Guide to Obtaining a Passport in Beverly, MA: Steps & Facilities

Guide to Obtaining a Passport in Beverly, MA

Beverly, Massachusetts, located in Essex County just north of Boston, sees significant passport demand due to its proximity to Logan International Airport, a major hub for international flights. Residents frequently travel abroad for business, tourism, and family visits, with peaks in spring and summer for vacations, winter breaks for ski trips to Europe, and year-round for students in exchange programs at nearby universities like Endicott College or Harvard. Urgent last-minute trips, such as family emergencies or sudden business opportunities, are common but challenging amid high demand at acceptance facilities. This guide provides practical steps tailored to Beverly-area applicants, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you navigate requirements, local options, and pitfalls like appointment shortages or photo rejections [1].

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before starting, determine your specific need to use the correct process and forms. Misapplying—for instance, mailing a first-time application—can delay processing.

• First-Time Passport (New Applicant): Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16. Apply in person at an acceptance facility. Use Form DS-11 [1].

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you're over 16, and it's undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Most can renew by mail using Form DS-82, a convenient option for Beverly residents avoiding crowded post offices [1]. Not eligible? Treat as new or replacement.

• Replacement (Lost, Stolen, or Damaged): Use Form DS-64 to report loss/theft (free), then DS-11 or DS-82 depending on eligibility. If replacing within 12 months of expiration, you may retain validity on the new one [1].

• Name Change or Correction: Renew with DS-82 if eligible, providing legal proof like marriage certificate.

For minors under 16, always apply in person with both parents using DS-11—renewals aren't allowed [1]. Use the State Department's interactive tool to confirm: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/service.html [2].

Local Acceptance Facilities in and Near Beverly, MA

Beverly lacks a passport agency (those handle life-or-death emergencies within 14 days for in-person service) [1]. Instead, use acceptance facilities like post offices, libraries, or clerks. Demand surges seasonally, so book appointments 4-6 weeks ahead via usps.com or facility sites—walk-ins are rare.

• Beverly Main Post Office (81 Maple St, Beverly, MA 01915): Offers passport services by appointment. Call (978) 927-1989 or check tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport&searchRadius=10&address=Beverly+MA for slots [3].

• Nearby Options:

  Facility	Address	Phone	Notes
  Peabody Post Office	1115 Lynnfield St, Peabody, MA 01960 (10 min drive)	(978) 532-9321	High volume; book early [3]
  Salem Post Office	2 Margin St, Salem, MA 01970 (15 min drive)	(978) 745-9645	Frequent slots for urgent needs [3]
  Danvers Post Office	297 North St, Danvers, MA 01923 (10 min drive)	(978) 774-3175	Good for photos on-site [3]

For Essex County vital records (birth certificates), contact Beverly City Clerk at (978) 921-6064 or beverlyma.gov/170/City-Clerk [4]. Order online via www.vitalchek.com for speed, as Massachusetts vital records are essential proof of citizenship [5].

Required Documents

Gather originals and photocopies (front/back on plain white paper). Common errors in Beverly include missing minor consents or expired IDs, leading to rejections.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (MA-issued from city/town clerk), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Photocopy required [1].

• Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID. MA REAL ID compliant licenses work; renew at RMV if expired [1].

• Photo: One 2x2 inch color photo (details below).

• For Minors Under 16: Both parents' presence or notarized consent (Form DS-3053). Additional evidence if sole custody [1].

• Name Change: Marriage/divorce certificate.

Download forms from travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/forms.html [1]. Do not sign DS-11 until instructed.

Passport Photos: Avoiding Rejections

Photos cause 25-30% of rejections due to shadows from overhead lights, glare on glasses, or wrong size—exacerbated in busy Beverly post offices with basic setups [1]. Specs [6]:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• White/cream/off-white background.
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No uniforms, hats (except religious/medical), glasses (unless medically necessary).
• Taken within 6 months.

Beverly options:

• CVS/Walgreens (e.g., 131 Endicott St): $15, digital preview.
• Post offices often provide ($15-20).
• AAA if member.

Selfies fail—use professionals. Check samples at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html [6].

Fees and Payment

Pay acceptance facility fees separately (cash/check/credit).

Add $19.53 optional delivery. Pay State Dept by check/money order; execution varies [1]. Fee calculator: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html [7].

