Bethesda, MD: Complete Guide to Getting a U.S. Passport

Getting a U.S. Passport in Bethesda, MD

Bethesda, MD, in Montgomery County, is a hub for professionals, families, and students who frequently travel internationally for business, tourism, academic exchanges, and family visits. Maryland sees higher volumes of passport applications during spring and summer vacations, winter breaks, and around major holidays, driven by proximity to Washington, D.C., universities like the University of Maryland, and NIH researchers attending global conferences. However, high demand often leads to limited appointments at acceptance facilities, making early planning essential—especially for urgent trips within 14 days, where options like in-person expedited service exist but aren't guaranteed during peaks [1]. Common pitfalls include photo rejections from shadows or glare, incomplete forms for minors, and confusion over renewal eligibility, so double-check requirements upfront [2].

This guide walks you through every step, tailored to Bethesda residents, with checklists to streamline the process. Always verify details on official sites, as rules can update.

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Needs

Selecting the correct process saves time and avoids rejections. Use these criteria:

First-Time Applicants or Ineligible for Mail Renewal

• Use Form DS-11 (in person only).
• Applies to: New passports, children under 16, those whose previous passport was issued before age 16 or over 15 years ago, name changes not due to marriage/divorce, or non-U.S. citizens naturalized recently [2].
• In Bethesda: Schedule at a passport acceptance facility like a post office or county clerk.

Renewals by Mail

• Use Form DS-82 (mail only).
• Eligible if: Your passport is undamaged, issued when you were 16+, within 15 years, in your current name (or documented change), and you're residing in the U.S. [3].
• Not eligible? Use DS-11 in person. Many Bethesda business travelers renew this way for routine trips.

Replacements for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports

• Lost/Stolen: Form DS-64 (report first), then DS-82 if eligible or DS-11.
• Damaged: DS-5504 after submitting old passport [4].
• Report theft to police for documentation, useful for travel proofs.

Other Scenarios

• Name change: Provide marriage/divorce/court order docs.
• Minors: Both parents/guardians required (details below).
• Students/exchange programs: Factor in program deadlines; apply 6-8 weeks early [1].

If unsure, use the State Department's online wizard: travel.state.gov [1].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Bethesda and Montgomery County

Bethesda has several U.S. government-authorized facilities. High demand means booking appointments 4-6 weeks ahead, especially spring/summer. Use the USPS locator for real-time availability: tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport [5].

Key options:

• Bethesda Post Office (7600 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814): Handles DS-11; photos available on-site [5].
• Chevy Chase Post Office (8009 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda area): Nearby, appointment-based.
• Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk (50 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850): County seat; good for complex cases [6].
• Kensington Park Library (10400 Connecticut Ave, Kensington, MD): Seasonal/limited hours.
• Walt Whitman High School (7100 Whittier Blvd, Bethesda): During passport fairs (check schedule).

For urgent travel (trip in 14 days or less), life-or-death emergencies allow walk-ins at regional agencies like the Baltimore Passport Agency (by appointment only; 2-3 weeks away) [7]. No walk-ins at acceptance facilities.

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals; copies aren't accepted except where specified [1].

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: U.S. birth certificate (long form from Maryland Vital Records), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Order MD birth certificates online/via mail from health.maryland.gov/phpa/vitalrecords; processing 7-10 weeks [8].
• Photo ID: Driver's license, military ID. MD residents: Use MVA REAL ID if available.
• Passport Photo: 2x2 inches, color, white background (details below).
• Fees: $130 adult book + $35 execution (acceptance fee) + optional expedite $60. Pay execution by check/money order; application fees separate [9].
• Minors: Birth certificate, both parents' IDs, consent form DS-3053 if one parent absent.

Download forms:

• DS-11: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/forms.html [2].
• DS-82: Same [3].

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Follow this sequentially to minimize errors:

1. Complete Form DS-11: Fill online, print single-sided, unsigned until in person [2].
2. Gather Documents:
   • Citizenship evidence (original + photocopy).
   • Photo ID (original + photocopy).
   • Passport photo.
3. Calculate Fees:

   Service	Fee	Pay To
   Adult Book (DS-11)	$130	State Dept (check)
   Execution Fee	$35	Facility
   Expedite	+$60	State Dept
   1-2 Day Urgent	+$21.36	USPS (if mailing) [9]

4. Book Appointment: Via facility website/phone; arrive 15 min early.
5. At Facility:
   • Present all docs.
   • Sign DS-11 in front of agent.
   • Submit fees (two checks often required).
6. Mail or Expedite: Agent seals application; you mail or take to agency.
7. Track: Use email/text opt-in [10].

Pro Tip: Photocopy everything front/back on plain paper before going. For peak seasons (spring/summer, winter), apply 10+ weeks early—no last-minute guarantees [1].

