Complete Guide to Getting Your Passport in Hollywood, FL

Getting a Passport in Hollywood, Florida

Hollywood, Florida, in Broward County, sits in a region with heavy international travel demands. Residents and visitors frequently jet off for business trips to Latin America and Europe, family vacations during spring break or winter holidays, and student exchange programs. Florida's cruise ports and proximity to Miami International Airport amplify this, leading to seasonal spikes in passport applications during summer and winter breaks. Urgent scenarios—like last-minute business deals or family emergencies—add pressure, but high demand at acceptance facilities often means limited appointments. Common pitfalls include photo rejections from poor lighting or wrong sizes, missing documents for minors, and confusion over whether to renew by mail or apply in person [1]. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, tailored to Hollywood-area options, with tips to avoid delays.

Determine Your Passport Service Need

Before gathering forms, identify your situation to choose the right path. U.S. passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State, and processing starts at acceptance facilities or by mail [1]. Here's how to decide:

• First-Time Applicant: If you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous passport was issued before age 16, or it's been damaged/lost and over 15 years old, apply in person using Form DS-11. No renewals allowed [2].

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you're over 16, and it's undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person needed unless adding pages or changing name [3].

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report it via Form DS-64 (free declaration), then renew with DS-82 if eligible, or use DS-11 for in-person if not. Expedited options apply for urgency [4].

• Name Change, Correction, or Additional Pages: Use DS-5504 by mail if changed within a year; otherwise, DS-82 or DS-11 [5].

• Child (Under 16): Always DS-11 in person; both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent [6].

• Urgent Travel (Within 14 Days): In-person at a facility, then expedited at a passport agency. Life-or-death emergencies allow walk-ins [7].

Florida sees higher volumes for minors due to exchange programs and family trips. Check eligibility tools on the State Department's site to confirm [1]. Renewals save time—about 70% of adults qualify [8].

Passport Requirements and Documentation

Gather these before your appointment to prevent rejections, a top issue in busy Broward County. Requirements are strict:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (long form preferred for Florida-issued), naturalization certificate, or prior passport. Photocopies required [1].

• Photo ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government-issued ID matching application name. Florida REAL ID compliant DLs work well [9].

• Photos: One 2x2-inch color photo on white background, taken within 6 months. No selfies—use CVS, Walgreens, or UPS in Hollywood (e.g., 2105 Hollywood Blvd). Rejections spike from glare, shadows, or smiles [10]. Specs: Head 1-1 3/8 inches, neutral expression, even lighting [11].

• Fees: Paid separately—check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" for application fee; cash/check to facility for execution fee. Execution fee ~$35; passport book $130 adults/$100 minors [12].

For minors: Both parents' IDs, parental consent if one absent (Form DS-3053 notarized), court order if sole custody [6]. Florida vital records office in Jacksonville issues birth certificates—order online or via Broward Health Dept [13].

Local Acceptance Facilities in Hollywood and Broward County

Hollywood has several U.S. authorized facilities; book appointments online as slots fill fast, especially pre-summer [14]. Broward County Clerk offices and libraries handle high volumes.

• Hollywood Main Post Office: 3400 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33021. Mon-Fri 10am-3pm by appointment. Phone: (954) 925-8171 [15].

• Hollywood City Hall: Not primary, but check for pop-ups; main hub is post offices [16].

• Nearby Options:

  Facility	Address	Phone	Notes
  Hallandale Beach Post Office	909 E Hallandale Beach Blvd, Hallandale, FL 33009	(954) 458-4493	10-min drive; walk-ins limited [15]
  Broward County Central Examining Board	115 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301	(954) 357-7200	County hub; passports Mon-Thu [17]
  Pembroke Pines Library	955 NW 38th St, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024	(954) 538-4691	Seasonal; book ahead [18]

Miami Passport Agency (2-hour drive) for urgent cases only—appointment required [7]. No Hollywood-area passport agencies; nearest is Miami.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Applying In Person (DS-11)

Use this for first-time, children, or non-renewals. Aim for off-peak (weekdays, mornings).

1. Complete Form DS-11: Fill out online at travel.state.gov (print single-sided, unsigned) or download PDF. Do not sign until instructed [2].

2. Gather Documents: Citizenship proof + photocopy, photo ID + photocopy, two passport photos, parental docs if minor [1].

3. Calculate Fees: Application ($130 adult/$100 child book), execution ($35), expedited (+$60 if needed). Speed delivery +$21.07 [12].

4. Book Appointment: Use facility websites (e.g., usps.com for post offices). Hollywood PO books 2-4 weeks out in peak season [15].

5. Attend Appointment: Arrive 15 min early with all items. Sign DS-11 in front of agent. Pay fees separately.

6. Track Status: Online at passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days. Standard 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks [19]. Avoid peak spring/summer—delays common in Florida [20].

Step-by-Step Checklist: Renewal by Mail (DS-82)

Faster for eligible adults; Florida mail volume high due to snowbirds.

