Getting a Passport in Greenacres, FL: Steps, Facilities & Tips

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Greenacres, FL
Getting a Passport in Greenacres, FL: Steps, Facilities & Tips

Getting a Passport in Greenacres, FL

Greenacres residents in Palm Beach County rely on passports for trips via nearby Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), business to Latin America, Europe-bound snowbirds returning north, Palm Beach State College exchange programs, and family emergencies. Florida's ports like PortMiami amplify peak-season rushes (Dec-Jan, March-May), when acceptance slots vanish fast [1]. This guide delivers city-specific steps, decision tools, timelines, checklists, and tips to dodge rejections from photo glitches, form errors, or doc gaps.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick the wrong form, and face delays or returns. Use this to decide DS-11 (in-person new) vs. DS-82 (mail renewal).

  • First-Time (Adult/Minor): Never had a passport. DS-11 only, in person. Book facilities early amid local demand [2].
  • Renewal: Passport issued <15 years ago (adults), you were 16+, undamaged/not lost. DS-82 by mail (ideal for busy Greenacres snowbirds). Ineligible? DS-11 in person [2].
  • Lost/Stolen/Damaged: DS-64 report first, then DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11. Report online instantly [3].
  • Corrections/Name Change: DS-5504 mail (if <1 year post-issue); else replacement [2].

Forms from pptform.state.gov only—print single-sided, plain paper [4].

Scenario Form Method Greenacres Tip
First-Time Adult DS-11 In-person Post office slots fill; plan 4-6 weeks ahead.
Adult Renewal (Eligible) DS-82 Mail Skip lines; send to Philly—track online.
Minor (<16) DS-11 In-person, parents required Common for college study abroad; custody docs key.
Lost/Stolen DS-64 + DS-11/82 Varies Report ASAP; liability risk otherwise.
Name Change (<1 yr) DS-5504 Mail Quickest for recent marriages.

Required Documents and Eligibility

Originals mandatory; photocopies of ID only [1]. Rejections hit 30% from incompletes [1].

  • Citizenship: Birth cert (raised seal), naturalization cert, or old passport. Florida births: Palm Beach County Health Dept (561-820-2002) or state vital records. 2-4 weeks standard; VitalChek expedites [5][6].
  • ID: FL driver's license (DHSMV), military/govt ID—exact name match [1].
  • Minors: Both parents/IDs or DS-3053 notarized consent; court order if disputed [7].
  • Photo: One 2x2" (specs below).
  • Fees: Two checks/money orders. Adult new: $130 (State) + $35 (facility); child $100 + $35. Expedite +

$60; 1-2 day delivery +$21.50 [8].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-40% rejected locally from Florida glare, poor sizing, or home prints [9]. Pros charge $15.

  • 2x2", color, matte photo paper.
  • White/off-white background; head 1-1 3/8"; neutral face, even light—no shadows, hats (religious OK), glasses if eyes clear.
  • <6 months old [9].

Greenacres spots: CVS/Walgreens (e.g., 4866 S Military Trl, $15); some post offices ($15-20). No selfies [10].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Greenacres

No local passport agencies—use USPS/state-designated spots for DS-11 (new/minor). They verify docs, oath, seal apps (15-30 min visit), forward to processors. Clerk of Courts skips passports [13]. Search iafdb.travel.state.gov for slots—book online/phone ASAP; peak seasons (snowbird returns, spring break) wait 2-4 weeks. Expect Mon/midday rushes; aim early/late weekday [11].

Facility Address Phone Booking & Notes
Greenacres Post Office 1400 Jog Rd, Greenacres, FL 33467 (561) 642-2389 iafdb.travel.state.gov or call; Mon-Fri appts, rare walk-ins [12].
West Palm Beach Main Post Office 1634 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (561) 659-2100 iafdb or USPS locator; 10-min drive [11].
Palm Beach Gardens Post Office 2801 PGA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (561) 775-7928 iafdb; 20-min north, good for renewals backup [11].
Boynton Beach Post Office 650 Congress Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33426 (561) 734-3751 iafdb; 15-min south, less crowded midweek [11].
Wellington Post Office 13980 Wellington Trace, Wellington, FL 33414 (561) 793-0147 iafdb; 15-min west, student-friendly near colleges [11].
Lake Worth Post Office 501 Lake Ave, Lake Worth, FL 33460 (561) 582-5922 iafdb; 10-min east, handles high volume [11].

Renewals: Mail DS-82—no facility needed [2]. Urgent? Miami agency (2.5 hrs, appt only) [14].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

  • Routine: 6-8 weeks (10-14 peaks like winter breaks).
  • Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60 fee + itinerary).
  • Urgent (<14 days): Life/death or itinerary-proven; call 1-877-487-2778 for Miami slot—no fee beyond expedite [14].

Track after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov [15]. PBI intl flights spike Florida backlogs—add buffer. Skip expediters; official cheaper [1].

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

For DS-11 (adapt for mail).

  1. Assess: Table above; form from pptform.state.

gov [2]. 2. Docs: Birth cert (order via [5][6]), ID, pro photo [9]. 3. Form: Black ink, unsigned til sworn. 4. Fees: Separate checks [8]. 5. Book: iafdb.travel.state.gov for facility [11]. 6. Visit: Originals; expect oath/seal (15-30 min). Receipt key. 7. Renewal Alt: Certified mail old passport [2]. 8. Track: passportstatus.state.gov [15].

Minors Extras: Parents/DS-3053/court docs [7].
Expedite: +$60/itinerary; urgent call [14].
Mistakes to Avoid: Wrong form (e.g., DS-11 for renewal), unsigned, no origs—causes returns.

Common Challenges and Florida-Specific Tips

  • Slots: Snowbirds/students jam USPS; book 4-6 wks early [1].
  • Photos: Humidity/glare—CVS retakes easy [9].
  • Minors: Incomplete divorce papers; full custody proof [7].
  • Renewals: >15 yrs old? New app [2].
  • Vitals: County health dept faster than state [5].
  • Lost: Online DS-64 first [3]. PBI/cruise ports need valid passports; business travelers expedite wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Greenacres? No; <14 days: Miami agency appt/proof [14].
Birth cert timeline? 2-4 wks std; VitalChek 3-5 days [5][6].
Expedite vs urgent? Expedite 2-3 wks ($60); urgent agency [14].
Greenacres PO appt? Required via iafdb/call [12].
16-yr expired renewal? No, DS-11 new [2].
Non-consent parent? DS-3053/court [7].
Track status? Yes, post 7 days [15].
Home photos? No, pro only [9].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms
[3] U.S. Department of State - Lost/Stolen Passports
[4] U.S. Department of State - How to Fill Out Forms
[5] Florida Department of Health - Vital Statistics
[6] VitalChek - Florida Birth Certificates
[7] U.S. Department of State - Children
[8] U.S. Department of State - Fees
[9] [U.S. Department of State - Photos](https://travel

.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html)
[10] USPS - Passport Photos
[11] State Department - Acceptance Facility Search
[12] USPS Locator - Greenacres
[13] Palm Beach County Clerk
[14] U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service
[15] Passport Status Check

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations