How to Get a New Passport as an Adult
First-Time Adult Passport Services Made Simple
Applying for your first U.S. passport can feel like a lot of steps, especially if you need it quickly.
Texas Tower Passport and Visa helps first-time adult applicants prepare their documents, avoid common mistakes, and move through the expedited passport process with clear instructions from start to finish.
Who Needs to Apply for a New Adult Passport?
You may need to apply for a new adult passport if:
- You have never had a U.S. passport before
- Your previous passport was issued when you were under the age of 16
- Your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago
- Your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged
- You are not eligible to renew by mail
First-time adult passport applicants must apply in person using Form DS-11.
How the New Passport Process Works
Step 1 — Prepare Your Documents
Complete your DS-11 application, gather proof of citizenship, passport photos, identification, photocopies, travel itinerary, Texas Tower order form, and authorization letters.
Step 2 — Visit a Passport Acceptance Facility
Take your documents to an authorized passport acceptance facility, such as a participating post office. The acceptance agent will witness your signature and seal your application package.
Step 3 — Send Your Sealed Envelope to Texas Tower
Once your application is sealed, do not open it. Mail the sealed envelope and required Texas Tower documents to our Houston office for expedited processing.
Choose Your Processing Speed
Same Day
$225
For immediate or emergency travel
Requires FedEx First Overnight with Signature Release
2–3 Days
$158
For urgent upcoming travel
5–10 Days
$89
For upcoming travel that is not immediate
First-Time Adult Passport Checklist
| What You Need | Notes |
|---|---|
| Completed DS-11 passport application | Access form DS-11 |
| Proof of U.S. citizenship | Original certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, citizenship certificate, or previous full-validity U.S. passport |
| Photo ID | Valid driver’s license, government ID, or another accepted photo ID |
| Photocopy of citizenship evidence | Must be clear and on standard 8.5 x 11 paper |
| Photocopy of photo ID | Front and back copy required |
| Two passport photos | Use CVS, Walgreens, FedEx, or a professional passport photo provider |
| Travel itinerary | Required for expedited passport service. View Sample Rush Request letter. |
| Two Texas Tower authorization letters | One goes inside the sealed envelope, and one stays outside for Texas Tower. Get your Texas Tower Authorization form. |
| Texas Tower order form | Include it with the package sent to our office. You can download the Texas Tower Order Form here. |
| Sealed envelope from acceptance facility | Do not open after it is sealed |
Important: Do Not Open the Sealed Envelope
After the passport acceptance agent seals your application, the envelope must stay sealed.
Opening the envelope can void the application and cause delays. Tell the acceptance agent you are sending the sealed package to a registered passport expediting service in Houston.
First-Time Adult Passport Fees
Your total cost includes government passport fees, a separate acceptance facility fee, and your selected Texas Tower service fee.
U.S. Government Fees
- Passport Agency Fee: $190
- Acceptance Facility Execution Fee: $35
- Paid separately to the passport acceptance facility
Texas Tower Service Fees
Choose Your Processing Speed
Same Day
$225
For immediate or emergency family travel
Requires FedEx First Overnight with Signature Release
2–3 Days
$158
For urgent upcoming travel
5–10 Days
$89
For upcoming travel that is not immediate
Shipping fees are not included and will vary by delivery method.
Mail Your Package To
Texas Tower Passport and Visa Services
2020 Montrose Blvd. Suite 400
Houston, TX 77006
Phone: 713-874-1420
Email: info@texastower.net
Common First-Time Passport Mistakes
Avoid delays by checking that:
- Your DS-11 form is unsigned before your appointment
- Your passport photo meets government requirements
- Your birth certificate is certified, not a hospital keepsake copy
- Your ID photocopy includes the front and back
- Your sealed envelope remains sealed
- Your authorization letters are included correctly
- Your travel itinerary is included for expedited processing
Need Help With a First-Time Adult Passport?
If you are traveling soon, call Texas Tower Passport and Visa before mailing your documents. We can walk you through the process and help make sure your application package is complete.
📞 713-874-1420