Passport Services
Renewing a teen's passport (16–18)? If the last book was issued before age 16, they cannot use DS-82 by mail. They apply in person with DS-11 at a local facility, then ship to Sam's Passport in Houston. We file the sealed envelope with the Passport Agency. Call (713) 784-5501.
Outline
Sam’s Passport Inc. expedites passport renewals for teens ages 16 and 17 from Houston. Because the original passport was issued when the applicant was under 16, a renewal by mail (DS-82) is not available. The teen must apply in person at an acceptance facility using Form DS-11, and a parent signs the Letter of Authorization.
Form DS-82 (renewal by mail) is only available when the most recent passport was issued at age 16 or older. Since the teen’s original passport was issued before age 16, they must use Form DS-11 and apply in person at an acceptance facility, just like a first-time applicant.
Not sure which form applies? Call (713) 784-5501 and we will confirm the correct process for your teen’s renewal.
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.
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.
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.
Sam’s Passport hand-delivers your package to the U.S. Passport Agency and tracks your application through processing.
The new passport ships back to you by the method selected on the application.
Each applicant must have a separate sealed envelope. Do not combine multiple applicants in one envelope.
Required documents
Gather every item below before visiting an acceptance facility. A missing document means a wasted trip and a delayed passport.
Accepted documents:
Present one of the following photo IDs and submit a photocopy:
Provide 2 color passport-type photographs with a white background.
Please download, fill out and print 2 copies of the Passport Renewal for Minors between 16-18 Visa application form
A valid proof of travel is required for passport expedition:
If travel is not within 14 days, you must show why expedition is needed (visa applications, school trips, etc.).
Download, print, and complete Download Sam's Request Form (PDF). Include it in your FedEx package.
Fees & processing
Fees include government passport charges (paid at the acceptance facility) and Sam’s Passport expedition service fee.
Government fees are paid directly at the acceptance facility by check. The clerk will confirm the current amounts. Typical fees include:
Government fees change periodically. The acceptance agent will know the current amount at the time of your appointment.
Typical processing is 5 to 7 business days from when Sam’s Passport delivers your application to the U.S. Passport Agency.
Ship your documents
Clients nationwide can ship to our Houston office. Walk-in drop-off is also available at Suite 100.
Form DS-82 (renewal by mail) is only available when the most recent passport was issued at age 16 or older. Since your teen's passport was originally issued before age 16, they must apply in person with Form DS-11, similar to a first-time applicant.
Designated U.S. Post Offices, county clerks, and public libraries serve as acceptance facilities. Find the nearest location at iafdb.travel.state.gov and schedule an appointment.
Standard processing is 5 to 7 business days from when we deliver the application to the U.S. Passport Agency. Emergency and same-week options are available for urgent travel. Call (713) 784-5501 with your departure date.
Missing documents will delay the passport. Sam's Passport reviews your package upon receipt and will contact you immediately if anything is missing so you can resolve it before we submit to the Passport Agency.
Yes. After visiting your local acceptance facility and getting your documents sealed, ship the package to our Houston office by FedEx or UPS Priority Overnight. Call (713) 784-5501 before shipping so we confirm everything is included.
Yes. One parent must sign the Letter of Authorization with an original signature. The letter must be printed in two copies, one for the sealed envelope and one for Sam's Passport. Faxes, scans, and photocopies are not accepted.