How to Get Passport in Delmar MD: Steps, Facilities, Tips

Getting a Passport in Delmar, MD

Delmar, MD residents in Wicomico County frequently apply for passports for study abroad programs at nearby Salisbury University, family trips to the Caribbean or Europe, or urgent business travel. Peak demand hits during spring break, summer vacations, and winter holidays, when university students and local families compete for slots at nearby facilities. Limited appointments during these times—especially at Salisbury-area post offices—mean planning 4-6 weeks ahead is essential. This guide provides a tailored step-by-step process, highlighting local pitfalls like glare-heavy photos from indoor home setups, minor consent issues for exchange students' siblings, and confusion between DS-11 new applications and DS-82 renewals.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Determine your category upfront to select the right form and avoid delays or extra trips from Delmar (10-15 minute drives to key Wicomico facilities).

• First-Time or Ineligible for Renewal (DS-11): Never had a passport, child under 16, previous passport issued before age 16 or over 15 years ago, damaged/lost, or major changes (name/gender). Apply in person at an acceptance facility; staff witness your signature.

• Renewal (DS-82): Eligible if prior passport was issued at 16+, within last 15 years, undamaged, and unchanged. Mail it—no in-person needed unless adding pages.

• Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacement: Report via DS-64 (free), then reissue with DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11.

• Corrections: DS-5504 (free, within 1 year); otherwise DS-82/DS-11.

• Minors Under 16: Always DS-11 in person with both parents/guardians or notarized DS-3053 consent.

Urgent travel (within 14 days) or life-or-death emergencies require a passport agency appointment (nearest: Baltimore, 2+ hour drive) with itinerary proof. Standard expedited (2-3 weeks, +$60) skips the agency.

Gather Required Documents

Assemble originals (photocopies returned where noted) to prevent rejections at Wicomico facilities.

Proof of Citizenship:

• Long-form U.S. birth certificate (order from Maryland Vital Records; 2-4 weeks standard, rush available).
• Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate.
• Prior undamaged passport.

Proof of Identity (name must match application):

• MD driver's license, military ID, or government ID.

Social Security Number (or ineligibility proof).

Minors: Both parents' IDs, child's birth certificate, DS-3053 if one absent.

Photo: One

2x2-inch color (within 6 months), head 1-1⅜ inches, neutral expression, even lighting, white/off-white background, no glare/shadows/glasses/uniforms (religious/medical exceptions). Local Delmar-area tip: Avoid home printers; use natural light to dodge common rejections (60% nationwide from poor quality). Try Walmart Photo, CVS, or USPS in Salisbury ($15-17).

Forms: DS-11 (new/in-person, complete online but sign on-site); DS-82 (renewal/mail).

Fees: See current schedule at U.S. Department of State Fees. Typically: adult book $130, child $100; execution $35 (all ages, to facility); expedited +$60; 1-2 day delivery +$21.36. Separate payments: check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" (application); facility-specific (execution).

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Delmar

Delmar has no on-site facility; head to nearby Wicomico County options (10-15 minute drives). Demand surges with Salisbury University students and vacationers—book 4-6 weeks early.

Comprehensive List and Booking: Use these official tools for verified, real-time locations, hours, and slots:

• State Department Facility Locator (enter "Delmar, MD 21875" for all types).
• USPS Passport Finder (post offices only).

Examples near Delmar:

• Salisbury Post Office (Main Branch): Full service. Call 410-749-3611 or book via USPS site.
• Wicomico County Clerk of Circuit Court: Courthouse location. Call 410-543-0100 x424; appointments advised.
• Fruitland Post Office: Limited services, close proximity. Confirm: 410-742-7141.

What to Expect: Arrive early with completed form (unsigned for DS-11), docs/photos/fees. Agent reviews, oaths, seals, and forwards—no on-site issuance. Appointments required post-pandemic; walk-ins rare. Busy times: Mondays, mid-days, peaks (March-August, December). Opt for early mornings/late afternoons; check January/September for ease.

For urgent: Baltimore Passport Agency (appointment + proof required).

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Applications (DS-11)

1. Fill DS-11: Online at travel.state.

gov (print single-sided, ink-sign on-site). 2. Collect Docs: Citizenship/ID + photocopies, SSN, photo, minor papers. 3. Book Slot: Via locators above, 4-6 weeks early (Salisbury PO fills fast for students). 4. Attend: Early arrival; staff handles oath/signature. 5. Pay: Dual fees (State + facility). 6. Track: Online at passportstatus.state.gov (locator number after 7-10 days). 7. Receive: Routine 6-8 weeks processing + mail.

Renewals (DS-82): Complete form, add old passport/photo/fees, mail per instructions.

Expedited Add-On: Check box, +$60 fee (2-3 weeks); urgent needs agency.

Special Considerations for Minors

Both parents/guardians required with IDs/child's birth cert (notarized DS-3053 if absent; court order for sole custody). Salisbury U families: Kids' photos often fail from indoor glare—outdoor natural light helps. Exchange programs add parental travel doc needs.

Processing Times and Realistic Expectations

• Routine: 6-8 weeks processing + 1-2 weeks mail (10-13 total).
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks processing.
• Urgent: 14 days/life-or-death via agency only.

Wicomico peaks delay appointments 1-2 months; nationwide backlogs hit spring/summer. Apply 3+ months early; track weekly at travel.state.gov.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Delmar

• Photos: Shadows/glare (measure head; pro service beats DIY).
• Forms: DS-82 for first-timers/damaged; signing DS-11 early.
• Docs: Short-form birth certs, missing SSN, mismatched names.
• Timing: Summer walk-ins at Salisbury PO (book ahead).
• Fees/Pay: Cash at courts (checks only); outdated amounts.
• Minors: No consent form (delays families).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Delmar? No; urgent to Baltimore agency with 14-day proof.

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited ($60, 2-3 weeks, no proof); urgent (agency + itinerary).

Expired 16+ years? DS-11 as new.

Birth certificate? MD Vital Records (online/mail/Baltimore; no local certified copies).

Salisbury PO appointment? Yes; call/USPS site for student-heavy demand.

Non-consenting parent? Court order/DS-3053.

Mail first-time? No, in-person DS-11.

Lost passport? DS-64 report; reapply DS-11/DS-82.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Apply in Person

[3] U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[4] U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
[5] U.S. Department of State - Get Fast
[6] Maryland Department of Health - Vital Records
[7] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[8] USPS Location Finder
[9] Wicomico County Clerk of Court
[10] U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status