Fort Bend County residents can apply for passports in Stafford this Saturday without driving to the courthouse in Richmond.

District Clerk Beverley McGrew Walker is hosting a Passport Fair on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brand Lane Islamic Center, 610 Brand Lane in Stafford. The event brings the county's passport acceptance services directly into the community rather than requiring applicants to visit the District Clerk's Office in the county seat, according to Style Magazine.

Appointments are required. Residents can book online at www.fbctx.gov/passports or call 281-341-4515.

What to bring and what it costs

Passport photos will be available on-site for $15. Application fees must be paid by check or money order. Acceptance fees can be paid by credit or debit card. Cash will not be accepted.

The county's money order fee rose from $2 to $3 as of Aug. 1, according to a notice on the Fort Bend County website.

All applicants must appear in person, including children. Kids under 16 must appear with both parents or guardians. If one parent cannot attend, the other must bring a completed Form DS-3053 and appropriate identification documentation.

Processing times

Routine passport processing takes approximately four to six weeks. Expedited processing runs two to three weeks, not including mailing time.

About the fair

Walker, who has served as district clerk since 2019, has described making passports easier to obtain as "a labor of love." She is known in Fort Bend County as "The People's Clerk" and has pushed to hold passport events outside the Richmond courthouse.

No additional fall passport fairs have been announced. Residents who cannot attend Saturday's event can still schedule regular passport appointments at www.fbctx.gov/passports or call 281-341-4515.