How to Get a Passport in Berwyn Heights, MD: Step-by-Step

Getting a Passport in Berwyn Heights, MD

Berwyn Heights, located in Prince George's County, Maryland, sits near major hubs like the University of Maryland in College Park and Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) Airport, contributing to high demand for passports. Residents often apply for international business trips, family vacations, student exchange programs, and last-minute travel, especially during peak seasons like spring break, summer, and winter holidays. With proximity to Washington Dulles (IAD) and Reagan National (DCA) airports, Maryland sees elevated volumes of outbound travel, leading to crowded acceptance facilities and longer wait times for appointments [1]. Common hurdles include securing slots amid high demand, distinguishing between expedited processing (7-9 business days extra fee) and urgent service (available only within 14 days of travel via a passport agency), photo rejections from glare or sizing errors, missing documents for minors, and applying renewals with the wrong form [2]. This guide outlines the process step-by-step, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you navigate efficiently.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before starting, identify your situation to use the correct form and process. Missteps here, like using a first-time form for an eligible renewal, can delay approval.

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous one was issued before age 16, or it was lost/stolen/damaged. Use Form DS-11. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility [2].

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were over 16 at issuance, it's undamaged, and issued in your current name (or you can document a name change). Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing to a passport card. Not eligible if expired over 15 years ago or for minors [3].

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report it via Form DS-64 (free report) or DS-11/DS-82 if reapplying. If valid and undamaged, you may transfer visa pages [2].

• Urgent Travel: For trips within 14 days, contact a passport agency after booking flights (life-or-death emergencies within 3 days qualify for in-person agency visits). Expedited service shortens mail-in times but doesn't guarantee last-minute slots [4].

• Child (Under 16) Passport: Always first-time process with Form DS-11; both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent [2].

Use the State Department's online wizard at travel.state.gov to confirm: https://pptform.state.gov/ [3].

Gather Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Preparation prevents rejections. Incomplete applications are a top reason for returns, especially for minors needing parental IDs.

General Application Checklist

1. Complete the Form: DS-11 (first-time/minor/replacement) or DS-82 (renewal). Print single-sided; do not sign DS-11 until instructed [2].
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (raised seal), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Photocopy front/back on standard paper [5].
   • In Prince George's County, order birth certificates from the Health Department (for births in MD after 1903) or state Vital Records. Same-day service available at 1515 West Street, Riverdale, MD (call 301-583-3800) [6].
3. Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Photocopy [2].
4. Passport Photo: One 2x2-inch color photo, taken within 6 months, on white background. No selfies or uniforms [7].
5. Payment: Check/money order for State Dept fees (e.g., $130 book adult first-time + $35 execution fee); optional expedited ($60) [2].
6. For Name Changes: Marriage certificate, court order (original or certified copy) [2].

Checklist for Minors Under 16

1. Both parents/guardians present with IDs, or Form DS-3053 notarized consent from absent parent [2].
2. Parental relationship proof: Birth certificate listing parents [5].
3. Photos: Child must not wear glasses; head size 1-1 3/8 inches [7].
4. Fees: $100 application + $35 execution (no expedited for execution fee) [2].

Download forms from https://pptform.state.gov/. Vital records processing takes 1-4 weeks by mail, so plan ahead [6].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25% of rejections in high-volume areas like Maryland [7]. Specs:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches from chin to top.
• White/cream background, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No shadows, glare, hats (unless religious/medical), or eyeglasses (unless medically necessary with no glare) [7].

Local options in Berwyn Heights area:

• CVS/Walgreens (e.g., 8315 Rhode Island Ave, Hyattsville—confirm passport service).
• USPS locations (some offer for fee).
• Avoid home printers; use professionals.

Print on matte/glossy photo paper; one photo per application [7].

Find a Passport Acceptance Facility Near Berwyn Heights

Berwyn Heights (ZIP 20740) lacks a dedicated facility, but nearby Prince George's County options handle high seasonal demand—book online early.

• Prince George's County Clerk of the Circuit Court: 14735 Main St, Upper Marlboro, MD. Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-4 PM; appointments required via princegeorgescourts.org [8].
• Nearest USPS:
  • College Park Post Office (4411 Lydell Rd, 20740 area): Wed 10 AM-2 PM, Sat 10 AM-1 PM [9].
  • Riverdale Post Office (5809 Rhode Island Ave): Mon-Fri by appointment [9].
• Full locator: https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport&address=20740 or https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ [10].

