Passport in Dania Beach, FL: Application Steps & Local Facilities

Getting a Passport in Dania Beach, Florida

Dania Beach, located in Broward County, Florida, sits near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and major cruise ports like Port Everglades, making it a hub for frequent international travel. Residents and visitors often need passports for business trips to Latin America and Europe, family vacations during spring break or winter holidays, student exchange programs, and last-minute cruises or flights. Florida's seasonal peaks in spring/summer and winter breaks drive high demand at passport facilities, leading to limited appointments. This guide covers the full process, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you navigate common hurdles like photo rejections, documentation gaps, and confusion over renewals versus new applications [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the correct service prevents delays and extra fees. Use this section to identify your situation:

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16, expired more than 15 years ago, or is damaged beyond use. Apply in person at an acceptance facility using Form DS-11 [2].

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were at least 16 when it was issued, and it's undamaged. Most adults can renew by mail using Form DS-82, saving time and avoiding appointments [2]. Not eligible if your passport is lost, stolen, or issued before age 16.

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Report it lost/stolen online first, then apply for a replacement. If abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy. Use Form DS-11 in person if also changing name/details; otherwise, DS-82 by mail [1].

• Name Change or Correction: Use Form DS-5504 by mail if your passport is less than one year old; otherwise, DS-82 or DS-11 [2].

• For Minors Under 16: Always requires in-person application with both parents/guardians (or Form DS-3053). Renewals follow the same rules but use DS-11 [3].

Florida's travel volume, including urgent trips for cruises departing Port Everglades, often pushes applicants toward expedited options. Check eligibility at travel.state.gov before starting [1].

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals and photocopies (on plain white paper) before applying. Incomplete docs are a top rejection reason, especially for minors needing parental IDs.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (raised seal), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Florida vital records can be ordered online if needed [4].

• Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Florida DLs from DHSMV qualify [5].

• Photos: One 2x2-inch color photo (details below).

• Forms:

  Applicant Type	Form	Method
  First-time adult/minor	DS-11	In person
  Adult renewal	DS-82	Mail
  Minor renewal	DS-11	In person
  Lost/stolen	DS-64 (report) + DS-11/DS-82	Varies

Fees (as of 2023; verify current): $130 adult book + $35 execution fee; $100 child book. Expedited adds $60 [1]. Pay execution fee by check/money order to facility; passport fee by check to State Department.

Passport Photo Requirements

Photos account for many rejections due to shadows from Florida's bright sun, glare on glasses, or wrong sizing. Specs are strict [6]:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• Color photo on photo paper, taken within 6 months.
• White/neutral background, even lighting (no shadows under chin/eyes).
• Full face view, mouth closed, neutral expression.
• Glasses OK if eyes visible/no glare; no hats/uniforms unless religious/medical (documentation required).

Local options: CVS, Walgreens, or UPS Stores in Dania Beach take compliant photos for $15-17. Avoid selfies or home printers.

Photo Checklist:

• Measure head size (1-1 3/8 inches from chin to top).
• Plain white/off-white background.
• No shadows, glare, or red-eye.
• Front view, eyes open, neutral face.
• Printed on thin photo paper (matte OK).

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Dania Beach

Broward County's high demand means booking appointments early via the facility's website or by calling. Use the State Department's locator for real-time availability [7]. Dania Beach lacks a dedicated municipal office, so nearby options include:

• Dania Beach Post Office (350 S Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, FL 33004): By appointment; call 954-920-4293 [8].
• Hollywood Main Post Office (1401 S Federal Hwy, Hollywood, FL 33020): High-volume, walk-ins rare; book online [8].
• Broward County Clerk of the Circuit Court (multiple locations, e.g., Central Courthouse, 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301): Appointments required; check browardclerk.org [9].
• Fort Lauderdale Main Post Office (1702 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311).

Peak seasons (spring break March-April, winter Dec-Feb) fill slots weeks ahead. Arrive 15 minutes early with all docs.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Follow this for in-person applications (DS-11). Renewals by mail skip steps 4-6.

1. Complete Form DS-11: Fill out but do not sign until instructed at facility [2].
2. Gather Documents: Citizenship proof + photocopy, ID + photocopy, photo, parental consent (minors).
3. Book Appointment: Use facility site or call; aim 4-6 weeks before travel.
4. Attend Appointment:
   • Present docs.
   • Sign DS-11 in front of agent.
   • Pay fees (two checks).
5. Track Status: Online at passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days.
6. Receive Passport: Mailed in 6-8 weeks standard; expedited 2-3 weeks.

