Getting a Passport in Glenn Dale MD: Facilities Forms Tips

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Glenn Dale, MD
Getting a Passport in Glenn Dale MD: Facilities Forms Tips

Getting a Passport in Glenn Dale, MD

Glenn Dale residents in Prince George's County often seek passports for D.C.-commuter business trips, family reunions abroad, vacations, or University of Maryland student exchanges. Proximity to BWI Airport (20-30 min drive) and Dulles (45-60 min) fuels steady demand, with peaks in spring (Cherry Blossom Festival crowds), summer vacations, and winter holidays. Last-minute rushes from job relocations or emergencies strain local slots—schedule 4-6 weeks early, as I-495 traffic can add 15-30 min to facility drives during rush hour.

Only the U.S. Department of State issues passports; local offices verify applications. Current processing: 6-8 weeks routine, 2-3 weeks expedited (verify at travel.state.gov, as regional events extend waits). Key pitfalls:

  • Photos: 25%+ rejections for glare/shadows, non-white backgrounds, headwear without proof, or teeth-showing smiles—test via State Department app.
  • Forms: Mismatched names/dates on DS-11/DS-82 cause 20% returns; cross-check ID.
  • Minors: Missing DS-3053 notarized consent delays 4+ weeks.
  • Timing: Avoid mailing renewals in peaks; new apps need life/death proof for facility expedites.

Plan ahead: Collect birth certificate, photo ID, 2x2 photo, fees ($130 adult book application + $35 execution). Prep via travel.state.gov wizard.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Use this table to match your needs, avoiding common errors like using DS-11 for simple renewals (wastes time/fees).

Situation Service Form & Method Key Tips & Mistakes
First-time (no prior passport) or prior issued <16 New (DS-11) In-person only Original citizenship proof required. Mistake: Mailing—always rejected.
Eligible renewal (issued ≥16, <15 yrs ago) Renewal (DS-82) Mail if undamaged/in possession Skip if name/gender changed. Mistake: DS-11 use adds $35 fee/in-person.
Child <16 New (DS-11) Both parents in-person (or consent) Valid 5 yrs. Mistake: Solo parent—needs DS-3053.
Lost/stolen/damaged Replacement (DS-11 + DS-64) In-person (mail if DS-82 eligible) Report DS-64 first. Mistake: No police report for theft slows it.
Urgent (<6 wks) Expedite ($60+) or Life-or-Death (<2 wks) Add at facility/mail Proof/itinerary req. Mistake: Walk-ins—appointments essential.

Unsure? Use travel.state.gov tool. Glenn Dale drives: Factor 30-60 min to facilities in traffic.

First-Time or Minor Passport (DS-11)

Required for first-timers, kids <16, or prior passports issued <16. Both parents/guardians attend for minors (or DS-3053 notarized consent + court order if sole custody). Expect 10-20 min at facility: Agent verifies docs, you swear oath, sign, they seal.

Decision help: Prior passport undamaged/issued ≥16/<15 yrs ago? Renew by mail instead.
Steps:

  1. Find facility via iafdb.travel.state.gov (ZIP 20769).
  2. Fill DS-11 (unsigned).
  3. Bring: Original citizenship proof (MD birth cert from health.maryland.gov/vitalrecords), ID, photo, name docs if changed.
  4. Book appt—walk-ins rare.
    Mistakes: Photocopies only (originals returned post-exam), early signing, non-compliant photos.

Renewal (DS-82)

Mail-eligible if: Issued ≥16, <15 yrs ago, undamaged, your possession, no major changes (name/gender/birth data/appearance).

Decision checklist:

  • Issued ≥16?
  • <15 yrs old?
  • Undamaged/readable?
  • No changes?
    All yes? Mail. No? DS-11 in-person.

Steps: DS-82 + old passport + 2 photos + check ($130 adult book). Mail to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. Trackable USPS recommended.

