Photo: Tatiana D., Google reviewPassport and ID photos in Katy
Photos taken at the counter to the U.S. State Department's current photo rules. Doing a child's passport? The notary and the copier are right here too.
Looking for a passport appointment?
Cardiff Postal isn't a passport acceptance facility, so passport applications can't be taken here. Applications go to an acceptance facility, usually by appointment.
First-time passports, passports for children under 16, and passports for anyone who can't renew by mail or online are applied for in person there. Find one with the U.S. State Department's Passport Acceptance Facility Locator, or book a Post Office passport appointment with the USPS appointment scheduler.
Before the appointment, two things can be done at this counter: passport photos taken to the State Department's current photo rules, and a notarized DS-3053 if a parent can't come to a child's appointment.
Passport Acceptance Facility Locator (State Department) · USPS appointment scheduler · DS-3053: what to bring
At the photo station
- U.S. passport photosTaken against the plain backdrop, to the State Department's current rules.
- Other countries' passport and ID photosTell the counter which country the photo is for, and bring its size if you have it.
- A child's passport in one stopPhotos, the notarized DS-3053 consent and a copy of the front and back of the parent's ID.
The rules
Passport photo rules: what the State Department looks for.
From the U.S. State Department's own passport photo rules (8 FAM 402.1, January 2026).
- In color, 2 x 2 inches, taken in the last six months
- Plain white or off-white background
- Face the camera, natural expression, both eyes open
- Everyday clothes; hair off the eyes
- Religious or medical head coverings are fine if your face is fully visible
- Glasses (unless a doctor's statement says they can't come off)
- Hats, headphones or earbuds
- Uniforms, camouflage or anything that looks like one
- Filters, retouching or a parent in a baby's photo
For a child under 16, if one parent can't come to the passport appointment, that parent signs Form DS-3053 in front of a notary or a passport authorizing officer, and attaches a photocopy of the front and back of the ID they showed. The consent is good for 90 days.
Photos, the notary and the copier are all at this counter. The notary can't be related to the parent signing. Notarize the DS-3053 here or read DS-3053: what to bring.
Before you come in
What to bring
- A current photo ID issued by a U.S. state or the federal government, with your signature on it (driver's license, state ID card or U.S. passport).
- Everyone who is signing, there in person.
- The complete document, not signed yet. If it says to sign in front of a notary, wait.
- Know which form you need: a notary can't choose it for you or give legal advice.
- Call ahead to make sure the notary is in.
- Glasses off. (Only if a doctor says they can't come off, and then bring the signed statement.)
- No hat or head covering, unless it's worn for religious or medical reasons and doesn't hide your face.
- No uniform, camouflage or anything that looks like one, and no headphones or earbuds.
- For a baby, eyes may be closed, and no parent can be in the photo.
- Child's passport with one parent absent? The DS-3053 must be signed in front of a notary or a passport authorizing officer, with a copy of the front and back of that parent's ID. Photos, notary and copies are all at this counter.
- One current photo ID: driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, permanent resident card or similar.
- One more ID: a lease, mortgage or deed, a voter or vehicle registration card, a home or vehicle insurance policy, or a second photo ID.
- Not accepted as ID: a Social Security card, a birth certificate or a credit card.
- USPS Form 1583, signed in front of the store's staff or a notary.
- The full delivery address with ZIP code, plus a phone number for the person receiving it.
- What's inside and about what it's worth, for insurance or a customs form.
- No box? Boxes, tape and mailers are sold at the counter, or have it packed for you.
- Going abroad? A list of each item, how many and the value, for the customs paperwork.
- The return label, or the QR code from the store's email or app.
- A FedEx QR code and no printer? The counter can scan it and print the label.
- A Happy Returns drop-off: bring the QR code from your return.
- Pack it and seal it if the retailer asks for a box.
- Email the file ahead to print@cardiffpostal.com. A PDF keeps your layout exactly as you made it.
- Know the size, the paper, how many and when you need them.
- Not sure what you need? Bring an example; the counter can help you choose.
- The fax number it's going to, and the pages.
- Receiving one here? Give the sender the store's fax number: (832) 437-6157.
More Google reviews
More from Google reviews
Fax, scan, passport photo
“Come here for fax, scan, passport photo, etc. The staff here are always so pleasant and courteous.”
In Young C. Google review · 2026
Headlines are ours; quotes are word for word.
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Passport photo questions
Can I apply for my passport here?
No. Cardiff Postal isn't a passport acceptance facility. Applications go to an acceptance facility, usually by appointment. Passport photos and the DS-3053 notarization are done at this counter.
Can I renew my passport here?
Renewals aren't handled here. USPS says that if you can renew by mail or online, you have to renew that way, not in person.
Printed passport photos for a renewal by mail can be taken at this counter.
Will my photo be accepted?
Nobody can promise that: the State Department decides. The photos are taken to its current rules, and you can help by coming without glasses, hats, uniforms or headphones.
Can you take a baby's passport photo?
Ask at the counter. The State Department's rules: a baby's eyes may be closed, and no parent can be in the picture.
Can I wear glasses?
No, unless a doctor says they can't be removed, and then the application needs a signed medical statement.
Also at the counter
Visit
Suite 40, FM 1463.
In the Cardiff Ranch area of Katy, across FM 1463 from Walgreens, under the lit sign that reads Pack . Ship . Print & More. Free parking in the lot, with spaces out front signed for Cardiff Postal customers.
Katy, TX 77494
| Monday to Friday | 9 AM to 6 PM |
|---|---|
| Saturday | 9 AM to 2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking. Holiday hours can change: call to check.