Washington Park FL Passport Guide: Forms, Facilities & Tips

Passport Services in Washington Park, FL

Washington Park, a compact Broward County enclave near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Port Everglades cruise terminals, sees surging passport demand from snowbirds fleeing winter, spring breakers heading Caribbean-bound, and business travelers routing through FLL or MIA. Local pain points include I-95 traffic jams delaying trips to facilities, scarce slots at Hollywood post offices amid seasonal rushes (March-May peaks), and frequent errors like using DS-11 for mail-eligible renewals or minor consent oversights—issues that snag 30% of Broward apps. Photo rejections from harsh Florida sun are common, as are delays from incomplete birth certificates.

This Broward-tailored guide covers forms (DS-11 vs. DS-82 decisions), checklists, timelines, and facilities. Verify on official sites; routine processing hits 8-13 weeks amid peaks (June-August, December-February). Start 3-6 months early.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Decision tips: DS-11 for newbies, kids, or exhausted passports; DS-82 saves trips if eligible (old passport enclosed). Download unsigned from State Dept; sign DS-11 only at facility.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Routine Applications

For DS-11 (first-time/kids/replacements). Renewals: Mail DS-82 with old passport/photo/fees.

1. Gather docs (originals; no photocopies for citizenship).
2. Photos (2x2", recent, pro service).
3. Fill DS-11 unsigned.
4. Book facility (call/online; Broward slots vanish fast).
5. Attend (20-45 min: staff verifies ID/docs, witnesses sig, seals envelope).
6. Pay (separate checks: app to State, execution to facility).
7. Track after 7-10 days online.

Pre-Visit Checklist:

• Photo ID matching citizenship doc
• U.S. birth cert/naturalization (Broward: vitalchek.com, 2-4 weeks)
• Prior passport
• 2 p

hotos

• Unsigned DS-11
• Fees/checks
• Confirmed appt

Post-Visit:

• Receipt/tracking #
• Weekly status checks
• Travel buffers (expedite if <9 weeks out)

Expect at facilities: Queue for doc review (bring extras), sig in front of clerk, no on-site printing/processing.

Required Documents

• Citizenship: Original birth cert (Florida: order via health dept/vitalchek if lost), naturalization cert. Broward births: quick online, but peaks delay.
• ID: FL license (name match or add marriage cert).
• Kids: Both parents/DS-3053 notarized; relationship proof. Airlines check rigorously.
• Lost: DS-64 + optional police report.

Broward trap: 20% minor apps rejected for partial consent—get DS-3053 ahead.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25% of returns: Florida glare causes shadows. Specs: 2x2" (head 1-1⅜"), white background, neutral face, no glasses/hats/selfies, <6 months old.

Pro spots near Washington Park: CVS/Walgreens/UPS in Hollywood (~$15). Test lighting indoors.

Where to Apply: Broward County Facilities

No Washington Park site—head to nearby Hollywood/Pembroke Pines (5-15 min drive). Demand high; book 4-6 weeks out via USPS. Walk-ins rare; arrive early (Mon busiest, mid-week best). Process: 20-45 min doc check/sig/seal. No expediting here.

• Hollywood Main Post Office (1401 S Federal Hwy, Hollywood, FL 33020), (954) 925-7508. Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Book appt
• Hollywood Carrier Annex (3501 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33021), (954) 921-4195. Appts only. Book appt
• Pembroke Pines Post Office (11140 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026), (954) 431-7610. Wed-Fri focus. Book appt
• Miramar Post Office (10266 American Blvd, Miramar, FL 33025). Locator

Full search: State Dept Locator. Broward Clerk: No passports. Watch I-95 for construction.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks + mail (8-13 total); peaks +4 weeks.

• **Exped

ited (+$60):** 2-3 weeks processing (5-7 total). Add at facility.

• Urgent (<14 days): Miami Agency (2100 Coral Way, Miami; ~1hr drive). Appt: 1-877-487-2778 + itinerary. Details
• Emergency (<3 days): Same, life-or-death proof.

Broward surges (cruises, FLL flights): Apply 9 months pre-summer.

Costs (2024; verify)

App fee check to State; execution to facility.

Special Situations

• Minors: DS-3053 essential; FL courts for disputes.
• Name Change: Certs required.
• Students: Expedite for FIU exchanges.
• Cruises/Urgent: Port Everglades tempts—have refundable bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Renewal in Washington Park? Mail DS-82—no visit. DS-11 at Hollywood PO.

3-week trip? Expedite (5-7wks); <14 days: Miami agency.

Lost FL birth cert? Vitalchek ($9-30, 2-4wks).

Photo rejection? Sun shadows/size—pro service.

Appt needed? Yes; online/phone.

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited: fee/mail speed. Urgent: agency/proof.

One parent for child? No—DS-3053.

Track? Online post-7 days.

Sources

[1] U.S. Passports
[2] Processing Times
[3] DS-11
[4] Renew DS-82
[5] Lost/Stolen
[6] Under 16
[7] Forms
[8] Photos
[9] DS-11
[10] Tracker
[11] FL Birth Certs
[12] USPS Passports
[13] USPS Finder
[14] Locator
[15] Broward Clerk
[16] Miami Agency
[17] Emergencies
[18] Fees

(Full links as original.)