Getting a Passport in Carney, MD: Forms, Facilities & Tips

Getting a Passport in Carney, MD

Carney residents in Baltimore County often need passports for frequent flights out of nearby BWI Airport to Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, driven by business travel, summer vacations, winter getaways, and university exchange programs. High demand creates tight appointment slots at local facilities, especially spring through fall. Common hurdles include photo rejections from poor lighting, form mix-ups (DS-11 vs. DS-82), and missing minor documents. This guide provides tailored checklists, decision trees, and pitfalls to avoid, based on U.S. Department of State guidelines.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose the right path upfront to dodge weeks of delays from rejections.

First-Time Passport (DS-11)

Use Form DS-11 in person if any apply:

• Never had a U.S. passport.
• Previous passport issued under age 16.
• Previous passport over 15 years old.
• Lost, stolen, damaged, or name-changed passport.

Decision tip: Recent adult passport (issued age 16+ within 15 years)? Renew with DS-82 instead. Pitfall: Treating eligible renewals as new—wastes time at facilities.

Submit at a Carney-area acceptance facility (post offices, libraries). Book early via phone or USPS.com—slots vanish fast near BWI travel peaks.

Prep checklist:

• Download DS-11—sign only at facility.
• Original citizenship proof (e.g., MD birth certificate), photo ID, 2x2 photos, fees (separate checks).
• Pitfalls: No originals (copies rejected), off-spec photos (glare common in MD lighting), forgotten name docs.

Processing: 10-20 minutes onsite; 6-8 weeks routine (track here).

Passport Renewal (DS-82)

Eligible for mail/online only if all apply:

• Issued age 16+.
• Within 15 years.
• Undamaged, in your possession.

Pitfalls: Child passports or >15 years old force DS-11. Damaged books auto-returned.

Mail steps:

1. Download DS-82.
2. Add new photo, old passport, $130 check (to "U.S. Department of State").
3. Mail tracked to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
4. Routine 6-8 weeks; +$60 expedite.

Online option via MyTravelGov if <5 years expired (routine only).

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Replacement

• Report first: File DS-64 online/mail.
• Damaged/in-possession + eligible? DS-82 mail.
• Otherwise: DS-11 in person + DS-64 + police report (stolen). Tip: Minor wear okay; major damage needs DS-11. Expedite for 2-3 week travel.

Other Cases

• Name change <1 year: DS-5504 mail.
• Child <16: DS-11 in person + both parents or DS-3053 notarized. Local students/family trips amplify minor/renewal needs—verify at state.gov.

Gather Required Documents

Assemble pre-visit; incompletes top rejections, hitting Carney's busy families hard.

DS-11:

• Unsigned DS-11 + photocopy.
• Citizenship: Certified birth certificate (MD Vital Records), naturalization cert. Order MD certs 2-4 weeks early (online/mail).
• ID: MD driver's license + photocopy (name match required).
• 2x2 photo.
• Fees: $130 app ($130 to State Dept.), $35 execution (to facility), +$60 expedite.

DS-82: DS-82, old passport, photo, $130 check.

Minors: +Parents' IDs/birth certs, DS-3053 if absent.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Carney

No onsite in Carney (21234), but Baltimore County options handle locals. Demand surges pre-BWI flights—book 4-6 weeks ahead via USPS locator or phone. Confirm via official State Department search.

• Parkville Post Office: 2301 Putty Hill Ave, Parkville, MD 21234. (410) 668-3254.
• Perry Hall Post Office: 9525 Belair Rd, Nottingham, MD 21236. (410) 256-1585.
• White Marsh Post Office: 8801 Old Philadelphia Rd, Baltimore, MD 21237. (410) 335-5026.

Expect oath, sealing, receipt (10-20 min). Weekdays best; peaks overwhelm.

Step-by-Step Checklist for DS-11

1. Complete DS-11 online/print (unsigned).
2. Secure MD birth cert + photocopy.
3. Valid ID + photocopy.
4. Compliant photo.
5. Fees/checks ready.
6. Book appt, arrive early.
7. Sign/pay/seal onsite.
8. Track after 7-10 days.

Minors: +Consent/docs. BWI surges add 2-3 week slot waits.

Step-by-Step Checklist for DS-82 Renewal

1. Verify eligibility.
2. Complete DS-82.
3. Photo (name/DoB on back), old passport, fees.
4. Trackable mail to Philadelphia center.
5. Add expedite envelope if urgent.

Passport Photos: Specs and Local Spots

25% rejections from photos—nail requirements:

• 2x2", color, white background.
• Head 1-1⅜", even light, no glare/shadows, neutral face, <6 months old.

Carney-area: CVS/Walgreens (e.g., 8025 Harford Rd, Parkville, ~$15 instant); some post offices/AAA. Avoid selfies; use photo tool.

Expedited and Urgent Services

• Expedite: +$60, 2-3 weeks (add at facility/mail). Peaks stretch it.
• Urgent (<14 days): BWI emergencies only—appts at Baltimore Agency (1-877-487-2778), ticket/proof required.

BWI business/students: Plan routine early; no backlog guarantees (times).

Processing Times and Expectations

Routine: 6-8 weeks + mail (plan 10-12). Expedite: 2-3. BWI peaks +2-4 weeks. Track online. At facilities: Quick oath/review, no passports issued.

Special Rules for Minors

DS-11 mandatory, both parents/child present or DS-3053. Pitfall: Parental docs missing. MD exchanges common—order certs ahead.

Common Challenges and Tips for Carney Residents

• Slots scarce: Multi-locate search, mid-week mornings.
• Form errors: Quiz eligibility first.
• Photos: Natural light beats glare.
• Minors/docs: Early MD vital orders.
• BWI timing: 3 months pre-summer flights.

Start 10+ weeks out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Appointment needed? Most yes; rare walk-ins (USPS).

Summer timelines? Routine delays possible; expedite uncertain (times).

Birth cert? MD Health.

MD license ID? Yes + copy.

Lost abroad? DS-64 + police + DS-11/82 (lost).

Online renew? Eligible via MyTravelGov, routine.

Photos at post office? Some; else CVS.

Expedite vs. urgent? Speed vs. agency-only (expedite).

Sources

1. U.S. Department of State - Passports
2. Passport Forms
3. Lost/Stolen
4. Children Under 16
5. MD Vital Records
6. USPS Passports
7. Facility Search
8. Expedited
9. Photo Requirements
10. Processing Times