Passport Acceptance Facilities in Harris County
Harris County is the most populous county in Texas and the third most populous in the United States, encompassing Houston and its immediate suburbs. The Harris County Clerk maintains several passport acceptance locations across the county, with the main downtown office at 201 Caroline St being the primary high-volume facility.
The Harris County Clerk's passport operation is one of the most efficient in the state, with photo services available on-site at $15. Walk-ins are accepted on a limited basis — early morning arrival on weekdays gives you the best chance. The county clerk's website offers online appointment booking.
Harris County Clerk — Downtown
Limited — call ahead
Yes — on-site $15
Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm
harris-county30 book / harris-county00 child
Harris5
USPS Houston Main Post Office
Yes — morning slots available
Yes — $18
Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm
Harris5 (card accepted)
What to Bring to Your Harris County Appointment
Houston's passport demand peaks sharply from March through June. If you're applying during peak season, book your appointment 3–4 weeks in advance. Harris County also has satellite clerk offices in Baytown, Pasadena, and Humble — check the county website for their passport service hours.
- Completed DS-11 form (printed, filled out, NOT signed)Download free at travel.state.gov. Sign only when the agent instructs you at the appointment.
- Certified birth certificate (original) + photocopyMust be issued by a state or county vital records office with raised seal. Hospital birth certificates are NOT accepted.
- Government-issued photo ID (original) + front-and-back photocopy
- Passport photo — 2×2 inch, taken within last 6 monthsYes — on-site $15 on-site at the clerk. Available at the USPS location for $18. Also at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart Photo near Houston.
- Check or money order: harris-county30 (passport book) payable to "U.S. Department of State"For children under 16: harris-county00. Add Harris0 for a passport card. No cash accepted for the State Dept fee.
- Payment for Harris5 acceptance fee (to the facility — many accept debit/credit)
Walk-In Passport Applications in Harris County
Walk-in availability at the Harris County Clerk — Downtown: Limited — call ahead. For USPS in Harris County: Yes — morning slots available. Walk-in policies change seasonally and day-to-day. Always call the specific location on the morning you intend to visit and ask whether walk-ins are being accepted that day and whether the passport specialist is available. See our walk-in guide for full strategy.
Peak season (March through June) sees the most appointment demand in Harris County. If you're applying during this window, book as early as possible — or consider expanding your search to neighboring counties if local slots are full.
Passport Photos in Harris County
On-site passport photo services at Harris County Clerk — Downtown: Yes — on-site $15. The nearby USPS location offers on-site photos for $18. Other options near Houston: CVS Pharmacy (harris-county6.99), Walgreens (harris-county6.99), Walmart Photo Center (201 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002.44), FedEx Office (harris-county4.99). Photos must be 2×2 inches, white/off-white background, neutral expression, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months, and printed on photo paper. See our complete photo guide.
Frequently Asked Questions — Harris County
Harris County Clerk — Downtown: Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm. The USPS location listed above: Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm. Hours can change for holidays and staff schedules — always confirm directly with the facility before visiting. Call the facility or check their official website for the most current hours.
Yes — both the county clerk and USPS acceptance facilities in Harris County handle child passport applications. For children under 16, both parents (or one parent with a notarized DS-3053 from the absent parent) must either attend or provide consent. The child must be physically present. See our child passport guide and DS-3053 guide for full details.
If you're traveling within 14 weeks, pay for expedited processing (+Harris County Clerk — Downtown0) when you submit at any local acceptance facility. If you're traveling within 6 weeks, you qualify for an appointment at the nearest regional passport agency — which can process applications same-day or next-day. See our expedited passport guide for the full regional agency list and booking instructions.
As of February 2026, all library passport acceptance locations in Texas were removed from the State Department's acceptance facility program. The two options above — the Harris County Clerk — Downtown and the USPS location — are your primary alternatives in Harris County. See our library alternatives guide for more detail.