Chevy Chase, MD Passport Guide: Facilities, Docs & Steps

Getting a Passport in Chevy Chase, MD

Chevy Chase, MD, in Montgomery County, sits just outside Washington, DC, making it a hub for frequent international travel. Residents often head abroad for business—think government contractors, diplomats, and international organization employees—or tourism to Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Seasonal spikes hit hard: spring and summer vacations, winter breaks to warmer spots, and student exchange programs from nearby universities like Georgetown and University of Maryland. Last-minute trips arise too, from urgent family matters to sudden work assignments via Dulles or BWI airports. But high demand strains local facilities, leading to booked appointments weeks out, especially in peaks. This guide walks you through the process, highlighting common pitfalls like photo rejections from glare or wrong sizes, missing minor documents, and mixing up renewals with new applications [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Maryland's travel volume means many locals qualify for simpler options, but choosing wrong delays you. Use this section to match your situation.

First-Time or New Passport

You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility if any of these apply—there's no mail option for Form DS-11 applications, as mailing it will invalidate your submission [1]. In the Chevy Chase, MD area, facilities like post offices and county offices handle these; search "passport acceptance facility" on travel.state.gov or USPS.com to find nearby options and check for required appointments (common now to avoid long waits).

Apply in person if:

• You've never had a U.S. passport: First-timers always need in-person verification of citizenship (e.g., original birth certificate) and ID.
• Your previous passport was issued before age 16: Validity periods are shorter for minors; treat as new.
• Your last passport was issued within 15 years but lost, stolen, or damaged: Report it via Form DS-64 first; bring police report if stolen for faster processing.
• You're applying for a minor under 16: Both parents/guardians must appear (or submit notarized consent); plan ahead for scheduling.

Decision guidance: If you're an adult (16+) with an undamaged passport issued more than 15 years ago, you may qualify for mail renewal (Form DS-82)—double-check eligibility on state.gov to save time. Otherwise, in-person is required.

Practical steps & common mistakes to avoid:

• Gather docs early: Form DS-11 (unsigned until in-person), proof of citizenship, photo ID, 2x2 passport photo (white background, taken within 6 months—don't use selfies or CVS prints that fail specs), name change evidence if applicable, and fees (check/money order; credit cards at some spots).
• Mistake #1: No appointment—many Chevy Chase-area facilities require online booking via their site.
• Mistake #2: Wrong photo or photocopies—bring originals; photocopies OK for some proofs but not citizenship docs.
• Mistake #3: Underestimating time—processing takes 6-8 weeks (expedite for 2-3 weeks extra fee); apply 3+ months before travel.
• Pro tip: Track status online post-submission; consider passport card for land/sea travel only (cheaper, faster).

Renewal

Eligible to renew by mail if:

• Your passport was issued within 15 years.
• You were 16+ when issued.
• It's undamaged and in your current name (or you have legal docs for name change).
• You're not applying for both adult and child passports.

Use Form DS-82. Popular in Chevy Chase for routine renewals before summer trips [1].

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

• If eligible for renewal by mail and passport is lost/stolen, check "re-issue" on DS-82.
• Otherwise, apply in person as a "new" passport using DS-11, reporting it lost/stolen.

Track via USPS Certified Mail for mailed apps [2].

Required Documents and Step-by-Step Checklist

Gather everything upfront—half of rejections stem from incompleteness, especially birth certificates for minors or proof of citizenship [1]. Maryland vital records office issues birth/death certs quickly online or in-person [3].

Document Checklist for First-Time/New or Replacement (DS-11, In Person)

• Completed DS-11 (unsigned until interview): Download from travel.state.gov [1].
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (original + photocopy):
  • U.S. birth certificate (long-form preferred; short may be rejected).
  • Naturalization Certificate.
  • Previous undamaged passport (if applicable).
• Proof of identity (original + photocopy): Driver's license, military ID, government employee ID.
• Passport photo (2x2 inches, see photo section).
• Payment: Check/money order for fees (execution fee to facility ~$35; passport fee $130/$165 book/card) [1].
• For minors under 16: Both parents' presence/IDs/consent, or court order [1].
• Name change: Marriage/divorce/court docs.

Document Checklist for Renewal (DS-82, Mail)

• Your most recent passport.
• Passport photo.
• Payment (check to "U.S. Department of State"): $130 book/$30 card.
• Name change docs if needed [1].

Pro tip: Photocopy everything single-sided on 8.5x11 white paper. Order birth cert from MD Vital Records if needed (2-4 weeks standard) [3].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Chevy Chase, MD

Montgomery County has busy post offices due to high demand—book 4-6 weeks ahead via usps.com or call. No walk-ins; appointments required [2]. Use the State Department's locator for real-time slots: iafdb.travel.state.gov [4].

Recommended facilities (within 10 miles, serving 20815 zip):

• USPS | Chevy Chase Post Office: 2 Wisconsin Circle, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Phone: (301) 654-2740. Mon-Fri 10am-3pm by appt [2].
• USPS | Bethesda Post Office: 7400 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814. Phone: (301) 986-8921. High volume; book early [2].
• USPS | Kensington Post Office: 9800 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895. Phone: (301) 946-4155. Good for urgent slots sometimes [2].
• Montgomery County Clerk of the Circuit Court: 50 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850. Phone: (240) 777-9460. Handles complex cases [5].

