Framingham MA Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms, Fees

Getting a Passport in Framingham, MA: A Complete Guide

Framingham residents in Middlesex County turn to passports for Route 9 business trips, summer family getaways, winter Caribbean escapes, and Framingham State University study abroad programs. Logan Airport commuters face high demand, with routine slots booking weeks out—especially March through August. Emergencies or tight deadlines? Head to the Boston Passport Agency, just 25 miles east via I-90 (allow 45 minutes with traffic).

This guide delivers Framingham-specific steps, checklists, local pitfalls (like DS-11 early signing or Route 9 photo shop rushes), and State Department-sourced details. Always confirm processing times, fees, and facility hours at official sites, as they fluctuate.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Mishandling form choice causes 30%+ of rejections. Start with the State Department's application wizard.

Quick Decision Tip: DS-82 renewals save $35 execution fee and weeks of wait—no appointment needed. If ineligible, DS-11 requires in-person review (15-30 minutes).

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Framingham and Nearby

Framingham facilities process DS-11 new applications, child passports, and replacements (not DS-82 renewals). Expect: Document review, on-site DS-11 signing under oath, fee payment, and tracking receipt. Arrive organized with photocopies in a folder; no walk-ins typically allowed.

Pro Tips*: Book immediately—slots fill fast near Logan travel peaks. Avoid Friday mornings, lunch (11am-2pm), and holidays. Opt for 9am Tuesday-Thursday. Factor 15-20 extra minutes for Route 495/9 traffic; MBTA commuter rail to South Station works for Boston runs.

Verify hours, photos, and slots via links/phones (they change seasonally):

• Framingham Post Office (Main): 35 Badger Rd, Framingham, MA 01702. On-site photos (~$15). Phone: (508) 879-6965. Hours/slots: USPS Locator or Book Appointment.

• Framingham Post Office (Branch): 7 Central St, Framingham, MA 01701. Limited services. Phone: (508) 620-6329. Check: USPS Locator.

• Framingham Public Library: 49 Lexington St, Framingham, MA 01702. Appointments required; no on-site photos. Schedule: Library Passports. Phone: (508) 532-5636.

Search all Middlesex options: State Dept Facility Database. For urgent needs: Boston Passport Agency (100 Summer St, Boston, MA 02110; book at travel.state.gov/agencies).

Required Documents and Common Mistakes

Bring originals + single-sided 8.5x11 photocopies (front/back for each). Digital scans/faxes fail. Framingham/MA birth certificates: Long-form only (short versions rejected 40%+ time). Order from MA Registry of Vital Records ($32 standard, +$32 rush; 2-4 weeks) or Framingham City Clerk (~$20-50).

Citizenship Proof:

• U.S. birth certificate (long-form), naturalization certificate, or prior passport.

ID Proof:

• Valid driver's license (MA REAL ID preferred), military ID, or government-issued photo ID.

Photos: Two identica

l 2x2" color prints (<6 months old), white background, neutral expression, no glasses/selfies (unless medical note). Rejections hit 20%+ from shadows, smiles, or poor lighting. Local reliables: Main Post Office, Walgreens (1189 Worcester Rd), CVS. Full specs: travel.state.gov/photo.

Minors: Both parents' IDs/proofs; DS-3053 notarized if one absent.

Fees (as of late 2024; verify travel.state.gov/fees):

• Expedited: +$60. 1-2 Day Delivery: +$21.65. Pay separately: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; cash/card/check to facility. Photos: ~$15-16.

Top Pitfalls (avoid 50%+ returns):

• Signing DS-11 early.
• No photocopies.
• Wrong birth cert type.
• Mismatched ID/citizenship names.

Step-by-Step Checklist for New Applications (DS-11)

1. Complete DS-11 online at pptform.state.gov—print unsigned, single-sided.
2. Collect: Citizenship/ID originals + copies, 2 photos, minor docs/DS-3053.
3. Prepare fees (2 payments), folder for docs.
4. Book facility appointment (links above); arrive 15 minutes early.
5. On-site: Hand over everything, sign DS-11, pay execution fee, receive receipt.
6. Track after 7-10 days: passportstatus.state.gov.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals (DS-82, Mail Only)

1. Verify eligibility (see table).
2. Complete DS-82 at pptform.state.gov—print single-sided.
3. Assemble: Old passport on top, new photo, fee check ($130 adult book), name change docs + copies.
4. Mail via USPS Priority (tracked, ~$30): PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (confirm address at travel.state.gov/renew).
5. Track online or call 1-877-487-2778.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Current estimates (verify travel.state.gov/processing):

• Routine: 6-8 weeks total (don't book

flights until in hand).

• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).
• Urgent: Boston Agency only (<14 days with proof); no same-day locally.

Framingham peaks (spring break, summer, holidays) add 2-4 weeks. Apply 10-12 weeks ahead for MA school/business travel. Backlogs hit post-holidays—check status weekly.

Special Considerations for Framingham Residents

• Vital Records: Framingham Town Clerk (framinghamma.gov/129/Town-Clerk) for local copies; state for certified.
• Photos/Convenience: Post office or chain pharmacies beat home prints.
• Logan Access: 45 minutes via Mass Pike/MBTA; rail from Framingham station ideal.
• Students/Commuters: Coordinate with FSU international office; expedite for visas.
• Pitfalls: Minor parental disputes delay weeks; order duplicate birth certs now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Framingham? No—nearest is Boston (7+ days with proof).

Passport expired over 15 years? Treat as first-time (DS-11).

Missing parent for minor? Notarized DS-3053 or court order/DS-5525.

Recent name change? Include original docs + photocopy stapled.

Passport card OK for planes? No—land/sea Western Hemisphere only.

Photo rejected? Retake and resubmit receipt with new app.

Track my application? passportstatus.state.gov (needs receipt #).

USPS appointments required? Yes for all Framingham post offices: tools.usps.com/schedule.

Final Tips for Success

Apply off-peak (September-February). Use Informed Delivery for mail tracking. Lost abroad? Contact U.S. embassy. Cross-verify everything at travel.state.gov/passports.

Sources

[1] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[2] Passport Forms
[3] Passport Agencies
[4] USPS Location Finder
[5] Framingham Public Library Passports
[6] MA Vital Records
[7] Passport Photo Requirements
[8] [Passport Fees](

Key Resources for Framingham Passport Applicants

• Passport Fees: Review current fees before applying—includes application ($130+ for adults), execution ($35 at acceptance facilities like the Town Clerk), and optional expedited ($60+) or 1-2 day ($21.36+) services. Common mistake: Underestimating total costs by forgetting the $35 execution fee at local facilities; use the fee calculator for your situation.

• [9] Passport Status Tracker](https://passportstatus.state.gov/): Track your application after submission. Enter your last name, date of birth, and last four digits of SSN. Tip: Wait 5-7 days post-submission before checking; if no update after 2 weeks, contact the National Passport Information Center.

• [10] Renew by Mail](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/renew.html): Eligible Framingham residents (U.S. passport issued 10+ years ago, undamaged, name matches ID) can renew by mail to save time/money vs. in-person. Decision guidance: Renew by mail if qualifying—faster and cheaper; otherwise, visit the Town Clerk. Common mistake: Mailing if your passport is damaged or less than 10 years old, which requires in-person renewal.

• [11] Framingham Town Clerk](https://www.framinghamma.gov/129/Town-Clerk): Local acceptance facility for first-time applicants, minors, damaged passports, or name changes. Bring all required docs/photos. Decision guidance: Mandatory for new passports; check site for details. Common mistake: Arriving without DS-11 form completed (unsigned) or non-compliant photos (2x2 inches, recent, white background).