Getting a Passport in Garrison, MD: 2024 Guide & Facilities

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Garrison, MD
Getting a Passport in Garrison, MD: 2024 Guide & Facilities

Getting a Passport in Garrison, MD

Garrison residents in Baltimore County, Maryland, face consistent passport demand from business travel, family reunions, and trips via nearby BWI Airport. Demand spikes in spring break (March-April), summer (June-August), and holidays (December-January), fueled by local universities, international students, and last-minute getaways. Nearby facilities fill fast—aim for 4-6 months lead time. Avoid pitfalls like ID name mismatches, invalid photos, or wrong forms (DS-82 vs. DS-11). This guide draws from U.S. Department of State data (updated 2024), with Maryland-specific checklists, timelines, and tips [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Use the State Department's interactive wizard to confirm [16]. Wrong choice leads to rejections and delays.

Situation Form Method Key Notes
First-time, child under 16, passport >15 years old, damaged/lost/stolen, or major name change DS-11 In-person at acceptance facility Do not sign form until onsite; mailing rejected. Common error: Assuming renewal eligibility.
Eligible renewal (issued age 16+, <15 years ago, undamaged, name matches ID) DS-82 Mail (faster, no execution fee) Can travel if valid 6+ months beyond trip (check destination rules) [3].
Lost/stolen/damaged DS-64 (report first), then DS-11 or DS-82 Online report + in-person/mail File police report for stolen to speed replacement [4].
Name correction (within 1 year of issue) DS-5504 Mail (free) After 1 year: DS-82/DS-11 [6].

Urgent (travel <14 days)? Expedite + agency appointment via 1-877-487-2778—no same-day guarantee [14]. Download forms single-sided on white 8.5x11 paper from pptform.state.gov—avoid signing DS-11 early or using outdated versions [2][3].

Gather Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Rejections often stem from incomplete docs (40% of cases). Maryland tip: Get long-form birth certificates from Vital Records (rush 1-2 weeks) or MVA for IDs [7][8].

  • Completed Form: DS-11 (unsigned, black ink) or DS-82 (signed after instructions) [2][3].
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + front/back photocopy on white paper): Long-form birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or old passport [7].
  • Photo ID (original + photocopy): MD driver's license, passport, or military ID—names must match citizenship proof exactly [8].
  • Passport Photo: One 2x2 color

(details below) [9].

  • For Minors Under 16: Both parents'/guardians' IDs + presence, or notarized DS-3053 consent + parental proof [5].
  • Fees (as of 2024; verify at travel.state.gov [10]):
    Item Amount Payable To
    Adult book (age 16+) $130 State Dept (check/money order)
    Child book (under 16) $100 State Dept
    Execution (acceptance fee) $35 Facility
    Expedited +$60 State Dept
    1-2 day delivery +$21.35 USPS
  • Old Passport (submit if renewing/replacing).

Photocopy everything before submitting—originals returned later. Pro tip: Use MVA REAL ID-compliant license for seamless matching [8].

Passport Photo Requirements

Photos cause 25-30% rejections—strict rules apply [9]:

  • 2x2 inches (head 1–1⅜ inches from chin to top).
  • White/off-white background, even lighting, no shadows/glare.
  • Neutral expression, eyes open/mouth closed, no glasses (unless medically necessary, no glare), head coverings only for religious/medical reasons.
  • Color photo on matte/thin paper, taken <6 months ago; avoid white uniforms, selfies, or filters.

Local options near Garrison: CVS, Walgreens, or UPS Stores in Owings Mills/Pikesville (~$15, confirm passport specs). Digital verification at some facilities possible—bring extras.

Find an Acceptance Facility Near Garrison

No facilities directly in Garrison—use Baltimore County post offices or clerks (verify via travel.state.gov for current status, hours, appointments; subject to change) [11]. Call ahead: Walk-ins limited, peaks busier. Expect 15-30 minutes: Agent reviews docs, witnesses signature/oath, collects fees, seals envelope.

Recommended nearby (confirm acceptance/passports):

  • Owings Mills Post Office: 10200 Mill Run Cir, Owings Mills, MD 21117; (410) 356-1623 [12].
  • Pikesville Post Office: 1427 Reisterstown Rd, Pikesville, MD 21208; (410) 484-1266 [12].
  • Reisterstown Post Office: 14 Main St, Reisterstown, MD 21136; (410) 833-1496 [12].
  • Baltimore County Circuit Court Clerk: 401 Bosley Ave, Towson, MD 21204; (410) 887-2601 (verify passports) [13].

USPS dominates routine service. Emergencies: Baltimore Passport Agency (appointment only) [14]. Book 4-6 weeks early online/phone—Mondays/midday/seasons busiest.