Getting a Passport in Croom MD: Facilities Fees Timelines

Getting a Passport in Croom, MD

Quick Start: Calculate Your Fees
Use the official U.S. Department of State Passport Fee Calculator or Application Wizard to get exact costs based on your age, book/card, and service type (e.g., adult book routine: $165 total).

Croom residents in rural Prince George's County have convenient access to BWI (25 miles north) and Dulles (50 miles west) for flights, but high local demand near DC means passports book up fast—plan 4-6 weeks ahead in peak spring/summer. Routine processing: 6-8 weeks; expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks; add mailing time from 20623 ZIP. Double-check photos (25% rejection rate) and originals (40% family delays). No walk-ins at most spots; book via iafdb.travel.state.gov. Croom tip: US-301 traffic peaks 7-9am/4-6pm—head out early for Brandywine or Clinton.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Wrong form? Refile and lose fees. Quick decision tree:

• First-time, child <16, lost/stolen/damaged, or name change? DS-11 in person (no mail).
• Eligible renewal? DS-82 by mail if passport issued age 16+, <15 years old, undamaged, in possession.
• Travel in <3 weeks? Expedite (+$60); <14 days life-or-death? Urgent agency (1-877-487-2778).
• Land/sea only (Canada/Mexico cruises)? Passport card (cheaper, no flights).

Croom-specific: Mail renewals skip 30-45 min drives; use wizard at travel.state.gov if unsure. Common mistake: Renewing old child passport by mail—must DS-11.

Key Timelines & What to Expect

At facilities: 20-40 min for oath, doc scan, fee split (facility gets $35 execution; State gets application fee). Expect lines mid-day; arrive organized.

Gather Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Start 10-12 weeks early—MD birth certs take 2-4 weeks ($24 from health.maryland.gov/vsa). Photocopy everything on plain paper. Pitfalls: No originals, bad photos, missing minor consents (top rejections).

DS-11 (New/Child/Ineligible Renewal, In Person)

• Unsigned DS-11 (download/fill online).
• Citizenship proof (original + copy): MD long-form birth cert (raised seal), naturalization cert.
• ID proof (original + copy): MD driver's license + utility bill.
• 2x2 photo.
• Fees: $165 adult book ($130 app + $35 exec); check to "U.S. Dept of State" + facility fee.
• Minors: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent (+ID copy); court order if sole custody.

DS-82 (Mail Renewal)

• Old passport.
• Signed DS-82 + photo.
• $130 check to "U.S. Dept of State".
• Mail to P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (Priority trackable).

Expedited/Urgent Add-Ons: Proof of travel (itinerary), $60 expedite check (separate), prepaid USPS Express return envelope ($21+ insured).

MD tip: Order extras from P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore; apostille foreign births.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% apps fail here in PG County. Specs: 2x2", color, <6 months old, white background, neutral face, no glasses/hats/shadows/glare. Selfies/home prints: 80-90% reject. Get at CVS/Walgreens/USPS near Croom ($15); they guarantee compliance.

Find a Passport Acceptance Facility Near Croom

No local spot in Croom—nearest in PG County handle DS-11/DS-82. Verify via iafdb.travel.state.gov (enter 20623); book appointments online/phone. Facilities forward apps (no on-site passports).

Summary Table: Top Facilities from Croom

Interactive Google Map with Pins & Routes

Tips: Early AM/late PM best; US-301 backups common—check Waze. County clerk good for complex cases.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm form/eligibility: Wizard at pptform.state.gov.
2. Gather docs/photo/fees (see checklist).
3. Report lost/stolen: DS-64 online first.
4. Book facility appt; arrive 15 min early.
5. At facility: Present all, sign DS-11, pay split fees, get receipt/tracking #.
6. Mail renewal: Priority to Philly center.
7. Track: passportstatus.state.gov.

Expedited Service

Add $60 via separate check (do not combine with other fees); request in person at the facility or agency counter—specify "expedited" clearly on your application form. Ship documents both ways via USPS Express Mail (boldly write "EXPEDITE" on the outer envelope and include prepaid return label). Expect 2-3 weeks total processing (faster than standard 6-8 weeks, but still plan ahead for travel).

When to choose: Ideal if you have imminent travel (e.g., within 1 month)—include proof like itinerary or ticket. Skip if no rush, to save $60+ shipping costs.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Forgetting travel proof (e.g., flight confirmation)—application rejected and delayed.
• Using wrong envelope/service (e.g., Priority Mail instead of Express)—no expediting.
• Combining fees into one check—causes return and restart.
• Not requesting verbally/in writing at counter—defaults to standard.

Pro tip for Croom area: Factor in local mail pickup times (aim for early drop-off at nearby USPS); track packages online for peace of mind.

Urgent (Life-or-Death <14 Days)

DC Agency (30 miles, 45-60 min drive): Call 1-877-487-2778 with itinerary/doctor's note. No for weddings/business.

Universal Checklist

• Right form/fees (calc link above).
• Originals + copies + compliant photo.
• Appt booked; extras ready.
• Tracking set up.

Navigating Challenges in Maryland

PG County peaks: 1-2hr waits; book 4wks ahead. Traffic: Avoid 495/301 rush. Students: UMD/PGCC fairs. Damaged passports? DS-11. Notarize DS-3053 ahead ($10 bank/USPS).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long from Croom? 6-8w routine; 2-3w expedite (+mail).
Same-day? No; DC agency for urgents only.
One parent minor? DS-3053 + ID copy.
Expired 16+ yrs? DS-11 in person.
Card for Europe flight? No—book only.
Rejection? Fix/reapply; no refunds.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Get a Fast Passport
[3] Renew Adult Passport
[4] Children Under 16
[5] Lost/Stolen
[6] Wizard
[7] Apply In Person
[8] MD Vital Records
[9] Photos
[10] USPS Locator
[11] PG County Clerk
[12] Facility Search
[13] Agencies
[14] Status Check