Bladensburg MD Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms, Timelines

Getting a Passport in Bladensburg, MD

Bladensburg residents in Prince George's County benefit from quick drives to BWI (20-30 min), Dulles (45 min), and D.C.'s Reagan National (15-20 min across the Anacostia River). High demand stems from UMD College Park study abroad programs, family trips to the Caribbean/Latin America, and business to Europe/Asia. Peaks in spring/summer (beach season) and winter (holidays/cruises) stretch routine processing to 6-10 weeks, with appointments booking 4-6 weeks out—start 10-14 weeks early. For emergencies (e.g., funerals, sudden jobs), life-or-death expedite ($60+) or urgent service (proof required) cuts to 2-3 weeks or days, but local backlogs persist. Dodge top errors: invalid photos (glare/shadows from home setups), DS-82 used for first-timers (25% rejections), or missing minor consents. This guide delivers Bladensburg-tailored checklists, timelines, facility intel, and D.C.-proximity hacks.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Key decisions: First passport, issued <16, expired >15 years, lost/stolen/damaged, or undocumented name change? → DS-11 in person. Eligible renewal (16+ at issue, undamaged, <15 years old, name matches)? → DS-82 by mail. Replacements follow renewal rules if eligible. Form mix-ups cause 30%+ local delays—use the State Department wizard first.

Minors <16: Always DS-11 in person; both parents or notarized DS-3053. Bladensburg's D.C. edge (10-20 min) eases urgent backups—book 2-4 weeks ahead via locator, scout alternates for no-shows.

Required Documents

Originals + photocopies (8.5x11 plain white, front/back same sheet, black ink, no staples). Local rejectio

ns hit 25-40% from missing copies—prep doubles. Maryland birth certs: 2-4 weeks via Vital Records (Prince George's office for locals; rush fee OK).

• Citizenship Proof (original + copy): Certified long-form birth cert (no abstracts/hospital summaries), naturalization cert, prior passport. Fix: Confirm raised seal.
• ID Proof (original + copy): MD driver's license, military/govt photo ID (exact name match). No primary? Employee ID + SS card. Expired <2 years sometimes OK.
• SSN: Write full number on form (minors <13 exempt).
• Minors <16: Both parents/IDs/child's cert, or DS-3053 notarized + copy from absent parent. Fix: Pre-notarize, prove relation.
• Photo: 2x2" color, <6 months, specs below.

Fees (exact, non-refundable; two payments): State Dept check/money order—$130 adult book/$100 child (add $30 card); facility $35 cash/check (renewals exempt); expedite $60; 1-2 day return $21.52+. Adult first-time total: $165+. Use USPS Priority w/ tracking/insurance from Bladensburg (Philly lockbox: 6-8 weeks standard).

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Prince George's rejects 50% for photos: 2x2", color, <6 months, head 1-1 3/8", white/off-white background, neutral expression, even light—no glasses/hats (excuse note OK), glare/shadows, uniforms, smiles.

Local Tips:

• Hyattsville/Brentwood CVS, Walgreens, USPS: $15 compliant booths (no drugstore selfies).
• UMD-area pros for students.
• Check samples; print matte 600 DPI.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Bladensburg

Bladensburg lacks its own; nearest for DS-11/new apps are Prince George's USPS/courts (10-20 min drives). Agents review docs, witness oath/signature, seal, take $35. Expect 15-45 min: photo scan, ID/citizenship verify, minor checks. Walk-ins rare; book appointments. D.C. agencies (e.g., NW Passport Agency) for <14-day urgent w/ itinerary (202-647-0512). Verify hours/services/appointments via links—changes common post-COVID.

ocationTypeQ=ps&locationId=1366586) | 6500 Mid Cities Blvd, Hyattsville, MD 20782 | (301) 577-6191 | High-volume; appt preferred. | | Prince George's Circuit Court Clerk | 14735 Main St, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 | Check site | County-specific; verify passport services. | | New Carrollton/Mt. Rainier USPS | Search locator | Varies | 10-15 min drives. |

Book Appts:

• State Dept Locator (Bladensburg search → hours/appts).
• USPS Passport.

Pro Tips: Hit early weekdays/late afternoons; skip Mondays/lunch/peaks (1hr+ waits). Organized folder (copies tabbed); D.C. backup if full. Proximity saves urgent rushes.

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

Routine: 6-8 weeks (peaks +2-4w). Track post-submission.

1. Fill DS-11 online; print unsigned.
2. Compile docs/copies/photo/SSN.
3. Prep fees (two payments).
4. Book via locator.
5. On-site: Oath/sign/pay $35 (10-30 min review).
6. Track: status tool.
7. Mailed receipt (expedite: pickup possible).

Hack: Pre-photocopy full packet.

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

Eligible only.

1. Verify via wizard.
2. Fill/sign DS-82; add old passport/photo/check.
3. Priority Mail w/tracking to form address.
4. Track after week 1.

Expedite: +$60 via page.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks.
• Expedite: 2-3 weeks (+$60).
• Urgent (<14 days): Agency + itinerary/proof.

MD/UMD peaks add 2-4 weeks; plan 9-13 weeks ahead. Private couriers: $200+ extra.

Special Considerations for Maryland Residents

• Birth certs: MD Vital Records; Prince George's rush.
• Name changes: Circu

it Court orders.

• Minors: 30% local rejections from consent gaps.
• Perks: BWI/D.C. hubs; UMD travel fairs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Bladensburg? No—agencies only for proven urgent travel.

Expedite vs. urgent? Expedite: Faster mail; urgent: Agency w/proof.

Photo fix? Retake—glare/shadows #1.

Lost renewal? DS-64 + DS-82 if eligible, else DS-11.

USPS appt required? Often; check site.

Minor mail renewal? Never—in person.

Cruises? Birth/ID suffices for closed-loop.

Peak delays? +2-4w spring/summer/winter.

Sources

• U.S. Dept of State - Passports
• How to Apply
• MD Vital Records
• Children Under 16
• Passport Photos
• Acceptance Facility Search
• USPS Passports
• PG County Circuit Court
• Forms