Complete Guide to Getting a Passport in Fort Washington, MD

Getting a Passport in Fort Washington, MD

Fort Washington, in Prince George's County, Maryland, sits just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., making it a hub for residents with frequent international travel needs. Local business professionals often jet off to Europe or Asia for meetings, while families head to the Caribbean or South America during spring and summer peaks or winter breaks. Students from nearby universities participate in exchange programs, and urgent trips—like family emergencies or last-minute work deployments—crop up regularly. With D.C.'s international airport nearby, demand for passports runs high, especially seasonally, leading to crowded acceptance facilities and longer waits[1].

This guide walks you through the process step by step, tailored to Fort Washington residents. It draws directly from U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you avoid pitfalls like appointment shortages, photo rejections, or form mix-ups. Always check official sites for the latest, as rules can change.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before gathering documents, figure out your situation. Using the wrong process wastes time and money.

• First-time passport: For adults or minors who have never had a U.S. passport. Apply in person at an acceptance facility[2].
• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16+, is undamaged, and was issued within the last 15 years. Most can renew by mail—no in-person visit needed[3]. Ineligible? Treat as first-time or replacement.
• Replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged: Report it via Form DS-64 (free) or DS-11/DS-82 if reapplying. If valid less than a year old, include the old one[4].
• Name/gender change, correction: Use Form DS-5504 within one year of issuance (free, by mail); otherwise, new application[5].
• For minors under 16: Always first-time process in person; both parents/guardians usually required[6].

Quick Decision Checklist:

• Do you have a prior passport issued 15+ years ago? → Renewal by mail (DS-82).
• Lost/stolen/damaged? → Report + reapply (DS-11 if in person).
• Never had one, or ineligible for mail renewal? → In-person (DS-11).
• Under 16? → In-person with parents (DS-11).

If unsure, use the State Department's online wizard: travel.state.gov[1].

Gather Required Documents and Photos

Incomplete paperwork is the top reason applications get rejected in high-volume areas like Prince George's County. Start here.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship

• U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy), naturalization certificate, or prior undamaged passport[2].
• For births in Maryland: Order from MD Vital Records (health.maryland.gov/vsa) or Prince George's County Health Dept. Allow 2-4 weeks processing[7].
• Tip: Minors need both parents' IDs and consent; get Form DS-3053 notarized if one parent can't attend[6].

Photo ID

Current driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Must match application name[2].

Passport Photos

2x2 inches, color, white/cream/off-white background, taken within 6 months. No selfies—use CVS, Walgreens, or USPS in Fort Washington[8]. Common rejections here: Shadows from overhead lights, glare from glasses, wrong size (head 1-1 3/8 inches), or smiling too much. Specs: Full face forward, neutral expression, eyes open[8].

Forms and Fees

• DS-11 (first-time/minor): $130 adult/$100 minor application + $35 execution (acceptance facility fee). Total ~$200[9].
• DS-82 renewal: $130 adult/$100 minor, mail only[3].
• Expedited: +$60[10].
• 1-2 day urgent (within 14 days): Call 1-877-487-2778 after routine/expedited app[11]. Not guaranteed—peaks overwhelm system.

Pay execution fee by check/money order; application fee by check to "U.S. Department of State."

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing and Submitting Your Application

Follow this religiously to sidestep delays.

1. Confirm eligibility: Use State Dept. wizard[1]. Renew by mail if possible?
2. Collect docs: Birth cert (certified), photo ID, 2 photos, old passport if applicable.
3. Fill forms: Download DS-11/DS-82 from travel.state.gov. Do NOT sign DS-11 until instructed.
4. Book appointment: Use iafdb.travel.state.gov for Fort Washington-area facilities (details below). Book ASAP—slots fill fast in spring/summer.
5. Prepare payment: Two checks/money orders.
6. Arrive early: Bring all originals. Facility staff witness signature.
7. Submit: Get receipt. Track at passportstatus.state.gov.
8. For mail renewals: Send to address on DS-82 instructions[3].

Minors Checklist Addendum:

• Both parents' presence/IDs/notarized consent (DS-3053).
• Child's birth cert + photos.
• No court order? Additional docs may be needed[6].

Processing: Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks. No hard guarantees—holidays/peaks add 2+ weeks. Avoid relying on last-minute for urgent travel unless within 14 days[10].

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Fort Washington

Fort Washington (ZIP 20744) has limited options; plan for nearby Prince George's spots. High demand means book 4-6 weeks ahead, especially pre-summer[1].

