Fulton, MD Passport Guide: DS-11, DS-82 & Nearby Facilities

Getting a Passport in Fulton, MD

Residents of Fulton, Maryland, in Howard County, often need passports for frequent international business travel to Europe and Asia, family vacations during spring/summer peaks or winter breaks, student exchange programs at nearby universities like the University of Maryland, or urgent last-minute trips for work emergencies. With BWI Airport nearby and proximity to Washington Dulles, demand surges seasonally, leading to limited appointments at acceptance facilities. This guide provides straightforward steps tailored to Fulton-area users, addressing common pitfalls like photo rejections from glare or shadows, incomplete minor applications, and confusion over renewal forms versus in-person requirements [1]. Always verify details on official sites, as processing times vary and peak seasons (spring/summer, holidays) can delay even expedited services—no guarantees for last-minute needs.

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

Selecting the correct process avoids wasted trips and fees. Use this decision tree based on U.S. Department of State guidelines [1].

First-Time Applicants

If you've never held a U.S. passport, are applying for a child under 16, or your last passport was issued before age 16 (even if it was years ago), you must apply in person using Form DS-11. This covers nearly all new adult passports and every minor passport—no mail-in or renewal option exists [1].

Quick Decision Guide

• Yes, use DS-11 if: First passport ever; child under 16; prior passport issued under age 16.
• No, consider DS-82 renewal if: You had a passport issued at 16+ that's undamaged, issued within 15 years, and in your current name.
• Unsure? Check travel.state.gov's passport wizard for your exact situation.

Practical Steps for Fulton, MD Area

1. Download Form DS-11: Get it free from travel.state.gov (print single-sided; do not sign until instructed in person).
2. Gather originals (no photocopies unless specified):
   • Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate).
   • Valid photo ID (e.g., driver's license) + photocopy; or two alternate IDs if no primary.
   • One 2x2" color passport photo (white background, taken within 6 months—many pharmacies like CVS do this for ~$15).
   • Fees: Check travel.state.gov for current amounts (cashier's check/money order preferred; exact change often required).
3. Find a facility: Search "passport acceptance facility" on usps.com or travel.state.gov—aim for one accepting walk-ins or appointments to avoid long waits (book early for peak seasons like summer).
4. Go in person: Processing takes 6-8 weeks standard (expedite for 2-3 weeks extra fee); track status online later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using DS-82 (renewal form) instead—leads to rejection and delays.
• Bringing expired/lost prior passports without replacement proof.
• Photos with wrong size, glasses, smiles, or home-printed quality (must be professional).
• Signing DS-11 early or forgetting witnesses for minors (both parents/guardians usually needed).
• Underestimating time: Arrive early; facilities near Fulton can have 1-2 hour waits—bring all docs checked twice.

Plan ahead—start 3+ months before travel!

Renewals

Eligible if:

• Your passport was issued when you were 16 or older.
• It expired within the last 5 years or is still valid (but you need a new one).
• You're not changing your name, gender, date/place of birth, or other personal info.

Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed. Not eligible? Use DS-11 in person [2].

Replacements for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports

• If lost/stolen: Report it first via Form DS-64 (online/mail), then apply with DS-11 or DS-82 if eligible.
• Damaged (beyond normal wear): DS-11 in person. Bring evidence like a police report for theft [1].

Quick Reference Table

Fees exclude optional expedited ($60) or 1-2 day delivery ($21.36). Pay execution fee by check/money order to acceptance facility; application fee by check to State Dept [1].

Gather Required Documents

Incomplete applications cause 40% of rejections [1]. Start early—order birth certificates if needed from Maryland Vital Records (6-8 weeks processing) [3].

Core Documents for All:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship: Original birth certificate (long form preferred), naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship. Photocopies required. No hospital birth records [1].
• Proof of identity: Driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Photocopy both sides [1].
• Passport photo: One 2x2 inch color photo (details below).
• Form DS-11 (unsigned until at facility) or DS-82 [1][2].

Name Changes: Marriage/divorce certificates if name differs from ID/citizenship docs.

For Minors Under 16:

• Both parents' presence or notarized consent from absent parent (Form DS-3053).
• Parents' IDs and relationship proof (birth/adoption cert) [1]. Common issue: Missing parental consent delays minors' apps amid student travel spikes.

Order MD birth certs online/via mail: $24 first copy [3]. For urgent needs, expedited via VitalChek (extra fees).

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos fail 25% of the time due to shadows, glare, wrong size, or smiles [4]. Specs [4]:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• White/cream background, even lighting (no shadows under chin/eyes).
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• Color photo <6 months old; glasses OK if eyes visible, no hats unless religious/medical (doctor's note).

Where to Get Photos Near Fulton:

• CVS Pharmacy (e.g., 6100 Day Long Ln, Clarksville, MD): $16.99 digital/print.
• Walmart (6320 Columbia Crossing Cir, Columbia, MD): Self-service kiosks ~$15.
• USPS locations below often provide for extra fee. Print at home? Use passport photo apps/booths meeting specs, but verify [4].

Tip: Take multiples; facilities reject imperfect ones on-site.

Locate an Acceptance Facility Near Fulton, MD

Fulton lacks a dedicated facility—nearest in Howard County/adjacent areas book up fast due to seasonal travel demand. Use the State Dept locator [5]; book online 4-6 weeks ahead. No walk-ins typically.

Recommended Facilities (within 10 miles):

• Owen Brown Station Post Office: 10270 Wincopin Cir, Columbia, MD 21044. By appointment Mon-Fri. Phone: (410) 730-1415 [6].
• Dorsey's Search Post Office: 7225 Columbia Gateway Dr, Columbia, MD 21046. Appointments required [6].
• Ellicott City Post Office: 1001 Cathedral St, Ellicott City, MD 21043 (~8 miles). Busy; book early [6].
• Howard County Government Center (Clerk's Office): 8360 Court Ave, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30; passports by appt [7].

