How to Get a Passport in Lighthouse Point, FL: Full Guide

Table of Contents

• Getting a Passport in Lighthouse Point, Florida
• Determine Which Passport Service You Need
• Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Lighthouse Point
• Required Documents and Forms
• Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections
• Fees and Payment
• Processing Times and Expediting
• Step-by-Step Checklists
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Additional Tips for Broward Residents

Getting a Passport in Lighthouse Point, Florida

Lighthouse Point's proximity to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades cruise terminal drives high passport demand, especially November–April for snowbirds and cruises, plus spring break and holidays. Boaters head to the Caribbean, families to Europe or South America, and business travelers to Latin America or Canada. Last-minute rushes from emergencies or relocations hit Broward County's limited slots hard—plan 8–11 weeks for routine (6–8 weeks processing) or 2–3 weeks for expedited. Pitfalls like peak-season delays or citizenship proof errors cause rejections; this guide, based on U.S. Department of State guidelines, helps avoid them.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing wrong triggers delays. Use this table for Broward-specific context, where snowbirds often renew by mail and families handle child apps in person:

Checklist: Birth cert (original/certified), photo ID, SSN, fees. Use State Dept wizard if unsure—cuts Broward rejections by 30–50%.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Lighthouse Point

No local passport agency; use nearby acceptance facilities (post offices, clerks) for DS-11 witnessing and submission. Expect 15–30 min: ID check, oath, form review—arrive prepared, no photos on-site. Book via phone/site; walk-ins rare in high-volume Broward (peaks: Mondays, lunch hours, winter/summer). Search USPS locator for ZIP 33064 availability.

• Lighthouse Point Post Office: 2801 NE 32nd St, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064. Call (954) 943-4959 to confirm USPS.
• Pompano Beach Main Post Office: 530 NE 3rd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33060.
• Broward County Clerk (Dania Beach): 909 SE 1st Ave, Dania Beach, FL 33004; check Deerfield branch Broward Clerk.
• Fort Lauderdale Main Post Office: 1033 SW 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315.

Book 4–6 weeks early for snowbird season. Google Maps search.

Required Documents and Forms

Originals only; photocopies for backups. Florida births: Order certified from Vital Statistics (904-359-6900); no hospital versions.

• Citizenship: Certified birth cert, naturalization cert.
• ID: FL DL (DHSMV), military ID.
• Photos: One 2x2".
• Forms:

  Service	Form	Method
  New/Minor/Replacement	DS-11	Unsigned till in-person
  Renewal	DS-82	Mail
  Lost/Stolen	DS-64	Online/mail

Name changes: Original marriage/divorce/court docs. Minors: Both parents or DS-3053.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25% of Broward rejections. Specs (State Dept): 2x2", color, white background, <6 mos old, 1–1⅜" head, neutral face, no glasses/hats/uniforms/shadows/dark clothes.

Local spots: CVS/Walgreens/UPS (e.g., 2060 NE 36th St)—specify "passport". No selfies/digital.

Fees and Payment

Facility execution: ~$35 (check/money order). State fees (details):

• Adult book: $130 + $30 exec.
• Child: $100 + $35.
• Renewal: $130/$100.
• Expedite: +$60; 1–2 day delivery: +$21.36.

No cards at most; track via USPS.

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6–8 wks mail, 4–6 in-person. Peaks (FL winter): +2–4 wks. Expedite: 2–3 wks (+$60). <14 days/life-or-death: Miami Agency (305-530-5600, proof required). Track here.

Step-by-Step Checklists

First-Time/Minor (DS-11, In-Person)

1. Use Passport Wizard to confirm form: Start with the online Passport Application Wizard at pptform.state.gov to verify DS-11 is right for first-time applicants, minors under 16, or major name/gender changes. Common mistake: Skipping this and using DS-82 renewal form incorrectly—wizard prevents errors. Decision guidance: If you've had a passport but lost it or it's damaged beyond use, DS-11 applies; otherwise, check renewal options.

2. Prepare DS-11 form unsigned: Download and complete the DS-11 fully in black ink (or print clearly if typing), but do not sign until instructed at the facility. Practical tip: Use the latest version; include all travel history for the past 5 years if applying for a child. Common mistake: Signing early, which voids the form.

3. Get compliant passport photo: Provide one 2x2-inch color photo taken within the last 6 months meeting exact specs—plain white/light background, head size 1-1 3/8 inches, no glasses/selfies/uniforms/smiling. Practical tip: Use local pharmacies or UPS Stores near Lighthouse Point for $15–20; get two photos as backup. Common mistake: Poor lighting/shadows or eyeglasses glare—rejections are common.

4. Gather ID and photocopies: Bring original primary ID (e.g., Florida driver's license, state ID, or military ID) plus photocopy of front/back, and a secondary ID (e.g., birth certificate, Social Security card). For minors, child's birth certificate + parents' IDs. Decision guidance: Florida DL suffices as primary for most adults; if expired <2 years, still OK—check ID requirements. Common mistake: Forgetting photocopies or using non-valid IDs like school ID.

5. Prepare fees with separate payments: Application fee ($130 adult/$100 child book, varies) payable by personal check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; execution fee ($35) by check/money order/cash to the facility. Practical tip: Confirm current fees at travel.state.gov; use two separate checks. Expedite? Add $60 fee. Common mistake: Single check or credit cards (rarely accepted).

6. Book acceptance facility appointment: Search USPS.com or travel.state.gov for passport acceptance facilities near Lighthouse Point, FL (e.g., post offices)—many require online appointments weeks ahead. Practical tip: Aim for weekdays; walk-ins rare. Decision guidance: Choose based on availability and hours; clerks verify forms on-site.

7. Attend appointment fully prepared: Arrive 15 mins early with all items; sign DS-11 there. For minors under 16: both parents/guardians must attend or provide notarized DS-3053 consent form. Practical tip: Dress business casual; no electronic devices in some spots. Common mistake: Incomplete parental consent delays by months.

8. Track application status: After submission, use passportstatus.state.gov with receipt number (mailed in 7–10 days). Practical tip: Standard processing 6–8 weeks; near Lighthouse Point, delivery via USPS—sign up for informed delivery. Decision guidance: Track weekly; if >4 weeks delayed, contact National Passport Info Center at 1-877-487-2778.

Renewal/Replacement (DS-82, Mail)

Eligibility: renew tool (16+ issue, <15 yrs, undamaged). Lost: DS-64 first.

1. DS-82 signed.
2. Old passport.
3. Photo.
4. $130/$100 check to State Dept.
5. Priority mail to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
6. Expedite optional.
7. Track online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Lighthouse Point? No; Miami agency for <14 days proof.

FL birth cert? Vital Stats; 3–5 days.

Name change? Original certs; photocopy all.

Passport card for Port Everglades cruises? Yes, closed-loop hemisphere (card info).

Absent parent? Notarized DS-3053.

Track status? passportstatus.state.gov after 1–2 wks.

Expedite in busy season? Yes (+$60), but plan early.

Lighthouse Point USPS appt? Call; limited walk-ins.

Additional Tips for Broward Residents

Snowbirds: Renew pre-season via mail. Cruises: 6-mo validity rule (countries). Students/business: Clerk group apps. Frequent flyers: Global Entry. Renew 6–9 mos early; verify all via travel.state.gov.