This applies any time a minor’s current or most recent passport was issued before age 16. The process is nearly identical to a first-time application, with the added requirement that both parents (or legal guardians) must appear with the child.
Passport Services
Passport Renewal for Kids Under 16 in Houston
Renewing a child's passport (under 16)? Minors cannot renew by mail. The child and both parents appear with DS-11 at a local acceptance facility, use DS-3053 if one parent cannot attend. Ship the sealed file to Sam's Passport in Houston. Call (713) 784-5501.
Outline
Sam’s Passport Inc. helps families renew a child’s passport when the original was issued before age 16. Because minors cannot renew by mail, your child must apply in person with Form DS-11 at an acceptance facility. We review the paperwork, confirm everything is complete, and hand-deliver the sealed envelope to the U.S. Passport Agency in Houston.
Why DS-11 instead of DS-82?
Passports issued to children under 16 are valid for only 5 years and cannot be renewed by mail. Even if the passport has not expired, the child must apply as a new applicant using Form DS-11 at an acceptance facility.
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.
- Both parents visit the acceptance facilityBoth parents or legal guardians must appear with the child at a designated U.S. Post Office, county clerk, or library. Find the nearest location at iafdb.travel.state.gov. If one parent cannot attend, a notarized DS-3053 from the absent parent is required.
- Pay government fees
Pay two separate checks at the facility: one for the passport book and delivery, one for the local execution 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 the new passport
The child’s new passport ships back to you by the method selected on the application.
If your child’s current passport contains valid visas, those visas will be voided when the new passport is issued. Contact the issuing consulate before applying to ask about visa transfer options.
Each applicant must have a separate sealed envelope. Do not combine multiple applicants in one envelope.
Required documents
Gather every item below before visiting the 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 child’s full name, date and place of birth, and 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
Current or most recent passport
Submit the child’s current or expired passport. If the passport was issued within the last 5 years, it must be submitted with the application.
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 Passport Renewal 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.
DS-3053: Statement of Consent (if one parent is absent)
If one parent cannot appear at the acceptance facility, the absent parent must complete and notarize Form DS-3053. Without this form, the application will be denied.
- Download Form DS-3053: Download DS-3053 (PDF)
- The absent parent must sign before a notary public
- Include photocopies of both parents’ driver licenses (front and back)
Letter of Authorization
The letter MUST have an original signature from the parent. 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 the child’s departure date
Letter of ExpediteCompany or school letter showing travel date. Download sample: Letter of Expedite
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
$400Includes document review, hand-delivery to the U.S. Passport Agency, tracking, and return coordination. Processing takes 5-7 business days from the date we receive your package.
Call (713) 784-5501 to confirm pricing and availability.
Processing time
Turnaround depends on your travel date and the service level:
Standard expedition5-7 business days from when we receive your documents
Emergency / same-weekFor travelers departing within days. Call to confirm availability.
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 the departure date
Letter of AuthorizationWith original parent 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 minor passport renewal
Why does my child need a DS-11 instead of a DS-82 renewal?
Passports issued to children under 16 are valid for only 5 years and are not eligible for mail-in renewal. Regardless of whether the passport is still valid or recently expired, the child must apply in person with Form DS-11 at an acceptance facility.
Do both parents have to be at the acceptance facility?
Yes. Both parents or legal guardians must appear with the child. If one parent cannot attend, the absent parent must complete and notarize Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) and include copies of both parents' driver licenses.
How fast can Sam's Passport process a minor's renewal?
Standard expedition takes 5-7 business days after we receive your package. Emergency same-week service is available for urgent travel. Call (713) 784-5501 with your departure date.
Will my child's valid visas be affected?
Yes. Any valid visas in the current passport will be voided when the new passport is issued. Contact the issuing consulate before applying to ask about visa transfer options.
Can I mail documents from outside Houston?
Yes. Visit your local acceptance facility, get the documents sealed, and ship the package to our Houston office by FedEx or UPS Priority Overnight. Call (713) 784-5501 before shipping so we can confirm everything is complete.
Does my child need a separate proof of identity?
No. Minors under 16 do not need a separate proof of identity. The parent or guardian's identification, along with the child's birth certificate and current/expired passport, satisfies the requirement.