Outline
Sam’s Passport Inc. expedites first-time adult passport applications from Houston. We guide you through the DS-11 process, review your documents before submission, and hand-deliver your sealed envelope to the U.S. Passport Agency so you meet your travel deadline.
Who needs a first-time passport?
You must apply with Form DS-11 (in person) if you have never had a U.S. passport, your most recent passport was issued when you were under 16, your passport expired more than 15 years ago, or your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged.
If your most recent adult passport expired less than 15 years ago and is undamaged, you may qualify for a simpler renewal by mail instead. Call (713) 784-5501 and we will confirm which path applies to you.
How the process works
- Gather your documents
Collect every item listed in the Required Documents tab. Download and complete the DS-11 online (do not sign it yet) and Sam’s Request Form.
- Visit an acceptance facility
Take your documents to a designated U.S. Post Office, county clerk, or library. Find the nearest location at iafdb.travel.state.gov. The agent will swear you in, execute your documents, and seal them in an envelope.
- Pay government fees
Pay two separate checks at the facility: one for the passport book and delivery, one for the local processing fee. Tell the clerk you are expediting so the correct fees are collected.
- Ship to Sam's Passport
Place the sealed envelope, copies of all documents, your second DS-11, and Sam’s Request Form in a FedEx Priority Overnight package to our Houston office. Do not open the sealed envelope.
- We deliver to the Passport Agency
Sam’s Passport hand-delivers your package to the U.S. Passport Agency and tracks your application through processing.
- Receive your passport
Your new passport ships back to you by the method selected on your application.
Make copies of all documentation before the acceptance facility seals the envelope. This lets Sam’s Passport verify the contents without opening the seal.
Each applicant must have a separate sealed envelope. Do not combine multiple applicants in one envelope — this causes delays and extra costs.
Required documents
Gather every item below before visiting an acceptance facility. A missing document means a wasted trip and a delayed passport.
Proof of U.S. citizenship
You must submit one original document as primary evidence of citizenship. Photocopies are not accepted.
- Certified U.S. birth certificate — must be issued by the city, county, or state of birth; must list bearer’s full name, date and place of birth, parent(s) full names; must have a date filed within one year of birth, registrar’s signature, and an embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
Proof of identity
Present one of the following primary photo IDs and submit a photocopy:
Valid driver's licensePlus a second ID if issued in a different state than where you apply
Undamaged U.S. passportIf issued less than 15 years ago
Government IDValid city, state, or federal government-issued ID
Military IDValid U.S. military identification
If you do not have a primary ID, you may submit a combination of secondary IDs with photo and signature: expired driver’s license, state-issued ID card, student ID, or employment ID.
Passport photo
Provide 2 color passport-type photographs with a white background.
- Size 2 × 2 inches, full face, plain white background with no shadows.
- Eyes open and looking at the camera; neck, chin, nose, forehead, both ears, and eyes must be visible.
- Natural expression with mouth closed, no smile or frown.
- No glasses, hats, scarves, or hair clips (religious or medical exceptions need a statement).
- Use printed photos from a reputable source, home or office printer copies are not accepted.
- Invalid format photos will be rejected and delay submission.
DS-11 application form
- Complete the form at Visa application form
- On the final page, click CREATE FORM to generate a printable PDF
- Print 2 copies — one for the sealed envelope, one for your FedEx package to Sam’s
- Do not sign until the acceptance agent instructs you
A correctly formatted DS-11 has a barcode on the top left corner and “DS-11” on the bottom left. The wizard’s fee/shipping questions have no effect on your actual service — select any option to complete the form.
Letter of Authorization
The letter MUST have an original signature. Faxes, scans, and photocopies are not accepted by the Passport Agency.
- Print 2 copies — one goes inside the sealed envelope, one stays outside for Sam’s Passport
- Call (713) 784-5501 for the authorization letter template
Proof of travel
A valid proof of travel is required for passport expedition:
Travel itineraryAirline booking or reservation showing your departure date
Letter of ExpediteCompany letter showing travel date — required if departure is more than 14 days out. Download sample: Letter of Expedite If your travel is not within 14 days, you must show why expedition is needed (visa applications, school registration, etc.).
Name-change documents (if applicable)
Only needed if your current name differs from your citizenship document. Submit one of:
- Original or certified marriage license
- Original or certified divorce decree
- Original or certified court-order name change
Execute documents
Please take the required documents to your designated processing facility (for the closest designated US Post Offices near you)
- Present your documents to the sealing agent clerk and be prepared to pay the government passport fees in the form of two checks: One for the physical passport and delivery fee and one to the local processing facility (U.S Post Office, library or County Clerk). These fees change frequently, the clerk will know the correct amount at the time of the appointment. Make sure you are clear that you want to expedite the process so the proper fee will be paid.
- The processing agent will swear you in, execute your documents and place your documents in a sealed envelope then hand it back to you.
- Please make copies of all documentation before swearing in at the acceptance facility. This allows for Sam’s to know exactly what is inside of the sealed envelope. We will be able to notify the applicant immediately to avoid delay or extra costs.Please do not seal multiple applicants in one envelope.
Each individual should possess their own sealed envelope in order to avoid delay or extra costs once delivered to the Department of State.
Fees & processing
Fees include government passport charges (paid at the acceptance facility) and Sam’s Passport expedition service fee.
Government passport fees
Government fees are paid directly at the acceptance facility by check. The clerk will confirm the current amounts. Typical fees include:
Passport book application feePaid to the U.S. Department of State
Execution feePaid to the local acceptance facility (Post Office, clerk, or library)
Expedite feeAdditional government fee for expedited processing
Government fees change periodically. The acceptance agent will know the current amount at the time of your appointment.
Sam's Passport service fee
Call (713) 784-5501 for current pricing. Our fee covers document review, hand-delivery to the U.S. Passport Agency, tracking, and return coordination.
Processing time
Turnaround depends on your travel date and the service level:
Rush serviceFor travelers departing within 2-4 weeks
Emergency / same-weekFor travelers departing within days — we hand-deliver to the Passport Agency
Call
(713) 784-5501 with your travel date so we can recommend the right service level and confirm current turnaround.
Ship your documents
Please use FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Priority Overnight to ship your sealed envelope and documents to Sam’s Passport Inc. Call before you ship so we can confirm everything is in order.
What to include in your FedEx package
Sealed envelopeThe sealed envelope from the acceptance facility — do not open it
Copies of all documentsPhotocopies of everything inside the sealed envelope
Second DS-11Your second printed copy of the DS-11 application
Proof of travelItinerary or Letter of Expedite showing your departure date
Letter of AuthorizationWith original signature — call us for the template
Clients nationwide can ship to our Houston office. Walk-in drop-off is also available at Suite 100.
