025
   Passport Service Link: https://kiosk.qless.com/kiosk/app/home/22352
   Phone: (832) 393-7277
5. Park Place Regional Library
   8145 Park Place Blvd.
   Houston, TX 77017
   Passport Service Link: https://kiosk.qless.com/kiosk/app/home/22342
   Phone: (832) 393-7277
6. Walker Neighborhood Library
   11630 Chimney Rock Rd.
   Houston, TX 77035
   Passport Service Link: https://kiosk.qless.com/kiosk/app/home/5100000298
   Phone: (832) 393-7277

Schedule Your Appointment: Click on the passport service link provided for the HPL library to schedule your appointment.

Apply for a Passport at a Houston Public Library in 7 Steps

Follow these seven steps to apply for your US passport at any of the fourteen participating Houston, TX public library locations.

Step 1: Find Your Branch

• Choose the most convenient branch for you.
• Verify the library's hours and photo-service availability (if needed) on the branch's passport services webpage.
• If in doubt, call the library to confirm passport service days.

Step 2: Make an Appointment

• Harris County Public Library (8 branches): Click the Make a Passport Appointment button on the Harris County Public Library passport page to make your appointment.
• Houston Public Library (6 locations): Visit the Houston Public Library passports page or call 832-393-7277 to book your appointment.

Pro Tip: If your first-choice location does not have available appointments, try another nearby branch-even a short drive could save you hours of waiting.

Step 3: Complete Form DS-11

• Who uses DS-11?
• First-time applicants
• Lost, stolen, or damaged passports
• Last passport issued when you were under 16 or more than 15 years ago
• Do Not Sign your application form until you're in front of the acceptance agent.
• Fill out DS-11 online at travel.state.gov/DS-11, then print single-sided in black ink.
• Or download DS-11, print it out, and fill it out by hand legibly in black ink-no stray marks or corrections.

Step 4: Gather Your Supporting Documents

Place all supporting documents (originals and photocopies) in a single folder. Here are the documents needed:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: e.g., certified birth certificate or Naturalization Certificate
• Proof of Identity: e.g., driver's license or other government photo ID
• Passport Photo:
Make sure that your passport photo:
• Follows all passport photo requirements;
• Was taken within the last 6 months; and
• Shows a neutral expression, no glasses, and a plain background.
Library on-site photo service: $12 (HCPL) or $10 (HPL).
• Unsigned DS-11 Form
• Payments (see Step 5 for details)

For more information, check out our complete guide to What to Bring for Every Type of Passport Appointment.

Step 5: Pay Passport Service Fees

You'll need two separate payments:one for your passport fee and one for the acceptance fee.

• Harris County Public Library (8 Branches):
• Passport fee must be made payable to "U.S. Department of State." This fee varies, so you must check with the Harris County Public Library for the amount. The fee can ONLY be paid by check or money order.
• Acceptance fee must be made payable to "Harris County Public Library."
This non-refundable fee is $35.00, and can be paid by check, money order, credit/debit card, or EXACT change.
• Passport photo services are an additional $12.00 per application.
• Houston Public Library (6 Branches):
• Passport fee must be made payable to "U.S. Department of State." "U.S. Department of State." This fee varies, so you must check with the Houston Public Library for the exact amount. The fee can ONLY be paid by check or money order.
• Acceptance fee must be made payable to "City of Houston." This non-refundable fee is $35.00, and can be paid by check, money order, or credit card. Some HPL branches accept credit/debit for the acceptance fee, call ahead to confirm.
• Passport photo services are an additional $10.00 per application.
• Optional Add-Ons:
• Expedite Processing: $60 (State Department)
• 1-2 day delivery: $21.36 (for passport books only)
• File search fee (for applicants without acceptable proof of citizenship)

For more information, see our page: U.S. Passport Fee Schedule: Routine, Expedited, & More.

Step 6: Submit Application In Person & Take the Oath

• Check In. Present your folder with DS-11 and supporting documents, originals and photocopies of all documents, passport photo, and payments.
• Oath & Signature. You will swear under oath and sign your passport application form before the passport acceptance agent.
• Passport Agent Review. Your copies will be stapled to the passport form, and your original copies will be sealed for mailing.
• All original documents will be mailed separately from your new passport.
• Receipt & Locator Number. Your locator number can be used to track your application status online or by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (see step 7 for more details).

Step 7: Track Your Passport Application

You will receive your passport in the timeframe in which you applied for; Routine Service is currently 4-6 weeks, and Expedited Service is currently 2-3 weeks.

• Track Online: travel.state.gov/passporttracker using your locator number, last name, DOB, and last 4 of SSN.
• Track by Phone: National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY). The center operates Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays.

Pro Tip: Sign up for email or text updates so you know exactly when your passport ships.

Tips for Applying at a Houston Public Library

• Book your passport service appointment up to 2 weeks in advance.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
• New appointment slots open on the hour and half-hour.
• Questions? Call (832) 393-7277 (PASS).

Applying at a public library is often faster and more flexible than applying at the post office. Follow these steps exactly, double-check your documents before your appointment, and you'll have your new passport in hand without the usual hassle of long wait times.