For Grayson Lakes families planning an international summer getaway, a holiday trip overseas or business travel later this year, one of the most important travel details is also one of the easiest to put off: making sure passport paperwork is handled early.

To help Fort Bend County residents prepare, Fort Bend County District Clerk Beverley McGrew Walker is hosting a special Passport Fair on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Cottage House in the Veranda Community, located at 23323 Pearl Glen Dr. in Richmond.

The event is being offered as a community service through the Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Office, giving local residents a more convenient way to apply for a U.S. Passport without having to wait until travel plans become urgent.

“The Fort Bend County District Clerk's Office continues to offer passport application services to the greater Fort Bend County Community,” said Fort Bend County District Clerk Beverley McGrew Walker, also known as the People’s Clerk.

Passport Fair Offers a Local Option for Fort Bend County Travelers

For many families in Grayson Lakes, international travel often starts months before the actual trip. Whether residents are visiting relatives overseas, planning a cruise, preparing for a destination wedding, traveling for work or getting ready for winter break travel, passport processing is one of those tasks best handled well in advance.

The July Passport Fair is designed to make that process easier for residents across Fort Bend County. A limited number of appointments are being accepted, and residents can schedule an appointment by visiting fbctx.gov/passports. 

Applicants are encouraged to review the District Clerk’s website before attending to confirm current passport costs, documentation requirements and accepted forms of payment.

“As the Fort Bend County District Clerk for the last seven years, making it easier to obtain a passport and improving the jury selection process has always been a labor of love,” Walker said.

What Applicants Need to Know Before Attending

All applicants must appear in person at the Passport Fair, including minors.

For children under age 16, both parents must appear with the minor. If one parent is not available, the absent parent must provide either a DS-3053 form or a notarized authorization letter, along with a copy of that parent’s identification, front and back.

Because appointments are limited, residents hoping to apply at the fair should not wait to sign up. The District Clerk’s Office also encourages the public to follow its social media pages for future passport fairs and passport service updates.

“There is no higher calling than serving the public,” Walker said.

Leaving Town? Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Offers Vacation and House Watch

Along with passport preparation, residents who will be away from home for two days or longer may also want to take advantage of another local resource: the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Vacation Watch program.

Through the Vacation Watch, also known as House Watch, residents can submit a form notifying the Sheriff’s Office that they will be out of town. Once submitted, the information is sent to a patrol deputy so the residence can receive special notice while the homeowner is away.

For Grayson Lakes residents traveling internationally, leaving for a holiday visit or taking an extended business trip, the program offers an added layer of awareness while the home is unoccupied. It does not replace normal home safety steps, but it can help local law enforcement know when a residence may need extra attention during routine patrols.

Residents can submit the House Watch form online at housewatchwebportal.fortbendcountytx.gov.

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to dial 9-1-1 for emergencies only. For non-emergencies, residents may call 281-341-4665. To report information on a current investigation, call 281-341-4686. Anonymous tips may be reported by calling 281-342-TIPS (8477).

A Helpful Step Before the Next Trip

For local families, travel planning is often about more than booking flights and packing bags. It is about making sure the right documents are ready, the home is secure and the trip begins with fewer last-minute worries.

The Fort Bend County Passport Fair gives residents a timely chance to prepare before school breaks, holiday travel and year-end business trips arrive. Combined with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Vacation Watch option, it is a practical reminder that a little preparation close to home can make travel feel more manageable.

Residents can learn more about passport services and appointment availability through the Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Office at fbctx.gov/passports.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more helpful Fort Bend County updates, local resources and community information.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.