If the teen previously held a passport issued before age 16, a renewal by mail (DS-82) is not available. The applicant must use Form DS-11 in person. Call (713) 784-5501 and we will confirm which path applies.
Passport Services
First-Time Passport for Teens 16–18 in Houston
A teen 16–18 getting a first U.S. passport applies in person with Form DS-11 at a local acceptance facility, DS-82 by mail is not allowed. Families then ship the sealed envelope to Sam's Passport in Houston for Passport Agency filing. Call (713) 784-5501.
Outline
Sam’s Passport Inc. expedites first-time passport applications for teens ages 16 to 17 from Houston. Applicants in this age group apply in person at an acceptance facility using Form DS-11, similar to adult first-time applicants. We review your documents, hand-deliver your sealed envelope to the U.S. Passport Agency, and track your application to meet your travel deadline.
Who needs a first-time teen passport (ages 16-17)?
Teens ages 16 and 17 who have never held a U.S. passport must apply in person with Form DS-11 at an acceptance facility. Unlike younger minors, teens 16 and older can apply independently without both parents present.
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.
- Visit an acceptance facilityTake your documents to a designated U.S. Post Office, county clerk, or library. Find the nearest location at iafdb.travel.state.gov. The agent will swear the applicant 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 your 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 applicants 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 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 bearer’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
Proof of identity
Present one of the following photo IDs and submit a photocopy:
Valid driver's license or learner's permitState-issued driver’s license or learner’s permit with photo
State-issued ID cardValid state-issued identification card with photo
Student IDCurrent school-issued identification card with photo
Employment IDCurrent employer-issued identification card with photo
If the teen does not have a primary photo ID, a combination of secondary IDs may be accepted. Call (713) 784-5501 for guidance.
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 US Passport for Minors between 16–18 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.
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 ExpediteCompany or school letter 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, etc.).
Sam's Request Form
Download, print, and complete 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.
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 teens 16-17
What form does a 16 or 17-year-old use for a first passport?
Teens ages 16 and 17 use Form DS-11 and apply in person at an acceptance facility. This is the same form adults use for first-time applications.
Where do I apply for a teen 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.
How fast can Sam's Passport process a teen'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.
Does a teen need both parents present to apply?
No. Teens ages 16 and 17 can apply independently at the acceptance facility without requiring both parents to be present. This is different from minors under 16, who need both parents.
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.