If one parent cannot attend, a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) is required from the absent parent. See the DS-3053 section in the Required Documents tab for full details.
Passport Services
First-Time Passport for Kids Under 16 in Houston
A child's first passport (under 16) requires the child and both parents at a local acceptance facility with Form DS-11. Sam's Passport in Houston checks consent papers, including DS-3053 if one parent is absent, then files the sealed envelope. Call (713) 784-5501.
Outline
Sam’s Passport Inc. expedites first-time passport applications for children under 16 from Houston. All minors under 16 must apply in person at an acceptance facility with Form DS-11, and both parents (or legal guardians) must be present. We review your documents, hand-deliver the sealed envelope to the U.S. Passport Agency, and track the application to meet your travel deadline.
Who needs a first-time minor passport?
Children under 16 who have never had a U.S. passport, or whose previous passport has expired, must apply in person with Form DS-11. Both parents or legal guardians must appear at the acceptance facility. This is a strict federal requirement with no exceptions.
How the process works
- Gather your documents
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. If one parent cannot attend, prepare Form DS-3053.
- Visit an acceptance facility with both parentsTake your documents to a designated U.S. Post Office, county clerk, or library. Find the nearest location at iafdb.travel.state.gov. Both parents and the child must appear. The agent will verify identities, swear the parents in, execute the documents, and seal them in an envelope.
- Pay government fees
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.
- Ship to Sam's Passport
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.
- 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
The new passport ships back to you by the method selected on the application.
Make copies of all documentation before the acceptance facility seals the envelope. This lets Sam’s Passport verify the contents without opening the seal.
Each applicant must have a separate sealed envelope. Do not combine multiple children 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.
Proof of U.S. citizenship
You must submit one original document as primary evidence of the child’s citizenship. Photocopies are not accepted.
Accepted documents:
- Certified U.S. birth certificate — must be issued by the city, county, or state of birth; must list the child’s full name, date and place of birth, parent(s) full names; must have a date filed within one year of birth, registrar’s signature, and an embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
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-11 application form
Please download, fill out and print 2 copies of the First Time Passport for Minors under 16 Visa application form
- Complete the form at
- On the final page, click CREATE FORM to generate a printable PDF
- Print 2 copies — one for the sealed envelope, one for your FedEx package to Sam’s
- Do not sign until the acceptance agent instructs you
A correctly formatted DS-11 has a barcode on the top left corner and “DS-11” on the bottom left. The wizard’s fee and shipping questions have no effect on your actual service.
Form DS-3053 (if one parent is absent)
If one parent cannot appear at the acceptance facility, the absent parent must complete and notarize Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent). Both parents’ driver’s licenses (front and back copies) must also be included.
- Download Form DS-3053: Download DS-3053 (PDF)
- The absent parent must sign the form in front of a notary public
- Include a photocopy of both parents’ driver’s licenses (front and back)
- If one parent has sole legal custody, submit the court order granting custody instead of the DS-3053
The DS-3053 requirement is a federal security measure to prevent international child abduction. The acceptance facility will not process the application without proper parental consent documentation.
Letter of Authorization
The letter MUST have an original signature. Faxes, scans, and photocopies are not accepted by the Passport Agency.
- Print 2 copies — one goes inside the sealed envelope, one stays outside for Sam’s Passport
- 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 departure date
Letter of ExpediteLetter showing travel date. Required if departure is more than 14 days out. Download sample: Letter of Expedite
If travel is not within 14 days, you must show why expedition is needed (visa applications, school trips, family emergencies, etc.).
Sam's Request Form
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 passport fees
Government fees are paid directly at the acceptance facility by check. The clerk will confirm the current amounts. Typical fees include:
Passport book application feePaid to the U.S. Department of State
Execution feePaid to the local acceptance facility (Post Office, clerk, or library)
Expedite feeAdditional government fee for expedited processing
Government fees change periodically. The acceptance agent will know the current amount at the time of your appointment.
Sam's Passport service fee
Call (713) 784-5501 for current pricing. Our fee covers document review, hand-delivery to the U.S. Passport Agency, tracking, and return coordination.
Processing time
Typical processing is 5 to 7 business days from when Sam’s Passport delivers your application to the U.S. Passport Agency.
Rush serviceFor travelers departing within 2-4 weeks
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 sealed envelope and 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 FedEx package
Sealed envelopeThe sealed envelope from the acceptance facility. Do not open it.
Copies of all documentsPhotocopies of everything inside the sealed envelope
Second DS-11Your second printed copy of the DS-11 application
Sam's Request FormCompleted Sam’s Request Form
Proof of travelItinerary or Letter of Expedite showing departure date
Letter of AuthorizationWith original signature. Call us for the template.
DS-3053 (if applicable)Notarized consent form from absent parent, plus both parents’ driver’s license copies
Clients nationwide can ship to our Houston office. Walk-in drop-off is also available at Suite 100.
Common questions about first-time passports for children under 16
What form do I use for a child under 16?
All minors under 16 must use Form DS-11 and apply in person at an acceptance facility. Both parents or legal guardians must be present with valid photo identification.
Where do I apply for my child's passport?
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. Remember, both parents and the child must attend.
How fast can Sam's Passport process a child's first passport?
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.
What if one parent cannot attend the acceptance facility?
The absent parent must complete and notarize Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent). You must also include photocopies of both parents' driver's licenses, front and back. Download the DS-3053 from our website or call (713) 784-5501 for assistance.
What if I am missing a document?
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.
Can I mail documents from outside Houston?
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.