Mistakes: Wrong form (forces in-person), old/incomplete photos, separate mailings.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacement

Report lost/stolen via DS-64 (travel.state.gov) immediately. Damaged? Assess: Minor wear may still work abroad—test at entry. Otherwise, DS-11 in-person + damaged passport.

What to expect: Facility agent notes damage, processes as new. Urgent? Expedite on-site.

Required Documents and Forms

  • Citizenship: Original birth/naturalization cert + photocopy (MD: health.maryland.gov/phpa/vitalrecords, 2-4 wks).
  • ID: DL/military + photocopy both sides.
  • Photo: One 2x2 (specs below).
  • Fees: App to "U.S. Dept of State" (check/MO); execution to facility (cash/check). Minors: Parents' IDs + DS-3053.
    Name change: Marriage/divorce cert + photocopy.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Rejections delay 25% of apps. Specs (travel.state.gov/photos):

  • 2x2", head 1-1⅜" chin-top.
  • Color, white/cream background, neutral expression, eyes open.
  • No glasses/hats/uniforms (med/religious exceptions w/proof), <6 mos old.

Checklist:

  • Head size exact.
  • Plain background, even light (no window glare).
  • Front-facing, no shadows/smiles.
  • Glossy, measured print.

Glenn Dale tips: CVS/Walgreens/Prince George's USPS ($15-17). Avoid home selfies/drugstore crops.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Glenn Dale

No Glenn Dale facility—nearby Prince George's options (10-20 min drives). High UMD/student demand; book via usps.com or phone. Expect 10-20 min: Doc review, oath, sealing. Peaks: Mon midday.

  • Prince George's County Clerk of Circuit Court, Upper Marlboro (14735 Main St, MD 20772; appts: 301-952-3655).
  • New Carrollton PO (8461 Annapolis Rd, MD 20784; 301-552-5351).
  • Bowie PO (2700 Kenhill Dr, MD 20715; ~10 min; 301-464-2296).
  • Laurel PO (320 Main St, MD 20707; student-heavy).

Locator: iafdb.travel.state.gov. PG Libraries (pgcc.lib.md.us) occasional sessions. Rush hour adds time via MD-50/I-495.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

In-person (DS-11):

  1. Confirm service/table.
  2. Gather docs/photo.
  3. Fill form (unsigned).
  4. Book appt.
  5. Pay (current; verify travel.state.gov):
    Type App Fee Exec Fee Expedite
    Adult book $130 $35 +$60
    Child book $100 $35 +$60
    1-2 day delivery - - +$21.36
  6. Submit: Oath/sign/seal.
  7. Track: passportstatus.state.gov (7-10 days).
  8. Receive: 6-8 wks routine.

Mail renewal: DS-82 + old passport/photo/fee.

Full checklist:

  • Form unsigned.
  • Originals + copies.
  • Photo compliant.
  • Fees split.
  • Minors: DS-3053/court order.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks from receipt (mail/in-person). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60 at facility/mail).
Urgent (<14 days): Life/death only—call 1-877-487-2778 for agency appt (DC/Baltimore, not facilities; itinerary/proof). Peaks add 2-4 weeks—apply 9+ weeks early.

Special Considerations for Glenn Dale Residents

UMD/PGCC students: Check campus international offices. Business: Employer reimburses fees. Minors: MD custody docs if disputed. Abroad loss: Embassy contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day possible? No—nearest agencies DC/Baltimore for proven urgents.
Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited 2-3 wks ($60); urgent 1-3 days at agencies only.
Photo rejected? Retake per checklist; common glare/shadows.
Renewing soon-to-expire? Mail DS-82 up to 9 mos early.
USPS appt? Mostly yes; usps.com.
MD birth cert? health.maryland.gov/phpa/vitalrecords (2-4 wks).
Summer travel? Apply now; expedite if <9 wks.
Child, one parent absent? DS-3053 notarized.

Sources

[1] Passports - How to Apply
[2] USPS Passport Services
[3] Maryland Vital Records
[4] Passport Photo Requirements
[5] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[6] Prince George's County Clerk Passport Services
[7] Prince George's County Library System

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations