News Summary
The Harris County District Clerk’s Office has launched a new walk-in passport application office in Houston’s East End at 5900 Canal St. This facility allows residents to apply for passports without an appointment, enhancing service accessibility amid increasing international travel. Additionally, a passport fair is scheduled for May 17, 2025. The office simplifies the application process and aims to provide a smoother experience for residents in need of essential travel documentation.
Houston Launches New Walk-In Passport Application Office
The Harris County District Clerk’s Office (HCDCO) has officially opened a new location for walk-in passport applications in Houston’s East End. The new office is located at 5900 Canal St., within the Records Center, aiming to improve accessibility and convenience for local residents in need of passport services. This initiative is timely as the peak travel season approaches.
The Canal Street office is designated as a walk-in-only facility, allowing residents to complete their passport applications without the need for an appointment. The site offers easy parking and aims to provide efficient service, ensuring a smoother experience for applicants. Residents are encouraged to utilize this new location for their passport needs, as the previous walk-in passport services at the downtown Civil Courthouse have been discontinued.
Processing at the Canal Street location began on May 1, 2025. In addition to this new office, the Harris County District Clerk’s Office will host a passport fair on May 17, 2025, in East Harris County, with the specific venue still being finalized.
Passport Application Process
The new satellite office simplifies the passport application process for residents. Applicants must provide necessary documentation, including a proper passport application form, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and a suitable photo. For those needing photographs, the service center can accommodate by taking compliant passport photos on-site. The HCDCO accepts the DS-11 form for new passport applications and the DS-82 for renewals.
Only U.S. citizens can apply for passports; immigrants must be naturalized citizens. The cost for an adult passport book with routine service is $130, while a passport card costs $30. For minors, a passport book is priced at $100, and a passport card costs $15. Note that expedited service incurs an additional fee of $60 and typically takes around two to three weeks, whereas routine processing can take four to six weeks.
Important Considerations for Travelers
For increased convenience, the HCDCO continues to offer appointment scheduling throughout the year, particularly in preparation for busy travel periods such as spring break and summer. Residents who have questions or need assistance with the application process can reach out to the District Clerk’s office directly at 832-927-5690, or they can email their queries to passport@hcdistrictclerk.com.
Contextual Overview of Services
This newly opened satellite office reflects Harris County’s commitment to enhancing public service accessibility. With international travel picking up once again, the expansion of passport services is timely. The Harris County District Clerk remains focused on providing personalized, efficient, and more streamlined services at the new location in Houston’s East End, making it easier for residents to obtain essential travel documentation.
Additional locations for passport applications, such as local U.S. Postal Service offices and libraries, also remain available, further extending options for applicants. With multiple avenues available for securing passports, residents are now more empowered than ever to manage their travel needs effectively.
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Additional Resources
- Click2Houston: New Passport Office
- Houston Chronicle: Harris County Passport Information
- KHOU: New Passport Office in Houston
- The Points Guy: Passport Renewal Information
- Houston Chronicle: Federal Buildings for Sale
- Wikipedia: Passport
- Google Search: Passport Application Process
- Google Scholar: Passport Services USA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Passport
- Google News: Passport Application in Houston
