The “People’s Clerk” takes government beyond the courthouse with an August 22 Passport Fair designed to make international travel and essential public services more accessible.

In a county built by families from across Texas, America and the world, a passport is more than a little blue book. It is a ticket to opportunity, family connections, education, business, adventure — and, occasionally, a much-needed vacation.

On Saturday, August 22, 2026, Fort Bend County District Clerk Beverley McGrew Walker is taking public service beyond the courthouse doors with a special Passport Fair at the Brand Lane Islamic Center, 610 Brand Lane in Stafford. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is designed to make applying for a U.S. passport more convenient for residents of the greater Fort Bend County community.

That kind of neighborhood-level access matters. In a healthy democracy, government should not feel like a maze citizens have to conquer; it should function like a public institution built to serve them. Walker, who has served as Fort Bend County District Clerk since 2019 and is the 45th person to hold the office, has made accessibility a recurring theme of her administration. The District Clerk is a constitutionally established office that serves as custodian of district-court records and a vital link between residents and the justice system.

“The Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Office continues to offer passport application services to the greater Fort Bend County Community,” Walker said.

Known as “The People’s Clerk,” Walker added that making passports easier to obtain and improving the jury-selection process have been “a labor of love” during her seven years in office. Her philosophy is even simpler: “There is no higher calling than serving the public.”

The August 22 Passport Fair puts that philosophy into practice. According to the District Clerk’s Office, passport applications at the fair are being accepted by appointment only. Passport photos will be available on-site for $15. Application fees must be paid by check or money order, while acceptance fees may be paid by credit or debit card; cash will not be accepted.

 

All applicants, including minors, must appear in person. Children under age 16 generally must appear with both parents or guardians. When one parent cannot attend, additional consent documentation is required, such as Form DS-3053 and the appropriate identification documentation.

Residents should also plan ahead. The U.S. Department of State currently lists routine passport processing at approximately four to six weeks and expedited processing at two to three weeks, not including mailing time.

For Fort Bend County, bringing a federal travel-document service into a familiar community setting is practical government with a personal touch. It saves residents time, expands access and reminds us that democracy is strengthened not only in voting booths and courtrooms, but also in the everyday moments when public institutions work well for ordinary people.

Passport to Possibilities – EVENT DETAILS

Saturday, August 22, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Brand Lane Islamic Center
610 Brand Lane | Stafford, TX 77477
Appointments: Fort Bend County District Clerk Passport Services • Questions: 281-341-4515
Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be scheduled at: www.fbctx.gov/passports

Fort Bend County District Clerk Beverley Walker at: www.fbctx.gov/districtclerk