Getting a Passport in Greenbelt MD: Facilities, Forms, Fees

Getting a Passport in Greenbelt, MD

Greenbelt, Maryland, in Prince George's County, sits just outside Washington, D.C., making it a hub for residents who travel internationally for business—think NASA Goddard Space Flight Center employees attending global conferences—tourism, student exchange programs at nearby University of Maryland, and family visits abroad. Travel peaks in spring and summer for vacations, plus winter breaks, alongside urgent last-minute trips for work or emergencies. This high volume strains local passport acceptance facilities, often leading to limited appointments, so planning ahead is key [1]. Common hurdles include photo rejections from poor lighting like shadows or glare, missing documents for minors, and confusion over renewals versus new applications. Use official U.S. Department of State resources to navigate requirements accurately [2].

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before heading to a facility, determine your service type to use the correct form and process. Missteps here, like submitting a renewal form for a first-time passport, will delay you.

• First-Time Passport: If you've never had a U.S. passport, use Form DS-11. You must apply in person at an acceptance facility. This applies to children under 16 and adults whose previous passport was issued before age 16 or more than 15 years ago [3].

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16 or older, is undamaged, and was issued within the last 15 years. Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing data. Not eligible if it expired over 5 years ago for expedited service, or if it's lost/stolen [3]. Many Greenbelt residents renew amid busy travel seasons but overlook eligibility, causing returns to facilities.

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report it first via Form DS-64 (free), then apply as a new passport with DS-11 in person or renew with DS-82 if eligible [4]. Track via USPS Informed Delivery if mailed.

• Name Change or Data Correction: Use DS-5504 within one year of passport issuance (free, mail-in); otherwise, treat as new/renewal [3].

For urgent travel (within 14 days), life-or-death emergencies (within 3 days), or expedited service (2-3 weeks), confirm options at a passport agency—none are in Greenbelt, so the closest is in Washington, D.C. [5]. Book appointments early via travel.state.gov; high demand from D.C.-area business and student travel fills slots fast.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Greenbelt and Nearby

Greenbelt has limited facilities due to demand. Use the official locator for current hours and appointments—book online as walk-ins are rare [6].

• Greenbelt Post Office (USPS): 8901 Greenbelt Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20770. Offers routine service; check for passport photo services. Popular for its convenience but books up during spring/summer peaks [6].

• Nearby Options in Prince George's County: Roosevelt Post Office (Silver Spring) or College Park Post Office; larger facilities like those in Laurel handle overflow. For Clerk of Court, contact Prince George's County Circuit Court, but confirm passport services via locator [7].

No passport agencies locally—travel to D.C. for urgent needs. Libraries or UPS stores sometimes host mobile events; monitor travel.state.gov events page [2].

Required Documents

Gather originals—no photocopies unless specified. Incomplete docs, especially for minors, top rejection reasons [3].

Adults (16+):

• Proof of U.S. citizenship: Certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport.
• Valid photo ID: Driver's license, military ID.
• Photocopy of ID and citizenship proof.
• Form DS-11 (unsigned until in person).

Minors Under 16:

• Both parents' presence or notarized consent (Form DS-3053).
• Child's birth certificate.
• Parents' IDs.
• Extra scrutiny here—many families miss consent forms during exchange program rushes [3].

For name changes, add marriage/divorce certificates. Maryland vital records office issues birth certificates; order online or expedited [8]. Processing birth certificates takes 2-4 weeks routinely—plan ahead for seasonal travel.

Passport Photos

Photos cause most rejections: must be 2x2 inches, color, white/cream/off-white background, taken within 6 months, head 1-1 3/8 inches, neutral expression, no glasses (unless medical), hats only for religious/medical reasons [9].

Common issues in home setups: shadows from overhead lights, glare on foreheads, wrong dimensions. Use pharmacies like CVS/Walgreens in Greenbelt (e.g., 7820 Cherry Hill Ln) for $15; they follow specs [9]. Avoid selfies—digital submissions fail edge detection.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Routine Application

Follow this for first-time, minor, or replacement passports at Greenbelt facilities. Print and check off.

1. Determine Service: First-time/renewal/replacement? Download correct form: DS-11, DS-82, etc. from travel.state.gov [3].

2. Gather Documents: Citizenship proof (original + photocopy), ID (original + photocopy), minor forms if applicable. Order MD birth certificate if needed [8].