• Oxon Hill Post Office (Oxon Hill, ~5 miles): 5011 Indian Head Hwy, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Mon-Fri by appointment. Locator-confirmed[12].
• Fort Washington Post Office (limited services—call to confirm): Check tools.usps.com for passport hours[13].
• Clinton Post Office (~10 miles): 8805 Thornton Rd, Clinton, MD 20735.
• Prince George's County Clerk (Upper Marlboro, ~15 miles): 14735 Main St. County seat option[14].

Use the official locator: iafdb.travel.state.gov. Search "Fort Washington, MD." No walk-ins; passports not at all USPS[13].

Expedited and Urgent Services

Busy travelers here often need speed:

• Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks. Select at acceptance or mail[10].
• Urgent (life/death within 14 days): Apply routine/expedited first, then call for appt at regional agency (e.g., D.C. Passport Agency, 2 hours away). Proof required—no routine urgents[11]. Confusion alert: Expedited ≠ urgent travel service. Peaks (spring break, holidays) make even expedited unreliable—plan 3 months ahead[1].

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Appointment scarcity: Book via email/phone immediately. Have backups.
• Photo fails: Use State Dept. tool to check (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos/photo-composition-tool.html)[8].
• Docs for minors: 40% rejections here—get notarized consent early[6].
• Renewal mistakes: Using DS-11 when DS-82 eligible? Returned.
• Seasonal surges: Winter breaks + summer = 50% longer waits[1].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Fort Washington

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations where individuals can submit their passport applications for review before they are forwarded to the U.S. Department of State for processing. These facilities, often found at post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings, do not issue passports themselves. Trained staff or authorized agents verify your identity, review your completed forms for completeness, administer the oath, and witness your signature. Applications are then sealed and sent to a regional passport agency.

In and around Fort Washington, several such facilities are conveniently located within the local area and nearby communities. Common types include branches of postal services, government administrative centers, and public libraries. These spots cater to residents seeking new passports, renewals, or replacements. Visitors should prepare all required documents in advance, including a valid photo ID, proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate), passport photos meeting U.S. specifications (2x2 inches, white background, recent), and the appropriate fees payable by check or money order. Children under 16 must apply in person with both parents or guardians present, along with additional documentation.

Expect a straightforward but thorough process, typically lasting 15-30 minutes per applicant, depending on volume. Some locations offer appointments to streamline visits, while others operate on a walk-in basis. Always confirm requirements via the official U.S. Department of State website, as policies can evolve.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to see higher traffic during peak travel seasons, such as summer months and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays often bring crowds from weekend backlog, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can be particularly congested due to lunch-hour rushes. To minimize waits, aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, and avoid weekends if possible. Check for appointment options online where available, and consider seasonality—processing times lengthen nationwide during high-demand periods. Planning 6-8 weeks ahead for travel is advisable, with expedited services for urgent needs. Flexibility and preparation go a long way in navigating these generalized patterns effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Fort Washington?
No local same-day service. Urgent only at agencies for qualifying trips[11].

What's the difference between routine, expedited, and urgent?
Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent: 1-2 days at agency (within 14 days travel, proof needed)[10][11].

Do I need an appointment at USPS for passports?
Yes, all facilities require them. No walk-ins[13].

My child is 15—can they renew by mail?
No, under 16 always in-person[6].

I lost my passport abroad—what now?
Report via DS-64/DS-5504; apply for new at embassy. Stateside: Same[4].

How do I track my application?
Enter receipt number at passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days[1].

Birth certificate lost—where in MD?
MD Vital Records online/mail (health.maryland.gov/vsa). Expedite for +fee[7].

Can I use a passport card instead?
For land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Bermuda. Same process, cheaper ($30 adult)[15].

Final Tips for Fort Washington Residents

Leverage proximity to D.C.: If urgent, agency there serves MD. Students: Campus intl offices often guide. Business travelers: Company travel desks help with fees. Track everything online, and double-check docs against travel.state.gov checklists[2].

Safe travels!

Sources

[1]U.S. Passports & International Travel
[2]Apply in Person for a Passport
[3]Renew an Adult Passport
[4]Replace or Report Lost/Stolen Passport
[5]Correct or Update Passport
[6]Children Under 16
[7]Maryland Vital Records
[8]Passport Photo Requirements
[9]Passport Fees
[10]Expedited Service
[11]Urgent Travel Service
[12]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[13]USPS Passport Services
[14]Prince George's County Clerk
[15]Passport Card