Full Document Checklist (Adults):

• DS-11 unsigned.
• U.S. birth certificate (original + copy).
• Driver's license (original + copy).
• Passport photo.
• Check for passport fee ($130/$100).
• Check/money order for execution fee ($35).

Minors Checklist Additions:

• Both parents' IDs + copies.
• DS-3053 if one parent absent.
• Court order if sole custody.

Expedited and Urgent Travel Services

Standard processing: 6-8 weeks. Expedited ($60 extra): 2-3 weeks. No hard guarantees—peak Florida travel delays both [1].

• Urgent (travel within 14 days): Life-or-death emergencies only qualify for in-person at Miami Passport Agency (2 hours south; appointment via 1-877-487-2778) [10]. Cruises/hotels don't count. Book ASAP; high rejection rate for incomplete apps.

Warning: Avoid relying on last-minute processing during holidays or summer—plan 3+ months ahead.

Special Considerations for Minors and Florida Residents

Minors under 16 need both parents/guardians present or notarized DS-3053. Florida's exchange programs and family cruises amplify this need [3]. Order birth certificates from Florida Department of Health if lost [4].

Lost passports? Report immediately via DS-64 to prevent fraud [1].

Processing Times and Local Tips

Track via email alerts. Florida's humidity can damage paper docs—use plastic sleeves. During peaks, consider passport books + cards for cruises.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Limited Appointments: Book early; have backups.
• Photo Rejections: Use professionals; preview specs [6].
• Renewal Confusion: Check dates—over 15 years old? New app needed.
• Minors Docs: Get consent forms notarized ahead.
• Peak Delays: Florida's tourism spikes overwhelm facilities.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Dania Beach

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and certain replacements. These include common sites such as post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. They do not issue passports on-site; instead, staff verify your identity, review your application for completeness, administer the oath, collect fees, and forward your sealed application to a regional passport agency for processing. Expect to bring a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form, a valid photo ID, a passport photo meeting State Department specs, and payment (typically check or money order for the government fee). Processing can take 6-8 weeks standard or 2-3 weeks expedited, so plan accordingly.

In and around Dania Beach, you'll find such facilities in nearby communities along the coast and inland areas. Look for them in adjacent towns, often within a short drive through Broward County. Public post offices are widespread, while libraries and government centers cluster near urban hubs. Always verify current authorization via the State Department's online locator tool, as participation can vary. Some offer drop-off services or limited walk-in slots; others prioritize appointments to streamline visits.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer vacations, holidays, and spring breaks, when demand surges. Mondays often start crowded as people catch up from the weekend, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) typically peak with lunch-hour crowds. Early mornings or late afternoons may offer quieter windows, but this varies.

To plan effectively, check facility guidelines in advance—many now require online bookings. Arrive prepared with all documents to avoid delays, and consider off-peak weekdays. If urgency arises, explore expedited options or passport agencies in larger cities, though they require proof of imminent travel. Patience and preparation ensure a smoother experience amid fluctuating crowds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Dania Beach?
No routine same-day service exists locally. Urgent cases go to agencies like Miami (appointment only) [10].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited speeds routine apps to 2-3 weeks. Urgent (within 14 days) requires agency visit for emergencies only [1].

Do I need an appointment at the post office?
Yes, most Broward USPS facilities require them; check via locator [7].

How do I renew an expired passport in Florida?
By mail if eligible (DS-82). Florida mail delays possible—use USPS tracking [8].

What if my child’s other parent won’t consent?
Provide court order, death certificate, or DS-3053. Both must appear otherwise [3].

Where do I get a birth certificate in Broward County?
Order from Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or local health dept [4].

Can I use my old passport photo?
No—must be within 6 months [6].

Is a passport card enough for cruises from Port Everglades?
Yes for closed-loop cruises to Caribbean/Mexico; book needs full validity [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Forms
[3]U.S. Department of State - Minors Under 16
[4]Florida Department of Health - Vital Statistics
[5]Florida DHSMV - Identification
[6]U.S. Department of State - Photos
[7]State Department Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[8]USPS Location Finder
[9]Broward Clerk of Courts
[10]State Department Passport Agencies