Step-by-Step Passport Application Guide for Friendly, MD

Getting a Passport in Friendly, MD: Your Step-by-Step Guide

If you live in Friendly, MD, in Prince George's County, you're in a prime spot for international travel. Proximity to major airports like Dulles (IAD) and Reagan National (DCA) makes it easy for business trips to Europe or Asia, family vacations during spring break or summer, and winter escapes to the Caribbean. Students from nearby University of Maryland or exchange programs often need passports quickly, and last-minute trips for family emergencies aren't uncommon. However, Maryland's high travel volume leads to challenges: acceptance facilities get booked solid during peak seasons (March–August and December–January), photo rejections are frequent due to glare or sizing errors, and many applicants struggle with incomplete forms for minors or mix up renewal rules [1]. This guide helps you avoid pitfalls, using official U.S. Department of State requirements, so you can apply confidently without government affiliation or guarantees on processing times.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before starting, identify your situation to use the correct form and process. Using the wrong one causes delays.

• First-Time Passport: For adults or children who have never had a U.S. passport. Use Form DS-11. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility [2].
• Renewal: Eligible if your previous passport was issued when you were 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, and sent with your application. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing name [2]. Many in Friendly mistakenly use DS-11 for renewals, leading to rejection.
• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Use DS-82 if eligible for renewal (mail), or DS-11 (in person) otherwise. Report loss online first [3].
• Child Passport (under 16): Always first-time or replacement with DS-11. Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent [2].
• Name Change, Error Correction, or Additional Pages: Varies; check eligibility for DS-82 or DS-11 [2].

Download forms from the State Department site—never use unofficial sources [2].

Gather Required Documents

Incomplete documentation is a top rejection reason, especially for minors needing parental IDs. Start early; Maryland birth certificates take 4–6 weeks by mail [4].

Core Documents for All (DS-11 in person):

• Completed Form DS-11 (unsigned until instructed).
• Proof of U.S. citizenship: Original or certified birth certificate (MD issues from Vital Statistics Administration), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Photocopies required too [1].
• Proof of identity: Driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Name must match citizenship doc [1].
• Passport photo (see next section).
• Fees: $130 application (adult book) + $35 execution + optional expedited [5].

For Renewals (DS-82 by mail):

• Old passport.
• New photo.
• Name change docs if applicable (marriage certificate, court order).
• Fees: $130 (adult book) [5].

Minors Under 16:

• Both parents' presence or Form DS-3053 (notarized consent from absent parent).
• Parents' IDs and relationship proof.
• Fees: $100 application + $35 execution [1].

MD residents: Order birth certificates online or by mail from Maryland Department of Health (allow time for processing) [4]. Photocopy everything; originals are returned.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25% of rejections in busy areas like Prince George's County due to shadows from home lighting, glare on glasses, or wrong size (2x2 inches exactly) [6]. Specs:

• 2x2 inches, head 1–1 3/8 inches.
• White/off-white background, even lighting (no shadows under chin/eyes).
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• Color photo <6 months old, printed on matte/glossy paper (no filters).
• No uniforms, hats (unless religious/medical), glasses (unless medically necessary with no glare) [6].

Take at CVS, Walgreens, or USPS near Friendly—many offer acceptance facility service. Selfies fail due to distortion [6].

Find an Acceptance Facility Near Friendly, MD

Friendly lacks a dedicated facility, so head to nearby Prince George's County spots. High demand means book appointments 4–6 weeks ahead via the locator tool, especially spring/summer [7]. Examples:

• Clinton Post Office (9025 Ryan Dr, Clinton, MD 20735): Offers photos, by appointment [5].
• Oxon Hill Post Office (100 Waverly St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745): Walk-ins limited.
• Prince George's County Central Library (6532 Adelphi Rd, Hyattsville, MD): Seasonal hours.

Use the official locator: Enter "Friendly, MD" for real-time slots [7]. For executions (after acceptance), regional agencies in DC or Baltimore handle urgent cases [1].

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Follow this for DS-11 (in-person applications). Print and check off.