Peak seasons (Mar-Jun, Nov-Dec) fill fast—have backups. Private expeditors exist but add fees; not government-affiliated [1].

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow this for in-person (DS-11). Renewals simpler: mail DS-82 to State Dept.

1. Fill Form DS-11: Online at travel.state.gov (print single-sided, unsigned) [1].
2. Get Photo: Same day at facilities or CVS/Walgreens (~$15) [1].
3. Gather/Photocopy Docs: Checklist above.
4. Book Appointment: Call or online at facility's USPS page [2].
5. Arrive Early: Bring all originals/photocopies. Sign DS-11 at counter.
6. Pay Fees: Two payments—facility execution ($35 cash/check), State Dept (check/money order).
7. Surrender Old Passport (if any).
8. Track Status: 6-8 weeks routine; online at travel.state.gov [1].

Full Process Checklist (printable):

• Confirm service type and form.
• Order birth cert if needed [3].
• Get compliant photo.
• Complete form (unsigned for DS-11).
• Photocopy docs.
• Book appt (screenshot confirmation).
• Prepare payments.
• Attend appt with everything.
• Track 2 weeks post-submission.

For mail renewals: Assemble in envelope, Certified Mail return receipt [2].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25%+ rejections in busy areas like Montgomery County—glare from DC-area lighting, shadows from smiles, or wrong dimensions (exactly 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches) [1]. Specs:

• Color photo on photo paper.
• White/cream/off-white background.
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No glasses (unless medical), hats (unless religious), uniforms.
• Taken within 6 months.

Local options: Walmart, FedEx Office, or facility (extra fee). Selfies rejected. Check specs visually with State Dept tool [6].

Expedited Service vs. Urgent Travel

Confusion here trips people up. Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited (+$60, 2-3 weeks): Request at acceptance or mail [1].

Urgent <14 days: Life/death emergency only (funeral docs needed). Call National Passport Info Center 1-877-487-2778 for appt at DC regional agency (2 miles away). Not for vacations—facilities can't override [1]. Business trips? Expedite early. Peaks stretch even expedited to 4+ weeks—plan 3 months ahead [1].

Special Case: Passports for Minors

High student/exchange traffic in Chevy Chase means frequent minor apps. Both parents/guardians must appear with IDs/child's birth cert/photo/fee ($100 book). Consent form if one absent. Presence required under 16—no notarized okay [1]. Incomplete parental docs top rejection reasons.

Processing Times and Realistic Expectations

No guarantees—State Dept warns peaks (spring/summer/winter) add 2-4 weeks [1]. Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3; urgent same-day possible at agencies only. Track online. Avoid last-minute reliance—many miss flights. Dulles intl departures average 20% passport issues seasonally.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Chevy Chase

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to review, witness, and submit passport applications for processing. These are not passport agencies, which handle urgent renewals or lost/stolen passports for eligible travelers. Instead, acceptance facilities verify your identity, ensure forms are complete, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Chevy Chase, you'll find such facilities within local post offices, government administrative centers, and community libraries serving Maryland and nearby District of Columbia areas.

When visiting, expect a straightforward but thorough process. Arrive with a completed DS-11 form for first-time applicants (or DS-82 for renewals, if eligible by mail), two passport photos meeting State Department specs, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment (checks or money orders preferred; fees split between application processing and execution fees). Staff will administer an oath, witness your signature, and seal the application in an envelope. Processing times vary from 6-8 weeks standard or 2-3 weeks expedited, so plan months ahead for travel. Not all locations offer photo services or expedited options, so confirm services via the State Department's locator tool online.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges for international trips. Mondays typically draw crowds from weekend backlog, while mid-day slots (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) fill quickly with walk-ins. To navigate this, schedule appointments where available—many facilities now require them online or by phone to reduce wait times. Aim for early mornings, late afternoons, or less busy weekdays like Tuesdays through Thursdays. Always check the facility's website or call ahead for current protocols, as walk-in policies can change. Bring all documents organized to expedite your visit, and consider mailing renewals if you qualify to avoid lines altogether. Patience and preparation make the process smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I apply in Chevy Chase?
Aim 9-13 weeks before travel, per State Dept. Local facilities book out 4-6 weeks in peaks [1].

Can I renew my passport at the Chevy Chase Post Office?
No—renewals by mail only if eligible. Post offices do new apps [1][2].

What if my birth certificate is from Maryland?
Order certified copy from MD Vital Records (online/vitalchek expedited) [3].

My trip is in 10 days—can I get it expedited locally?
Local facilities offer expedited form, but processing 2-3 weeks. True urgent <14 days needs agency appt [1].

Photos: Can I smile or wear earrings?
Neutral expression, small earrings okay if no glare. No smiles/teeth [6].

Lost my passport abroad—now back in MD?
Report online, apply replacement in person [1].

Do county clerks charge extra?
Execution fee same ($35), but confirm [5].

Name change after marriage—how?
Include marriage cert with app [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2]USPS - Passport Services
[3]Maryland Department of Health - Vital Records
[4]State Department - Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[5]Montgomery County Clerk of the Circuit Court - Passports
[6]State Department - Passport Photo Requirements