Howard County Clerk handles DS-11; confirm hours [7]. For mail renewals, use any USPS.

Step-by-Step Checklist: First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Follow this for new passports, minors, or non-renewals. Allow 2-3 hours.

1. Confirm eligibility: Not a mail renewal? Gather docs (citizenship proof + photocopy, ID + photocopy, photo, form) [1].
2. Fill DS-11: Complete online at travel.state.gov, print single-sided. Do NOT sign [1].
3. Book appointment: Call/use website for facility above. Peak times (Apr-Jun, Dec) fill months ahead [5].
4. Pay fees: Execution ($35) to facility (check/cash); app fee ($130/$100) check to "U.S. Department of State."
5. Attend appointment: Present originals, sign DS-11 in front of agent. Get receipt.
6. Track status: Online at travel.state.gov after 1 week [8].

Expedited Add-On: Request at facility (+$60); ships 2-3 weeks vs routine 6-8 [1]. For travel <14 days, urgent service at agency (not facilities)—call 1-877-487-2778 [9].

Step-by-Step Checklist: Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

Simpler for eligible; 4-6 weeks routine.

1. Verify eligibility: Passport issued age 16+, <5 years expired/valid [2].
2. Complete DS-82: Online/print, sign [2].
3. Include: Current passport, photo, check ($130/$190 expedited) to "U.S. Department of State," photocopy ID.
4. Mail to: Address on DS-82 cover letter. Use USPS Priority ($21.36 optional return) [2].
5. Track: Receipt number online [8].

Lost old passport? Include DS-64.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (60% under 6) [1]. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent (<14 days): $60 + overnight delivery to LA agency, then 1-2 day to you—only for confirmed flights [9].

Warnings: High MD demand (BWI/Dulles traffic, business/student travel) means no last-minute guarantees. Peak seasons add 2-4 weeks. Check status weekly [8]. Avoid "passport expediters"—DIY via official channels.

Special Considerations for Minors and Urgent Travel

Minors: Both parents/guardians must appear or provide DS-3053 notarized consent. No exceptions for exchanges/programs. Validity: 5 years max [1].

Urgent Scenarios: Last-minute business trips? Verify flight first, then call for agency appt (e.g., Baltimore Passport Agency, 301-985-7672, 7:30-4:30 Mon-Fri) [10]. Proof of travel/death required. Facilities can't do urgent.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Fulton

Obtaining a passport in the Fulton area involves visiting authorized passport acceptance facilities, which are common in post offices, county clerk offices, libraries, and some municipal buildings. These facilities serve as submission points where trained staff review your application for completeness, witness your signature, administer the oath of allegiance, and collect fees before forwarding everything to the U.S. Department of State for processing. Note that acceptance facilities do not issue passports on-site; they handle the initial steps only. Processing times typically range from 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks for expedited, though this can vary.

In and around Fulton, you'll find multiple such facilities within the city and nearby counties, offering convenient options for residents and visitors alike. Surrounding areas like adjacent urban centers also host similar sites, making it feasible to choose based on proximity or availability. Always verify a location's status as an acceptance facility through official U.S. Department of State resources, as participation can change.

When visiting, prepare by completing Form DS-11 in advance (do not sign until instructed), bringing a valid photo ID, a passport photo meeting specifications, and exact payment (often a combination of check and cash or money order). Expect a short interview to confirm details, and be ready for potential wait times due to volume. Some locations offer appointments to streamline the process, while others operate on a walk-in basis.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities tend to see higher traffic during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, when demand surges for international trips. Mondays often bring crowds from weekend backlog, and mid-day hours (around 11 AM to 2 PM) can be particularly congested as people schedule breaks. To plan effectively, check for appointment options well in advance, especially during these periods, and aim for early mornings or later afternoons on weekdays. Arriving prepared with all documents can minimize delays—consider calling ahead or using online tools to gauge current wait trends, and have backups like expedited mailing if time is short. Patience and flexibility help ensure a smoother experience amid fluctuating volumes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I renew my passport at a post office in Fulton if it expired over 5 years ago?
No, use DS-11 in person—renewal eligibility requires expiration within 5 years [2].

How do I handle a name change after marriage for my passport?
Provide marriage certificate with DS-11 or DS-82; name must match current ID [1].

What's the difference between expedited service and urgent travel service?
Expedited (2-3 weeks) via facilities/mail; urgent (days) only at agencies for imminent travel <14 days [9].

My child needs a passport for a school trip in 3 weeks—can it be done?
Expedite at facility + overnight delivery, but book now—peaks overwhelm system [1].

Where do I get a birth certificate fast in Maryland?
MD Vital Records or VitalChek (expedited, ~$40+ fees); 1-2 days electronic possible [3].

Can I use a passport card instead of a book for cruises?
Yes, cheaper ($30/$65 new/renewal), valid land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean, but not air [1].

What if my passport is lost abroad?
Contact U.S. embassy/consulate for limited-validity passport [11].

Do Howard County facilities offer photo services?
Some USPS do (~$15); check ahead [6].

Sources

[1]Passports
[2]Renew by Mail
[3]Maryland Vital Records
[4]Passport Photo Requirements
[5]Acceptance Facility Locator
[6]USPS Passport Services
[7]Howard County Clerk of Court
[8]Check Application Status
[9]Expedited Service
[10]Baltimore Passport Agency
[11]Lost/Stolen Abroad