Getting a Passport in Cloverly, MD: Facilities & Checklists

Getting a Passport in Cloverly, MD

Nestled in Montgomery County just north of Washington, DC, Cloverly offers easy access to international hubs like Dulles (IAD, 45 min drive via ICC MD-200) and BWI (40 min via I-95). Local travel spikes in spring break, summer vacations, and holidays, driven by tourism, business to Europe/Asia, and University of Maryland student exchanges. High demand strains nearby facilities, so Cloverly residents should plan 3+ months ahead, especially for first-timers or families. This guide, based on U.S. Department of State resources, provides tailored checklists, decision tools, and local tips to cut rejection risks and delays [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose DS-11 (in-person) or DS-82 (mail renewal) based on your situation—wrong form causes 20% of rejections. Use this quick decision guide:

Common mistake: Assuming all renewals need in-person—most don't. Students/business travelers: Verify early to mail DS-82 and skip facility waits [2][3].

Required Documents

Originals + black-and-white photocopies (8.5x11, single-sided). Top rejection: Missing parental consent for minors or poor citizenship proof.

All Applicants:

• Citizenship: MD birth cert (via health.maryland.gov vital records, 2-4 wk expedited) [5], naturalization cert, or old passport.
• ID: MD driver's license/MVA ID [6].
• Photocopies of both.
• 2x2 photo.
• Form + fees (two checks: app to "U.S. Dept of State"; execution ~$35 to facility) [1].

Minors <16: Both parents present or DS-3053 notarized consent + their IDs/proof of relation. Child must attend [7].

Pro tip: Cloverly births? Order MD vital records online; non-MD? Contact birth state early.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25% rejections from photos—glare, size (2x2", head 1-1⅜"), or smiles. Specs: 6 mos recent, neutral face, white background, no glasses/hats (med/religi

ous OK w/docs) [8].

Local options: CVS/Walgreens in Olney/Gaithersburg (~10-20 min drive). Get 2-4 extras. Check travel.state.gov samples; facilities reject non-compliant.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Cloverly

No local facility in Cloverly—use Montgomery County spots, a short drive via MD-97 or US-29. Book ASAP online (usps.com or iafdb.travel.state.gov); slots vanish near DC, especially Mar-Aug/Dec peaks [9]. Expect 15-45 min visits: Agent reviews docs, you sign DS-11/oath, pay, get receipt/tracking.

USPS (DS-11 only, ~$35 fee):

• Olney Post Office: 2611 Watkins Rd, Olney, MD 20832 (~5-10 min from Cloverly via MD-97; early AM avoids Rt 97 rush) [10].
• Gaithersburg Post Office: 905 Dapper Dan Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20879 (~20 min via MD-200 ICC; midweek lighter) [10].
• Rockville Main Post Office: 100 W Jefferson St, Rockville, MD 20850 (~20-25 min via MD-200; traffic heavy 4-6 PM) [10].

County Clerk: 50 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850 (DS-11; 240-777-9400) [11].

Libraries: Davis (North Bethesda) sometimes; confirm [9].

Tips: Tuesdays-Thursdays quieter than Mondays; arrive 15 min early w/completed form (unsigned). No walk-ins. From Cloverly, Olney's proximity saves time—locals favor it for quick turns.

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

1. Confirm need; get MD birth cert if req'd [5].
2. Fill DS-11 online (print unsigned) [2].
3. Compliant photo + extras [8].
4. Photocopy ID/citizenship/photo.
5. Fees: Two checks ($130 book adult +$60 exp'd?) [1].
6. Book appt; arrive early.
7. At facility: Review/sign/pay; get tracking.
8. Track after 7-10 days [12].

DS-82 Mail Renewal:

1. Eligible? Include old passport.
2. Fill online, print.
3. Photo + photocopies + check.
4. Mail per form [3]. Mistake: Signing early.

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Routine: 6-8 wks. Expedited: 2-3 wks (+$60). Urgent <14 days? DC Passport Agency (MD eligible; proof req'd—not vacations) [13][14].

Cloverly tip: Apply post-holidays to dodge peaks; set alerts.

Special Considerations for Minors and Students

Summer rushes for UMD exchanges—book Olney early. DS-3053 for absent parent (notarize at bank/USPS). Renewals mail-eligible [7].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Olney PO for renewals? No, DS-82 mail-only [10].
Fast MD birth cert? Expedited online (2-4 days + mail) [5].
Photo rejected? Glare/shadows common—retake w/samples [8].
Passport fairs? Check iafdb events [9].
10-day job trip? Expedite + itinerary [13].
SSN needed? Yes, on form [1].
Summer timing? 9-13 wks early [13].

Sources

[1]Passports
[2]DS-11
[3]DS-82
[4]Lost/Stolen
[5]MD Vital Records
[6]MD MVA
[7]Minors
[8]Photos
[9]Facilities
[10]USPS
[11]Montgomery Court
[12]Tracker
[13]Times
[14]Urgent