1. Verify Eligibility: Passport <15 years old, you >16, undamaged [3].

2. Complete DS-82: Online or PDF; sign/dated. Include old passport.

3. Photos and Fees: One photo, check to "U.S. Department of State" ($130).

4. Mail To: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. Use USPS Priority ($21+ tracking) [21].

5. Expedite if Needed: Add $60 fee check; for 14-day urgent, go in-person first [7].

6. Track: As above. Return shipping included.

Expedited and Urgent Services

Standard processing: 6-8 weeks. Expedite for 2-3 weeks (+$60). For travel <14 days or life/death <28 days: In-person expedite at facility, then agency appointment via 1-877-487-2778 [7]. Florida's seasonal rushes (winter breaks) make last-minute risky—plan 3+ months ahead. No guarantees; peak delays reported up to 12 weeks [20]. Private expediters exist but charge extra—not affiliated with government [22].

Photo Tips to Avoid Rejection

Photos fail 20-30% of applications [11]. Hollywood pharmacies like Walgreens (6520 Taft St) offer $15 service.

• Dimensions: Exactly 2x2 inches.
• Background: Plain white/off-white.
• Head size: 1-1 3/8 inches from chin to top.
• Avoid: Glasses (unless medical), hats, uniforms, shadows, red eyes, busy backgrounds [10].

Florida humidity can cause glare—use indoor studios.

Common Challenges and Florida-Specific Tips

High demand in Broward means Hollywood facilities book 3-4 weeks out March-June/Dec [14]. Students: Coordinate with schools for exchange docs. Urgent business? Proof of travel (itinerary) helps agencies [7]. Minors: Florida custody papers from Broward Clerk vital [23]. Birth certs: Order from FL Dept of Health (904-359-6900) or Broward (954-357-5570) [13]. Renewals misused as new apps waste time—double-check.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Hollywood

Passport acceptance facilities are official sites authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit new passport applications or renewals for U.S. citizens. These locations do not process passports themselves; instead, they verify your identity, review your paperwork, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for final processing. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Hollywood, you'll find such facilities conveniently scattered across urban centers, suburban areas, and nearby communities, making it accessible for residents and visitors alike.

When visiting a passport acceptance facility, come prepared with a completed DS-11 form for first-time applicants (or DS-82 for renewals if eligible), a valid photo ID, a passport photo meeting State Department specs (2x2 inches, white background), and payment for application and execution fees—typically via check or money order, as cash may not always be accepted. Expect a short interview where the agent administers an oath, witnesses your signature, and seals your application in an official envelope. The process usually takes 15-30 minutes per applicant, but lines can form. Children under 16 must apply in person with both parents or guardians, adding extra documentation like birth certificates. Facilities in the Hollywood area often handle high volumes due to tourism and local travel demand, so double-check eligibility rules on the State Department's website beforehand to avoid issues.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities near Hollywood tend to see peak crowds during high travel seasons like summer vacations, spring breaks, and major holidays, when demand surges. Mondays are notoriously hectic as people kick off the week, and mid-day slots (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) often overlap with lunch-hour rushes. To minimize waits, aim for early mornings shortly after opening or late afternoons toward closing. Many sites offer appointments via an online system—book well in advance, especially seasonally. Arrive with all documents organized, and consider weekdays over weekends. If urgency arises, expedited services are available but require additional fees and proof of travel. Patience and preparation are key to a smoother experience in this bustling region.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a passport in Hollywood, FL?
Standard: 6-8 weeks processing + mailing. Expedited: 2-3 weeks. Add 1-2 weeks for high-volume periods like Florida's winter season. Track online [19].

Can I walk in without an appointment?
Limited walk-ins at some post offices; Hollywood Main prefers appointments. Call ahead. Urgent agency visits require bookings [15][7].

What if my child passport is expiring soon?
Under 16 always in-person DS-11. Apply 9+ months early for trips [6].

Do I need an appointment at USPS in Hollywood?
Yes, book via usps.com/postal-locator or call. Slots limited due to tourism spikes [15].

Can I renew my passport at Hollywood City Hall?
Not typically; use post offices or Broward Clerk. Verify current status [16][17].

What if my passport is lost while traveling?
Report via DS-64 online/phone, apply for replacement upon return. Carry copies abroad [4].

Is REAL ID enough for passport application?
Yes, as photo ID. Florida REAL IDs accepted [9].

How do I get a birth certificate for Florida birth?
From Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or Broward County Health Dept [13].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Apply In Person (DS-11)
[3]Renew by Mail (DS-82)
[4]Lost or Stolen Passports
[5]Corrections
[6]Children Under 16
[7]Get Fast
[8]Passport Statistics
[9]Florida DHSMV REAL ID
[10]Passport Photo Guide
[11]Photo Requirements
[12]Fees
[13]Florida Vital Statistics
[14]USPS Passport Locator
[15]Hollywood Post Office
[16]Hollywood FL City Services
[17]Broward Clerk Records
[18]Broward Libraries
[19]Check Status
[20]Processing Times
[21]Renewal Address
[22]Private Expediters
[23]Broward Vital Records