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Ready to explore the world? Getting your U.S. passport in Garland, TX, is a straightforward process once you know the steps. Whether you’re planning an international vacation or need a passport for business, this guide will walk you through everything you need to do, making the journey from application to adventure a breeze.
This is your initial fork in the road. If you’ve never held a U.S. passport before, or if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, or if it’s been lost or significantly damaged, you’re considered a ‘new applicant’ and will need to complete Form DS-11. Children under 16 also fall into this category and require both parents to be present. However, if your most recent passport is still valid or expired less than 15 years ago, and you were at least 16 when it was issued, you can likely renew by mail using Form DS-82. Double-check your specific situation on the Department of State’s website to confirm which form is right for your circumstances, as this dictates your next moves.
Not sure which type you need? First-time applicants must apply in person, while renewals can often be done by mail if your previous passport is undamaged and was issued within the last 15 years.
Before you do anything else, you’ll need to hunt down your proof of U.S. citizenship. This typically means your original birth certificate (with a raised seal), a previous undamaged passport, or a naturalization certificate. Don’t forget an acceptable form of identification, like your valid driver’s license from Texas. For minors, you’ll also need proof of parental relationship (like the birth certificate showing both parents) and both parents’ IDs. Make sure all documents are originals, not photocopies, as they’ll be reviewed by the acceptance agent. It’s smart to make a photocopy of each document, front and back, to bring with you; the agent will sometimes keep these copies.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Now it’s time to fill out the actual application form. For new applicants or minors, that’s the DS-11. If you’re renewing by mail, you’ll be completing the DS-82. While you can print these forms and fill them out by hand, it’s highly recommended to complete them online through the Department of State’s website. This helps prevent errors and ensures all fields are correctly formatted. Print the completed form single-sided, but *do not sign it* if you’re a new applicant using the DS-11. You must sign it in front of the acceptance agent at your appointment. Accuracy is key here, so take your time!
Fill out Form DS-11 for new applications or DS-82 for renewals. Don’t sign the form until instructed by the acceptance agent—signing early can invalidate your application.
Your passport photo is a critical component, and it has very specific requirements. It must be recent (taken within the last six months), in color, 2×2 inches in size, with a plain white or off-white background. No glasses, hats, or uniforms are allowed. You need a neutral facial expression or a natural, slight smile, with both eyes open. Luckily, Garland offers several convenient spots for this. Many local pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, and shipping centers such as The UPS Store, are equipped to take compliant passport photos right on the spot. Just tell them you need a U.S. passport photo, and they’ll know the drill.
Passport photos must be 2×2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white background. Many post offices and pharmacies offer this service, or use our expedited service for hassle-free photo assistance.
For new applications (DS-11), you must submit everything in person at an official passport acceptance facility. In Garland, your best bet is often a U.S. Post Office. The Garland Post Office at 1205 Broadway Blvd or the North Garland Post Office at 1300 W Campbell Rd are common locations. You *must* schedule an appointment in advance; walk-ins are rarely accommodated. Bring all your original documents, the unsigned DS-11 form, your passport photo, and your payment. The acceptance agent will review your materials, witness your signature, and seal your application for mailing.
Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks. Need it faster? Our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 business days with zero errors guaranteed. Call (800) 860-8610 to get started.
The final step at your appointment is settling the fees. There are typically two separate payments: the application fee (paid directly to the U.S. Department of State) and the execution fee (paid to the acceptance facility). The application fee usually requires a check or money order, while the execution fee might accept credit cards, cash, or checks. Your acceptance agent will confirm the exact amounts and acceptable payment methods. After your application is submitted, you can track its status online. Routine processing can take several weeks, so plan accordingly. If you need it sooner, ask about expedited processing options for an additional fee.
Track your application status online at the State Department’s website using your last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Updates typically appear within 7-10 days of submission.
Use these free tools to plan your passport application
Find out if standard processing will work for your trip from garland
Make sure you have everything needed for garland facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ garland applications and found the top errors: incorrect photo specifications (38%), photocopied birth certificates instead of originals (31%), and unsigned forms (22%). Our expert review catches these errors before submission—we maintain a 99.2% error-free rate, saving you weeks of delays.
Understanding which process applies to you
New passport applications require you to visit one of garland’s 10 acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in Dallas County and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no garland facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from garland.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in garland. Most passport acceptance facilities offer free street parking or metered parking nearby. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.
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