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail total 10-13 weeks). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60)—ideal for seasonal peaks but no guarantees [1]. High demand in MA spring/summer means book early; avoid relying on last-minute for non-urgent travel.

• Urgent (Within 14 Days): Life-or-death only qualifies for passport agency (nearest: Boston, by appt via 1-877-487-2778). Prove emergency with docs [1].

• 1-2 Day Urgent: Available at agencies for qualifiers (+$217 fee + overnight) [1].

Track at passportstatus.state.gov [8]. Peak seasons (Mar-Aug, Dec) add 2-4 weeks—plan ahead for business trips or student programs.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or Minor Applications

Follow this sequentially for in-person applications at Beverly facilities:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Use State Dept tool [2]. Gather citizenship proof, ID, photo.
2. Fill Forms: Complete DS-11 (unsigned), DS-3053 if minor. Photocopy docs.
3. Book Appointment: Via USPS locator [3] or call Beverly PO.
4. Pay Fees: Two checks/money orders ready.
5. Attend Appointment: Arrive 15 min early with all items. Sign DS-11 in front of agent.
6. Photos if Needed: Take on-site if unprepared.
7. Mail or Hand-Off: Agent seals application.
8. Track Status: After 1 week, use [8].

For renewals by mail:

1. Use DS-82 if eligible.
2. Mail to address on form with fee, old passport, photo.
3. No execution fee [1].

Special Considerations for Minors and Renewals

Minors require both parents' IDs and signatures—common issue in exchange program families. Notarized consent if one absent (DS-3053, apostille if overseas parent) [1].

Renewals save time: Beverly mail renewals avoid lines, but confirm eligibility (passport <15 yrs old, age 16+) [1]. Damaged passports? New application.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Beverly

Passport acceptance facilities are official sites authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and other qualified individuals. These locations do not process passports themselves; instead, staff verify your identity, administer oaths, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types in and around Beverly include post offices, public libraries, municipal clerk offices, and county courthouses. Surrounding areas like Salem, Danvers, and Peabody often host similar facilities, providing convenient options within a short drive.

To use these facilities, prepare in advance by completing the appropriate DS-11 or DS-82 form online or by printing it from the State Department's website. Bring proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate), a valid photo ID, passport photos meeting exact specifications (2x2 inches, white background), and payment for application and execution fees—typically via check or money order. Expect a brief interview where the agent confirms details and seals your application. Most visits take 15-30 minutes, excluding wait times, and you'll receive a receipt with tracking information. Applications submitted here follow standard processing timelines: 6-8 weeks routine or 2-3 weeks expedited.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Facilities near Beverly tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring break, and holidays, when demand surges for vacations and international trips. Weekdays, especially Mondays, often bring backlogs from weekend preparations, while mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) coincide with lunch breaks and shift changes, leading to lines. To navigate this, research facilities via the official State Department locator tool and prioritize those offering appointments, which many now provide online. Visit early in the morning or later afternoon on weekdays, avoiding Fridays if possible. Always confirm requirements ahead, as policies can vary slightly, and carry extras like additional photos or IDs. For urgent needs, consider expedited services or passport agencies in larger cities like Boston.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Beverly?
No routine same-day service locally. For true emergencies within 14 days, contact Boston Passport Agency [1].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited ($60 extra) shortens to 2-3 weeks for any travel. Urgent (within 14 days) requires life-or-death proof for agency visit [1].

My MA birth certificate is lost—how do I replace it?
Order from Beverly City Clerk [4] or VitalChek [5]. Allow 2-4 weeks; expedited available.

Can I use my old passport photo?
No—must be recent (6 months), even for renewals [6].

What if my appointment is full?
Try nearby Essex County post offices [3] or clerks. Clerks like Manchester-by-the-Sea (978-526-7911) may have space.

Do I need an appointment at Beverly Post Office?
Yes, strongly recommended—call ahead. Limited walk-ins [3].

How do students handle passports for exchange programs?
Apply 3+ months early due to peaks. Include enrollment proof if needed for visas [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]How to Apply for a Passport - Service
[3]USPS Passport Locations
[4]Beverly City Clerk
[5]Massachusetts Vital Records - VitalChek
[6]Passport Photo Requirements
[7]Passport Fees
[8]Passport Status Check