Trying to get new passports. Yes, I am over 50 and have never had one. Not a worldly traveler.

All pretty clear until the scheduling to go in part. Nothing seems to be available on the less than robust online scheduling options around North Dallas. Am I missing something here in the process?

Keep seeing the Rushmypassport through Fedex thing pop up on the top of Google. Is this legit? Almost doubles the price, but I am suspecting that, if it is legit, they are probably snapping up and hoarding all the appointment slots and are changing the paradigm kind of like online event ticket sellers. But anyway...

Not to the point that we have to hugely rush yet, but need to get it done soon so that we don't have a time crunch. I'm okay with the concierge service, I guess. Though it seems weird that the government would let an "agent" stand in for someone on a personal ID thing. It also seems a bit concerning to give them access to the personal info on the application.

If not legit and we should not use that service, how the heck do you actually book the appointment?

Fill out the application online, print it out. Go get your passport picture taken, Walgreens, CVS etc. Find out if your county clerks office takes reservations, Travis does not. If not, go early and camp out for your turn.
Alternatively, get a reservation at your Post Office. The services only help to get all of your stuff together, still gonna have to go to the county clerks office.

Check public libraries. There are some in Houston that do them. There might be some in your area.

was able to get an appointment at Post Office 3 weeks out just this week.
You can also look at UTD, though I imagine the passport office there will be closed during the semester break.

Will check around some more.

One the concierge service. This one indicates it does the leg work. Got there through FedEx.

https://fedex.rushmypassport.com/

Drive to the southlake office. Get there 15 minutes before they open. I've done it twice now and been in and out fairly quickly without an appointment. They make it very easy (being southlake and all )

They'll take care of the photos and everything.

https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/county-clerk/administration/passport-information.html

You can get passports same day yourself if you're traveling internationally within two weeks and are close to a passport agency (Dallas has this and pretty sure Houston too)

There is a passport office in Frisco run by the public library that is open 7 days a week. It used to be at Stonebriar Mall. Not sure if it is still located there or not. Several of my friends were able to get appointments there more quickly than other passport offices in the last few years.

Another option is to use the USPS passport office website and look for offices outside of DFW with available appointments. Type in different dates until you find a match. I've had luck at small town post offices east of DFW. There are also a couple of passport office locations in southern Oklahoma that seem to always have availability. Even on Saturdays.

murphyag said:

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There is a passport office in Frisco run by the public library that is open 7 days a week. It used to be at Stonebriar Mall. Not sure if it is still located there or not. Several of my friends were able to get appointments there more quickly than other passport offices in the last few years.

Another option is to use the USPS passport office website and look for offices outside of DFW with available appointments. Type in different dates until you find a match. I've had luck at small town post offices east of DFW. There are also a couple of passport office locations in southern Oklahoma that seem to always have availability. Even on Saturdays.

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Thanks!

I think this is a winner. Quick look show a decent website and openings!

Wife and daughter headed to Europe in mid-January. Just noticed our daughter's passport is expired so need to get a new one.

Wife was told if you wait until 2 weeks from trip, it's a different process if you have proof of an airline ticket. Is that worth the risk or should she try to get into Columbus or another small town post office? Most libraries and post offices around Houston don't have appointments until January.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Mikeyshooter said:

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Wife and daughter headed to Europe in mid-January. Just noticed our daughter's passport is expired so need to get a new one.

Wife was told if you wait until 2 weeks from trip, it's a different process if you have proof of an airline ticket. Is that worth the risk or should she try to get into Columbus or another small town post office? Most libraries and post offices around Houston don't have appointments until January.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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I've gotten the same-day passport recently with proof of international travel and it was about as easy as could be, with no additional charge beyond the expedited fee you'd normally pay. If they're traveling mid-January, I'd do the same-day thing if you live close to an agency.

My appointment in Dallas was at 9:30am and I picked up my new passport at 1:30pm the same day.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies/dallas.html

We got our newborn a same day passport as well in August of this year. But, FYI, bring your photos already printed to the federal courthouse downtown for your appt. They do not have photo capability.

Marauder Blue 6 said:

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Check public libraries. There are some in Houston that do them. There might be some in your area.

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Did this for my children about a year ago. Got an appointment easily.

Go to a small town post office. Here in Canyon, TX, I walked in without an appointment with no problems. Stay overnight and see the beautiful Palo Duro Canyon.

If you are in The northern suburbs of Dallas, I highly suggest the Frisco Library option at Stonebriar suggested above. Had a website that actually worked and had plenty of spots to choose from. Went today. We arrived 10 minutes before our scheduled time and were in and out with practically no wait. Was actually very efficiently set up and run.

Tip: Go in through the Hyatt. Especially if your wife is on crutches.....