Getting a Passport in Chesapeake Beach MD: Local Guide

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Chesapeake Beach, MD
Getting a Passport in Chesapeake Beach MD: Local Guide

Getting a Passport in Chesapeake Beach, MD

Nestled in Calvert County along Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Beach residents frequently jet off from nearby BWI Airport for international cruises from Baltimore's terminals, family reunions abroad, or summer escapes. Demand surges in March–April (spring break), June–August (peak vacation season), holidays, and fall college starts, often booking local slots 4–6 weeks out. Sidestep common regrets like photo rejections (glare from bay sunlight, improper sizing), form errors, or rushed $60+ expedites by planning 8–11 weeks ahead. Start at the U.S. Department of State's passport wizard, secure pro photos, and double-check eligibility.

Decision Guide: DS-11 vs. DS-82 and When to Expedite

Not sure where to start? Use this table to match your scenario, avoiding 20–30% rejection rates from form mix-ups.

Scenario Form & Method Expected Timeline Key Tips & Pitfalls
Adult renewal (passport <15 years old, undamaged, issued in U.S.) DS-82 by mail 6–8 weeks routine; 2–3 weeks expedited (+$60) Include old passport; ineligible if name changed without docs or issued abroad—switch to DS-11. Track at passportstatus.state.gov.
First-time adult, minor <16, lost/stolen, damaged, or ineligible renewal DS-11 in-person at acceptance facility 6–8 weeks routine; 2–3 weeks expedited (+$60) Both parents/guardians for kids; report lost/stolen via DS-64 first. No selfies—use certified labs.
Expedited (non-urgent) Add $60 fee at submission 2–3 weeks Include $20+ USPS Priority return envelope for mail-ins.
Urgent (<2–14 days) DS-11 at passport agency (e.g., DC, 3+ hour drive) after local submission 1–3 business days Proof of travel (itinerary) required; book via 1-877-487-2778. Local spots can't same-day. No kids expedited at agencies.

Verify forms at travel.state.gov/forms or call NPIC at 1-877-487-2778.

Essential Requirements and Prep Tips

No photocopies of proofs—bring originals. Fees: Adult book $130 (to State Dept), $35 execution (to facility), kids $100/$35. Separate check/money order payments.

Category Must-Haves Pro Tips for Calvert County
Proof of U.S. Citizenship Certified birth certificate (MD Vital Records, $24+ rush), naturalization cert, or Consular Report. Bay Area hospitals issue invalid "short forms"—order certified copies 2–4 weeks early online/mail.
Photo ID MD driver's license, passport card, military ID (exact name match). Photocopy front/back on plain paper; no ID? Use secondary docs + witness.
Photos 2x2" color, white/off-white background, head 1–1⅜" from chin to top, neutral expression, <6 months old. See examples. MD humidity/glare ruins home shots—hit Chesapeake Beach PO, CVS/Walgreens (they check compliance, ~$15). 25% rejections otherwise.
Forms DS-11 (new, unsigned until sworn); DS-82 (renewal). Download here. Complete online, print single-sided; DS-3053 notarized for minors here.
Minors <16 Both parents/IDs, child's birth cert, DS-3053 if one absent. 30% apps fail consent—get court order for sole custody; no passport expires for kids.

Step-by-Step Application Checklists

DS-11 In-Person (First-Time, Minors, Lost/Stolen, Ineligible Renewals)

  1. Run State Dept wizard for eligibility.
  2. Order MD birth cert if needed.
  3. Fill DS-11 online (hold signature).
  4. Get compliant photos locally.
  5. Photocopy ID front/back.
  6. Book acceptance facility (below).
  7. Prep separate fees.
  8. Attend: 15–30 min process—oath, thumbprint, docs reviewed, receipt issued. Arrive early, prepared.
  9. Track from day 5–7 at passportstatus.state.gov.
  10. Expect your book/card in 6–8 weeks (longer in BWI cruise peaks).

Lost/stolen? File DS-64 + police report before applying.

DS-82 Mail Renewal

Only if eligible (16+, U.S.-issued <15 years ago, undamaged).

  1. Confirm at renew page.
  2. Fill DS-82 online, include 2x2" photo + old passport.
  3. $130+ check to "U.S. Department of State."
  4. Mail Priority ($20+) to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
  5. Track online; add $60 expedite if needed.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities in Calvert County

Calvert has no passport agencies for urgents—use these by appointment via USPS locator or phone (walk-ins limited). Book 4–6 weeks ahead, especially pre-BWI cruise season. Facilities review docs, administer oath (15–30 min), accept fees, but forward to State Dept. Chesapeake Beach PO provides photos.

Facility Address & Phone Notes
Chesapeake Beach Post Office 8745 Chesapeake Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
(410) 257-7533		 USPS passports. Photos available.
North Beach Post Office 8935 Chesapeake Ave, North Beach, MD 20714
(410) 855-8389		 USPS passports.
Prince Frederick Post Office 758 W Dares Beach Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
(410) 535-0337		 USPS passports.
Calvert County Circuit Court Clerk 301 High St, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
(410) 535-1600 x2315		 Complex cases like minors; mdcourts.gov/calvert.

Tues–Thurs AM least busy. Overflow? Annapolis PO. Post-submission urgents: 1-877-487-2778.

*(Interactive map pinning all four Calvert facilities—zoom for details.)*

Handling Expedites, Urgents, and BWI-Linked Peaks

Routine: 6–8 weeks. Expedite (+$60): 2–3 weeks. Urgent (<14 days): Agency only (DC list) + flight itinerary. BWI cruise rushes (May–Sept) amplify delays—apply off-peak (Jan–Feb) for summer travel.

Calvert-Specific Pitfalls and Hacks

  • High Demand: Slots vanish 1–2 months pre-BWI peaks—set USPS alerts.
  • Photo Fails: Bay glare/shadows common—test via passportphoto.size.
  • Minor Hurdles: Prep DS-3053 weeks ahead; Calvert Clerk handles custody docs.
  • Renewal Traps: >15 years old or damaged? DS-11 only.
  • Timeline Reality: Peaks push 10–12 weeks—monitor status checker. Backup: Annapolis facilities or NPIC hotline.

FAQs for Chesapeake Beach Residents

Can I get a passport same-day locally?
No—facilities forward apps. Urgents need DC agency post-submission (details).

How to beat BWI summer rush?
Apply 10 weeks early; routine 6–8 weeks, but peaks delay. Track here.

Child passport without both parents?
DS-3053 notarized or court order (kids guide).

Need original birth cert?
Yes, certified from MD Vital Records—no hospital copies.

Passport expired 16+ years?
Treat as new: DS-11 (renew rules).

Best local photos?
PO/CVS with on-site checks (specs).

Appointment required?
Yes—book via USPS.

Lost passport abroad?
Report DS-64 on return; replace via DS-11 (lost/stolen).

Sources

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations