Not sure which form applies? Call (713) 784-5501 and we will confirm whether you qualify for a DS-82 renewal or need to start a new application.
Passport Services
Passport Renewal for Adults in Houston
Need to renew an adult passport? If the last book was issued at age 16 or older, use Form DS-82 by mail, no post-office visit. Ship the packet to Sam's Passport in Houston, we submit it to the Passport Agency. Call (713) 784-5501.
Outline
Sam’s Passport Inc. expedites adult passport renewals from Houston. If your passport qualifies for renewal by mail using Form DS-82, you skip the acceptance facility visit entirely. We review your documents, hand-deliver them to the U.S. Passport Agency, and track your application through processing.
Who qualifies for passport renewal?
You may renew with Form DS-82 (by mail) if your most recent passport is undamaged, was issued when you were age 16 or older, and was issued within the past 15 years. If any of these conditions is not met, you must apply as a first-time applicant using Form DS-11.
How the process works
- Gather your documents
Collect every item listed in the Required Documents tab. Download and complete the DS-82 online and print Sam’s Request Form.
- No acceptance facility visit neededBecause DS-82 renewals are handled by mail, you do not need to visit a Post Office, county clerk, or acceptance facility. There is no sealed envelope for renewals.
- Ship to Sam's Passport
Place your expired passport, completed DS-82, passport photo, and all supporting documents in a FedEx Priority Overnight package to our Houston office.
- 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 documents before shipping. This lets Sam’s Passport verify the contents and resolve issues quickly.
If your passport contains valid visas, be aware they will be voided when your old passport is cancelled during the renewal process. Contact us to discuss your options before submitting.
Required documents
Gather every item below before shipping your renewal package. A missing document delays processing.
Most recent passport
Your expired or expiring passport must meet all three DS-82 conditions: undamaged, issued at age 16 or older, and issued within the past 15 years. If any condition is not met, you must apply with Form DS-11 instead.
- Submit your original most recent passport (it will be returned with your new one)
- The passport must have expired within the last 5 years or be close to expiration
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-82 application form
Please download, fill out and print 2 copies of the Passport Renewal for Adults Visa application form
- Complete the form at
- Print the completed form and sign it
- Unlike the DS-11, you sign the DS-82 yourself before mailing
A correctly formatted DS-82 has a barcode on the top left corner and “DS-82” on the bottom left. The wizard’s fee and shipping questions have no effect on your actual service.
Name-change documents (if applicable)
Only needed if your current legal name differs from the name on your most recent passport. Submit one of:
- Original or certified marriage license
- Original or certified divorce decree
- Original or certified court-order name change
Letter of Authorization
The letter MUST have an original signature. Faxes, scans, and photocopies are not accepted by the Passport Agency.
- Print 2 copies and sign both with an original signature
- 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.).
Sam's Request Form
Download, print, and complete Sam’s Request Form (PDF). Include it in your FedEx package.
Fees & processing
Renewal fees include the government passport fee (included in your mailed application) and Sam’s Passport expedition service fee.
Government passport fee
For DS-82 renewals, the government fee is paid by check and included in the mailed package. There is no separate execution fee because you do not visit an acceptance facility.
Passport book renewal feePaid by check to the U.S. Department of State, included in your package
Expedite feeAdditional government fee for expedited processing, paid by check
Government fees change periodically. Call us at (713) 784-5501 to confirm the current amount before writing your check.
Sam's Passport service fee
$400
Processing time
Typical processing is 5 to 7 business days from when Sam’s Passport delivers your application to the U.S. Passport Agency.
Standard expedition5 to 7 business days for most renewal applications
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 documents to Sam’s Passport Inc. Call before you ship so we can confirm everything is in order.
Houston office
What to include in your package
Most recent passportYour original expired or expiring passport
Completed DS-82Printed and signed DS-82 application form
Passport photoOne compliant 2×2 passport photo
Government fee checkCheck for the passport renewal fee payable to U.S. Department of State
Proof of travelItinerary or Letter of Expedite showing your departure date
Letter of AuthorizationWith original signature, call us for the template
Name-change documentsIf applicable: marriage license, divorce decree, or court order
Sam's Request FormCompleted Sam’s Request Form
Clients nationwide can ship to our Houston office. Walk-in drop-off is also available at Suite 100. No sealed envelope is needed for DS-82 renewals.
Common questions about passport renewal for adults
What is the DS-82 form and when do I use it?
Form DS-82 is the U.S. Department of State application for passport renewal by mail. You qualify if your most recent passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, and was issued within the past 15 years. If any of those conditions is not met, you must use Form DS-11 and apply in person.
Do I need to visit an acceptance facility for a renewal?
No. DS-82 renewals are processed by mail, so you do not need to visit a Post Office, county clerk, or acceptance facility. You ship your documents directly to Sam's Passport.
How fast can Sam's Passport process my renewal?
Standard processing is 5 to 7 business days from when we deliver your 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.
What happens if I am missing documents?
Missing documents will delay your renewal. 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.
Can I mail my documents from outside Houston?
Yes. Ship your package to our Houston office by FedEx or UPS Priority Overnight from anywhere in the country. Call (713) 784-5501 before shipping so we confirm everything is included.
Will my valid visas be affected by the renewal?
Yes. When your old passport is cancelled during the renewal process, any valid visas inside it will be voided. If you have active visas, contact Sam's Passport at (713) 784-5501 to discuss your options before submitting your renewal.