Peak times (spring/summer) fill weeks ahead; arrive 15 minutes early with all docs [9]. No walk-ins at most.

Submit Your Application: Full Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare Packet: Unsigned form on top, photos behind, docs/photocopies, payments separated (State Dept fee to "U.S. Department of State"; execution to "USPS/Postmaster") [2].
2. Book Appointment: Via facility website/email/phone. Note peak MD travel seasons.
3. Attend In-Person (DS-11): Present docs; staff witness signature. Receive receipt/tracking number.
4. Mail-In Renewal (DS-82): To address on form; include old passport. Track at travel.state.gov [3].
5. Track Status: Online at https://passportstatus.state.gov/ 7-10 days post-submission [4].
6. Receive Passport: Mailed 6-8 weeks routine, 2-3 expedited (no guarantees during peaks/holidays) [4].

For urgent: Nearest agency is Philadelphia (call 1-877-487-2778) or DC (202-647-0517) [4].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (not including mailing). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent within 14 days: Agencies only, proof of travel required. Maryland's travel patterns—BWI peaks, UMD programs—cause backlogs; avoid relying on last-minute during spring/summer/winter [4]. Add 2 weeks buffer.

Special Considerations for Students and Families

UMD College Park students near Berwyn Heights often need passports for exchanges; check campus international office for guidance. Minors require dual consent to prevent disputes [2].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Berwyn Heights

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and seal passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and certain replacements. These include common public venues such as post offices, county clerk offices, public libraries, and municipal buildings. In Berwyn Heights and surrounding areas like nearby towns in Prince George's County, several such facilities serve residents seeking to apply for U.S. passports. These sites do not process passports on-site; instead, they verify your identity, ensure forms are complete, and forward applications to a regional passport agency for processing, which typically takes 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks for expedited.

When visiting, expect a straightforward process: arrive with a completed DS-11 form for new passports (or DS-82 for renewals by mail if eligible), two identical passport photos meeting State Department specs, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment split between application fees (check or money order to the Department of State) and execution fees (payable to the facility). Staff will administer an oath, review documents, and provide a sealed envelope for mailing or pickup instructions. Appointments are often recommended or required at many locations to streamline service—check the official State Department locator tool online for current details. Note that not every post office or library participates, so verify authorization beforehand.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer vacation periods, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges for international trips. Weekdays, especially Mondays, often bring crowds from weekend backlog, while mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can be particularly congested due to lunch-hour visits. To plan effectively, aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, avoiding seasonal peaks if possible. Always confirm availability in advance, as walk-ins may face long waits or turnaways. Bringing all documents organized and arriving prepared can expedite your visit, and consider mail renewals for eligible adults to bypass lines altogether. Patience and flexibility help navigate any unexpected delays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Prince George's County?
Processing is 1-2 days in-person at Riverdale office, 7-10 days by mail. Order early [6].

Can I renew my passport at the Berwyn Heights Post Office?
No acceptance facility there; renewals are mail-only if eligible. Use College Park USPS for first-time [9].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited speeds mail processing; urgent (14-day travel) requires agency visit with itinerary [4].

My photo was rejected—what now?
Retake professionally; common issues: glare/shadows (no windows), wrong size. Specs at travel.state.gov [7].

Do both parents need to be present for a child's passport?
Yes, or notarized DS-3053 from absent parent/guardian [2].

Can I track my application online?
Yes, 7-10 days after submission at passportstatus.state.gov using receipt number [4].

What if my passport is lost abroad?
Contact U.S. embassy; temporary passport possible, but full replacement needed stateside [2].

Is there a fee waiver for low-income applicants?
Limited; check fee-exempt orgs like homeless shelters via State Dept [2].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Passports: How to Apply
[3]Passport Forms
[4]Passport Processing Times
[5]Proof of Citizenship
[6]Maryland Vital Records
[7]Passport Photo Requirements
[8]Prince George's County Clerk Passport Services
[9]USPS Passport Services
[10]Passport Acceptance Facility Search