Houston Passport Agency

Physical Address:
George Thomas "Mickey" Leland Federal Building
1919 Smith Street, 4th Floor
Houston, TX 77002

Hours: 
7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Mondays through Fridays

By Appointment Only
Closed Federal Holidays

Mailing Address:
U.S. Department of State
Houston Passport Agency
CA/PPT/HN
44132 Mercure Cir.
PO Box 1080
Sterling, VA 20166-1080

Application Numbers Start With:
79

 
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How to Apply at a Passport Agency

1. Find out if you're eligible

To apply at this passport agency, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Make an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Mondays through Fridays, or on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Our appointment line is closed on federal holidays. We do not charge a fee to make appointments.
  • If you have not yet applied, you must be traveling internationally within 14 calendar days. If you have already applied, you must be traveling internationally within 5 calendar days. 
  • Be able to show printed proof of international travel (such as your flight itinerary, hotel reservation, cruise tickets, or international car insurance).
  • Pay the $60 expedite fee in addition to the regular application fees.
  • Note: your appointment must be within 14 calendar days of your international travel if you have not yet applied, or 5 calendar days if you have already applied. If you need a foreign visa, the date of your appointment must be within 28 calendar days of your international travel.

If you have a life-or-death emergency, please see Life-or-Death Emergencies. If you don't meet the requirements for an appointment, please see Where to Apply for other options.

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2. Collect all your application materials

  • Appointment confirmation number and instructions emailed to you by the National Passport Information Center when the appointment was scheduled.
  • Printed proof of international travel
    • If you are flying internationally, you must provide a flight receipt or an itinerary. If you are traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean, you can provide a hotel reservation, cruise tickets, or international car insurance.
  • Completed form(s)*
  • All required supporting documents*
  • One passport photo
  • Application fee and expedite fee. We accept:
    • Major credit cards
    • Debit/Check card (not ATM cards)
    • Cash (exact amount only- no change provided)
    • Checks
    • Bank Draft or Money order
  • If you are applying for a child under 16, both parents and child must be present to apply. You must submit documentation that shows parental relationship to that of the child applying for a passport.  See Children Under 16 for a full list of requirements and documents.

*The agency accepts all forms for first-time and renewal customers. Not sure what forms or supporting documents you need? Start at the Passport Application Wizard.

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3. Make an appointment

You must make an appointment to apply at a passport agency. 

To make an appointment, call 1-877-487-2778. Se habla español. Be sure to keep track of the appointment confirmation number and the check-in instructions you will receive by email from the National Passport Information Center. You will need this information on the day of your appointment. 

If you are applying at a passport agency or center on the weekend, we will only accept your application. At your appointment, tell us if you want to pick up your passport on a different day or have us mail your passport to you.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-888-874-7793 for TDD/TTY teletype services. 

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4. Arrive early to your appointment

Only the applicant (and/or parents, if applicant is a minor child) will be allowed into the agency to apply for the passport.
  1. Upon arrival you will go through a security check on the 1st floor of the building. Please do not bring any weapons, pocket knives, scissors and cigarette lighters. Do not bring food or drinks. Bringing large bags and electronics such as laptops will increase your time at the security check.  You will be asked to remove all metallic objects and place your belongings on the X-ray table. Expect the possibility of being requested to remove your shoes and other items as well.
  2. After leaving the security screening area, proceed to the last set of elevators. Our office is on the 4th floor.
  3. Once on the 4th floor, listen for instructions from the Uniformed Officers and proceed to the check-in window.  There you will be asked to keep your telephone on silent, and provide your confirmation, PIN, and telephone number.  Additionally you will be vetted to ensure you have completed the passport application and have all other required documents, including your printed travel itinerary, photograph, and original citizenship evidence.  For minor applicants, please know you are required to bring the child to the appointment and must have appropriate parental consent from all parents.
  4. At the check-in window, you will be provided further instructions on how to proceed.

Please note: We may not be able to see you exactly at your appointment time.  An appointment does not guarantee that you will receive a passport.  Once we review your documents, we will provide you with instructions on your next steps.  Please complete your application before arriving at our agency; however, please do not sign the application.  During your appointment, we will request photocopies of your citizenship and identity documents, a passport photograph, and printed proof of international travel.  If you do not have these items when you arrive at our check-in window, your application process will be delayed. 

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Getting Here

Parking Information

There are several parking locations in close proximity to the George Thomas "Mickey" Leland Federal Building. Most fees average $10. Additionally, there is metered parking available behind the building (on Pierce St). 

Please be aware that there are scammers in the area who engage with passport applicants regularly and make attempts to take your parking fees from you, we advise you to be vigilant and pay close attention before engaging with suspicious individuals in the surrounding area.  Also note, parking rules are strictly enforced around the agency, if you do not follow the instructions provided, your vehicle may be booted or towed.  Please pay close attention to signage and meter timeframes.