Municipal Courts
U.S. Passport Services
*NOTICE: Fees and Processing times are subject to change without notice, please refer to the U.S. Department of State website www.travel.state.gov for the most up-to-date application fees and processing times.
MCD Passport Application Checklist - English (.pdf) | MCD Passport Application Checklist - Spanish (.pdf)
You must apply in person using form DS-11 if at least one of the following is true:
- You are applying for your first U.S. passport, or
- You are under the age of 16, or
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16, or
- Your previous U.S. Passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, or
- Your previous U.S. Passport was issued more than 15 years ago, or
- Your name changed since your U.S. passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change.
What will you need?
A completed DS-11 application
- Download application online at travel.state.gov
- Complete in black ink only
- Do not sign application until requested to do so by a passport acceptance agent
Note: Passport renewal application DS-82 is not accepted at the Municipal Court acceptance locations, however instructions on completing and mailing a DS-82 passport renewal application can be found on the U.S. Department of State website www.travel.state.gov.
Proof of Identity
Bring one original (plus one photocopy front and back) of the following:
- Valid Driver’s License
- Valid State Identification Card
- Naturalization Certificate
- Prior Undamaged U.S. Passport (may be expired)
- Government Employee ID
- Official Military ID Card
- For minors: Under 16 years of age both parents must be present and provide official consent. If both parents cannot be present, go to www.travel.state.gov for more information.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Bring one original (plus one photocopy) of the following:
- Previously issued U.S. Passport undamaged (may be expired)
- U.S. Birth Certificate or certified copy issued by the city, county, or state
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
- Certificate of Citizenship
- For minors under 18, the original birth certificate must be presented every time an application is submitted.
- Minors with a previous passport must submit the original or a copy of their birth certificate along with the expired or current valid passport.
Note: Original proof of citizenship must be submitted with your application, however, the original document will be returned to you by mail in a separate envelope.
Passport Photo (pictures are not provided on site)
- (1) one color photo
- 2”x2” inches in size
- Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
- Full Face, with neutral facial expression
- Front view with a plain white or off-white background
- Between 1” inch and 1 3/8” inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- Taken in normal street attire. Camouflage and uniform apparel is prohibited on a passport photo
- No glasses
PAYMENTS
Two (2) payments are needed to process your passport application. One payment is for the application fee and the second payment is for the acceptance fee, see below for more payment information.
*NOTICE: Fees and Processing times are subject to change without notice, please refer to the U.S. Department of State website www.travel.state.gov for the most up-to-date application fees and processing times.
PASSPORT APPLICATION FEES AND PROCESSING TIMES
Two Payments Are Needed
Payment 1 of 2: Passport Application Fee
- IMPORTANT: Passport application fees can only be paid by personal check, cashier’s check, or money order
- Separate payment for each applicant
- Made payable to: U.S. Department of State
- Cannot be made in cash, or credit/debit cards
- Non-refundable
And
Payment 2 of 2: Acceptance Fee
- $35 per applicant
- Paid separately to the Acceptance location for each applicant
- Not included in the Passport Application Fee
- Acceptance fee can be paid in cash, check, credit/debit card, money order, or cashier’s check.
- Made payable to: City of Houston
Where can you apply?
The Municipal Courts has two Passport Acceptance locations, one in Central Houston at the Herbert
W. Gee Municipal Courthouse and one in West Houston at the Westside Command Station. Appointments are 30 minutes in duration and can be made 14 days in advance. A separate appointment is needed for every applicant that will be applying for a U.S. passport. As a courtesy, please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Download and review the MCD Passport Application Checklist then select a location from below to schedule your appointment. You will receive an email confirmation and reminder. If a cellular phone number is provided a text reminder can be sent with-in 24 hours of your appointment time. Your carrier’s standard messaging rates apply.
MCD Passport Application Checklist - English (.pdf) | MCD Passport Application Checklist - Spanish (.pdf)
Check the status of your application
Check the status of your U.S. Passport application in 7-10 business days by going to //passportstatus.state.gov, there you may register your email address to receive automatic email updates. You will need the
applicant’s Last Name, Date of Birth, and Social Security Number (Last 4 digits).
You may also check the status of your application by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778, 1-888-874-7793(TDD/TTY), or by email at .
*NOTICE: Fees and Processing times are subject to change without notice, please refer to the U.S. Department of State website www.travel.state.gov for the most up-to-date application fees and processing times.