3. Get Photos: 2x2 compliant; two identical copies [9].

4. Fill Forms: Complete but do not sign DS-11 until instructed.

5. Calculate Fees: See below; separate checks/money orders.

6. Book Appointment: Use USPS locator; arrive 15 minutes early [6].

7. Attend In Person: Present everything; sign forms; pay.

8. Track Status: Online at travel.state.gov after 5-7 days [10].

9. Receive Passport: Mailed 6-8 weeks routine; no hard guarantees, especially peak seasons (spring/summer/winter) [5].

For renewals: Mail DS-82, old passport, new photos, fee to address on form—no checklist needed beyond docs.

Expedited Checklist Additions:

• Add $60 fee.
• Use 1-2 day return mailer.
• For 2-3 week delivery [5].
• Urgent (14 days): Agency appointment + proof of travel (itinerary).

Fees and Payment

Fees are non-refundable; paid separately [3].

• Book (52-page): $130 adult first-time/renewal; $100 minor.
• Card: $30 adult; $15 minor.
• Execution Fee: $35 at acceptance facilities (USPS cash/check/credit).
• Expedite: $60.
• 1-2 Day Delivery: $21.36 (not to PO Boxes).

Use checks/money orders payable to "U.S. Department of State"; facilities take cash/card for execution. Total adult first-time book: ~$165 routine.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks door-to-door; agency routine 4-6 weeks [5]. No promises—peaks from business/tourism/student travel add delays. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent travel (14 days): D.C. agency appointment, flight itinerary required. Life/death: 3 days, death certificate needed [5]. Avoid last-minute reliance; high D.C.-area demand books agencies solid. Track weekly updates [5].

Special Situations

• Students/Exchange Programs: Universities like UMD offer group sessions; check with international offices.
• Business Urgent Trips: Gather itinerary early for agency proof.
• Military: Use DEERS/RAPIDS for faster service [11].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Greenbelt

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to receive passport applications from U.S. citizens. These sites do not process or issue passports themselves; instead, staff verify your identity, witness your signature on the application, collect fees, and forward your documents to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types of facilities include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Greenbelt, you'll find such facilities within the city and in nearby communities, offering convenient options for residents and visitors alike.

When visiting a passport acceptance facility, come prepared with a completed DS-11 application form (for first-time applicants or renewals that require in-person submission), a valid photo ID, a passport photo meeting State Department specifications, and payment for application and execution fees (typically via check or money order). Expect a short wait for processing, which usually takes 10-20 minutes if everything is in order. Staff cannot expedite service, provide photos, or offer legal advice on eligibility. Applications are submitted in person only—no mail-in options at these sites—and processing times vary from weeks to months depending on demand and whether you request routine or expedited service.

To locate facilities, use the official State Department website's search tool or check with local government resources. Greenbelt and surrounding areas like Prince George's County host multiple such sites, making it accessible without long travel.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays tend to be particularly crowded as people start their week, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) frequently experience the longest waits due to lunch-hour rushes. To minimize delays, aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, and avoid weekends if possible, as some sites have limited hours then. Always verify current procedures in advance through official channels, consider making an appointment where offered, and double-check your documents to prevent return trips. Planning ahead helps ensure a smoother experience amid fluctuating crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for my child's passport without the other parent?
No, both parents must consent in person or provide notarized Form DS-3053. Common issue for separated families [3].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited is 2-3 weeks anywhere; urgent (14 days) requires agency appointment with travel proof. Not for routine renewals [5].

My passport expired 16 years ago—can I renew it?
No, use DS-11 as first-time. Eligibility is strict [3].

Where do I get a birth certificate in Maryland?
From MD Vital Records online/mail/in-person; expedited available but plan for 2-4 weeks [8].

Can I get passport photos at the post office?
Some like Greenbelt USPS offer it; call ahead. Specs must match exactly [6][9].

How do I track my application?
Enter info at travel.state.gov after 5-7 days post-submission [10].

What if my passport is lost abroad?
Contact U.S. embassy; apply for limited-validity passport, replace fully upon return [2].

Is walk-in service available?
Rare; appointments required at busy facilities like Greenbelt PO [6].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[3]Forms
[4]Lost or Stolen Passport
[5]Processing Times
[6]USPS Passport Services
[7]Prince George's County Circuit Court
[8]Maryland Vital Records
[9]Passport Photo Requirements
[10]Check Application Status
[11]Military Passport Info