Sawgrass FL Passport Guide: Nearest Facilities & Application Steps

Quick Start Guide for Sawgrass Passport Needs

Sawgrass Snapshot: Nestled in St. Johns County amid TPC Sawgrass golf courses, Ponte Vedra beaches, and a 25-35 minute drive to Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and Port Jacksonville cruises. Demand spikes for Caribbean getaways, European golf tours, and family beach trips—plan ahead for Mar-May and Dec-Feb peaks.

Top 5 Nearest Passport Acceptance Facilities
Verify hours, appointments, and acceptance status by phone or links—typical passport services Mon-Fri mornings; no walk-ins during peaks.

Fast Path Steps:

1. Decide Form: DS-11 (new, minor, damaged, name change—in-person required) vs. DS-82 (renewal by mail if issued <15 years ago, ≥16 years old, undamaged, same name/address). Use State Dept wizard.
2. Gather Essentials: Original birth certificate, photo ID (FL REAL ID preferred), 2x2 photo, fees, photocopies.
3. Apply: Book appointment via links abov

e or mail DS-82.
Timelines: 6-8 weeks routine; $60 expedite for 2-3 weeks. Track at passportstatus.state.gov.
Local Tip: Florida humidity/glare ruins photos—use CVS/Walgreens pros near Sawgrass Village; book 4-6 weeks early for cruise season.

Table of Contents

• Determine Which Passport Service You Need
• Required Documents and Common Mistakes
• Step-by-Step Application Checklists
• Processing Times and Expediting
• Passport Photos
• Fee Breakdown
• Florida-Specific Tips
• Nearby Facilities
• FAQs
• Success Tips

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Use this decision tree for DS-11 vs. DS-82:

Eligible for mail renewal (DS-82)?
├── Yes: Issued ≥16 yrs old, <15 yrs ago, undamaged, signature name matches ID → Mail from home ($130, 6-8 wks).
└── No: First-time, minor under 16, lost/stolen/damaged, name change → DS-11 in-person ($165 + $35 fee, appointment).

What to Expect In-Person (15-45 min): Arrive 15 min early with all docs. Agent reviews, you sign DS-11, application sealed/mailed on-site. No processing there—bring calm kids, no large bags.

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming DS-82 eligibility (e.g., expired >5 years forces DS-11).
• Unsigned DS-11 or missing parental consent for minors (20% rejection rate).
• Poor photos (sun glare common in FL).
• No photocopies (front/back of ID/docs).

Multiple Passports for Frequent Travelers: Ideal for Sawgrass pros with JAX business flights overlapping beach vacations (e.g., China visa blocking Europe). Submit current passport + 1-page letter proving need (trip proofs, visa scans). Request limited validity (≤4 years) to save costs. Avoid vague letters—specify date

s/conflicts.

Minors Under 16: DS-11 in-person with both parents/guardians or notarized DS-3053. Hurricane season? Expedite.

Required Documents and Common Florida Challenges

Core List:

• Proof of citizenship: Original long-form birth certificate (order from St. Johns Health Dept via VitalChek, 2-4 weeks).
• ID: Driver's license/REAL ID (avoid expired).
• Photo: 2x2 white background.
• Fees + photocopies (all docs front/back).

FL Pitfalls (30% rejections): Glare from coastal sun, faded marriage certs for name changes, delayed birth certs during peaks. No photocopies? Rejected.

Step-by-Step Application Checklists

DS-11 In-Person:

1. Complete DS-11 online, print unsigned.
2. Assemble docs/photo/fees/photocopies.
3. Book via facility links.
4. Attend, sign on-site, get receipt.
5. Track after 7-10 days.

DS-82 Mail Renewal:

1. Download/fill DS-82, sign.
2. Include old passport, photo, check ($130 to "US Department of State").
3. Mail to address on form (USPS Priority recommended for tracking).

Lost/Stolen: File DS-64 online first, then above.

Processing Times and Expediting

Proof required for urgent (flights/itineraries). Track weekly.

Passport Photos

Specs: 2x2 inches, head 1-1⅜", even light, mouth closed, no glasses/selfies.
Local Spots: CVS/Walgreens (Sawgrass Village area, $15, digital proof). Reject risk: Shadows from FL sun (outdoor fails 40%).

Fee Breakdown

Pay execution fee to facility, rest to State Dept. Cards OK at some.

Florida-Specific Tips

• Birth certs: St. Johns Health.
• REAL ID for domestic flights: FLHSMV.
• Passport card: Cheaper for cruises/Canada land/sea (not air).
• Hurricane risks: Expedite, use tracking; mail delays common Jun-Nov.

Nearby Facilities

See top table. Mor

nings best; agents administer oath/seal only. Drive times from Sawgrass: 10-15 min to Ponte Vedra/Jax Beach, 25-40 min to St. Augustine/Jacksonville.

FAQs

Renewal at local PO? No Sawgrass site; mail DS-82 or nearest listed.
Urgent cruise from JAX port? Expedite + proof.
Minor solo parent? DS-3053 notarized.
Expired 15+ years? Treat as new (DS-11).
Status check? passportstatus.state.gov after 1 week.

Success Tips

Start 9+ weeks early for peaks. Use State Dept chat for complexities. Double-check wizards to dodge 25% rejection rate. For golf tour/Cruise rushes, prioritize Ponte Vedra PO.

Sources

travel.state.gov/passports | Forms | USPS Locator | St. Johns Clerk | Processing | Photos/Fees