Renewing by Mail (DS-82)

Simpler for eligible applicants:

1. Verify Eligibility: Passport issued <15 years ago, etc. [3].
2. Complete DS-82: Online preferred; print single-sided.
3. Include:
   • Old passport.
   • New photo.
   • Fees: $130 check to State Dept.
4. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [3].
5. Expedite Option: Add $60 fee, overnight to above address from USPS [11].

Bethesda mail via local post office; track with certified mail.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25%+ rejections in busy areas like Bethesda [2]. Specs:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• Color, white/cream background.
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No glasses (unless medical), hats, shadows, glare [12].

Where: USPS ($15-16), CVS/Walgreens in Bethesda (e.g., 4919 Auburn Ave), or Walmart. Selfies rejected—use pros.

Special Rules for Minors Under 16

New passport every 5 years. Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized DS-3053 [13]:

• Recent photo.
• Parents' IDs/citizenship proofs.
• Child support orders if applicable. High student travel in Montgomery County (e.g., exchange programs) means plan for parental consent delays.

Expedited and Urgent Travel Services

• Expedited (2-3 weeks): Add $60; available at acceptance facilities/mail [11]. Routine: 6-8 weeks [1].
• Urgent (14 days or less): Life-or-death only for agencies; prove travel (itinerary, death certificate). Business trips don't qualify—use private expedite services at your risk [7].
• Peak Warning: Spring/summer waits can double; no promises on times [1].

Track status: passportstatus.state.gov [10].

Additional Checklists

Quick Pre-Application Checklist

• Confirm service type (DS-11/82).
• Order birth certificate if needed (MD Vital Records) [8].
• Get compliant photo.
• Book appointment 4-6 weeks early.
• Prepare two checks.
• Photocopy all docs.

Urgent Travel Checklist (Within 14 Days)

• Gather flight proof, urgency docs.
• Call Baltimore Agency: 1-877-487-2778 for appt [7].
• Consider passport card for land/sea only ($30 cheaper).

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Bethesda

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and certain replacements. These facilities do not process or issue passports on-site; instead, they review your completed forms, photos, proof of citizenship, identification, and fees before forwarding everything to a regional passport agency for processing. Expect a straightforward in-person appointment where staff verify your documents, administer the oath, and collect payment—typically via check or money order. The entire visit usually lasts 15-30 minutes, but allow extra time for any paperwork issues. Applications are then mailed to a processing center, with standard processing taking 6-8 weeks or expedited options for an additional fee.

In and around Bethesda, you'll find such facilities at common spots like post offices, public libraries, and county clerk offices in nearby areas such as Rockville, Silver Spring, and Kensington. These are convenient for Montgomery County residents and visitors alike. To locate one, use the official U.S. Department of State website's search tool by entering your ZIP code—it provides up-to-date details on nearby options without needing prior calls. Many facilities now offer appointments to streamline visits, reducing wait times compared to walk-ins.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, when demand surges for vacations and international trips. Mondays often start busy as people catch up from the weekend, and mid-day slots (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can fill quickly due to lunch-hour crowds. Weekends and afternoons later in the day may offer some relief, but this varies.

Plan ahead by checking for appointment availability online or via the locator tool, and aim to visit early in the week or early morning during quieter periods. Double-check requirements on the State Department site to avoid rescheduling, and consider mailing renewals if eligible to bypass lines entirely. Patience and preparation make the process smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Bethesda?
No acceptance facility offers same-day; nearest agency is Baltimore (appt required, life-or-death only). Plan ahead [7].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited ($60, 2-3 weeks) for any trip; urgent for <14 days emergencies via agencies only. Misunderstanding this delays many [1].

My child needs a passport for a school trip—how soon?
Apply 6-8 weeks early; both parents needed. Exchange programs often require 3 months validity post-trip [13].

I lost my passport abroad—now what?
Report via DS-64 online; apply for new via DS-11/82 upon return [4].

Are photos from Walgreens accepted?
Yes, if specs met (check [12]); Bethesda locations confirm compliance.

How do I renew if my passport is expiring soon for business travel?
DS-82 by mail if eligible; many MD professionals do this 9 months early [3].

Peak season appointments are booked—what now?
Try nearby counties (e.g., Fairfax, VA) or libraries; passport fairs at schools [5].

Does Maryland require extra docs for birth certificates?
Long-form certified copy only; order early from Vital Records [8].

Sources

[1]: U.S. Department of State - How to Apply for a Passport
[2]: U.S. Department of State - Form DS-11
[3]: U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail (DS-82)
[4]: U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passport
[5]: USPS - Passport Locations
[6]: Montgomery County Circuit Court - Passports
[7]: U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies
[8]: Maryland Vital Records
[9]: U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees
[10]: Passport Status Check
[11]: U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service
[12]: U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[13]: U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16