1. Determine need and download forms (1–2 days): Use table above. Fill DS-11/DS-3053 but don't sign DS-11 [2].
2. Gather documents (2–6 weeks): Birth cert [4], ID, photos [6]. For minors, parental consent.
3. Pay fees (day of): Check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of State" ($165 adult total standard). Execution fee to facility ($35 cash/check) [5].
4. Book appointment (immediate): Via [7]. Arrive 15 min early with all docs.
5. Attend appointment (1 hour): Present docs, sign DS-11 in front of agent. Agent seals package.
6. Choose processing:

   Speed	Add'l Fee	Time (current)
   Routine	None	6–8 weeks [1]
   Expedited	$60	2–3 weeks [1]
   Urgent (<14 days)	Varies	Agency only [8]

7. Mail or drop off: Agent provides envelope; track via USPS if mailed.
8. Track status: Online after 7–10 days [1].
9. Receive passport: Mailed 1–2 weeks post-processing. Card optional (+$30).

Document Checklist (duplicate for thoroughness):

• DS-11 (unsigned).
• Citizenship proof + photocopy.
• ID + photocopy.
• 2x2 photo.
• Fees (two payments).
• For minors: DS-3053, parental IDs.
• Previous passport (if applicable).

Peak seasons add 2–4 weeks; no hard promises—check status weekly [1].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6–8 weeks door-to-door. Expedited (2–3 weeks) via 1-877-487-2778 or online, but facilities book fast [8]. Confusion arises: "Expedited" ≠ "urgent travel service" (for departures <14 days or life-or-death <28 days). For true urgency:

• Apply at regional agency (e.g., Baltimore Passport Agency, 301 W Lombard St, by appointment only) [1].
• Proof of travel (tickets, Dr. note).
• Higher fees ($217+ adult).

Avoid last-minute reliance—plan 10+ weeks ahead in MD's busy travel seasons [8].

Special Considerations for Maryland Residents

• Students/Exchange Programs: UMD students use campus intl office for guidance; apply early for summer programs.
• Business/Seasonal Travel: Book facilities January for spring trips.
• Urgent Scenarios: Family emergencies common near DC; agencies prioritize documented cases only.
• Mail Renewals: DS-82 to National Passport Processing Center, not local post office [2].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Friendly

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to process new passport applications (Form DS-11) and some renewals. These sites, often found at post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings in Friendly and nearby communities, do not issue passports on-site. Instead, trained agents review your documents for completeness, administer the required oath, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing.

To use these facilities, arrive prepared with an unsigned DS-11 application, a valid photo (2x2 inches, recent, specific requirements), proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate or prior passport), a government-issued photo ID, and payment (checks or money orders preferred; exact fees vary by age and service speed). Expect a verification process that may include photocopies and notarization-like witnessing. First-time applicants, minors, or those with name changes typically require in-person submission. Walk-ins are common, though some locations offer appointments to streamline visits. Processing times start at 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks expedited, plus mailing.

Always verify current facility locations and eligibility via the official State Department website or by calling the National Passport Information Center, as authorizations can change. Surrounding areas like nearby towns may offer additional options if local spots are limited.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities in and around Friendly tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons, such as summer months, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays often bring crowds from weekend planners, and mid-day hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) are usually busiest due to standard business flows.

Plan ahead by aiming for early mornings, late afternoons, or weekdays outside Mondays. Check for appointment availability where offered, and monitor seasonal trends cautiously—holiday rushes can extend waits unpredictably. Arrive with all documents organized to minimize time on-site, and consider off-peak seasons for smoother experiences. If urgency arises, explore expedited options or passport agencies for faster service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my passport at the Clinton Post Office?
No, renewals (DS-82) go by mail if eligible. Post offices handle DS-11 only [5].

How soon can I get a passport for travel in 10 days?
Expedited might work, but <14 days requires agency appointment with travel proof. No guarantees during peaks [8].

Why was my photo rejected?
Common: Shadows, wrong size, or glare. Retake professionally [6].

Do both parents need to come for a child's passport?
Yes, or provide notarized DS-3053 from the other parent [2].

Where do I get a Maryland birth certificate?
From MD Dept. of Health Vital Records; expedited options available but plan ahead [4].

Can I track my application?
Yes, online after 7–10 days with last name, DOB, fee payment number [1].

Is there a passport fair in Prince George's County?
Occasionally at libraries/USPS; check locator for pop-ups [7].

What if my passport is lost abroad?
Contact U.S. embassy; apply for replacement upon return [3].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Passport Forms
[3]Lost or Stolen Passport
[4]Maryland Vital Records
[5]USPS Passport Services
[6]Passport Photo Requirements
[7]Passport Acceptance Facility Locator
[8]Fast Track Processing