Getting a Passport in Hillandale, MD: Steps & Facilities

Getting a Passport in Hillandale, MD

Hillandale, an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, Maryland, lies just northeast of Silver Spring and about 10 miles from Washington, DC. With easy access to federal offices, corporate headquarters, and international airports like Dulles and Reagan National, locals frequently travel abroad for business, diplomacy-related work, or vacations to Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond. Demand surges in spring/summer for family trips, winter for holidays, and year-round for UMD student exchanges. Proximity to DC also means quicker access to urgent passport agencies, but nearby facilities in Silver Spring handle most routine needs—though none exist directly in Hillandale itself. Appointments fill quickly, so start early to avoid photo glitches (like glare), missing minor consents, or form mix-ups that cause 20-30% of rejections.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Pick the wrong path, and you'll face delays or restarts. Use this to decide:

• First-Time or Ineligible Renewal: DS-11 in person (e.g., expired >15 years, child passport).
• Standard Renewal: DS-82 by mail (issued at 16+, <15 years ago, undamaged).
• Lost/Stolen/Damaged: DS-64 report first, then DS-11/DS-82.
• Name Change/Correction: DS-82 if eligible; else DS-11 with docs.
• Child <16: DS-11 in person, both parents or notarized consent.
• Urgent (<14 days): DS-11 at a passport agency (DC or Baltimore).

Download unsigned forms from travel.state.gov. Renewals mail to Philadelphia; others need an acceptance facility.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing Your Application

Gather docs upfront—missing items top rejection causes, especially parental proofs for kids or photocopies.

1. Select Form: Match your case above; print single-sided.
2. Citizenship Proof: Original birth certificate (MD long form ideal), naturalization cert, or old passport + front/back photocopy (8.5x11 plain paper).
   • MD births: Order from health.maryland.gov/vsa or Montgomery Clerk.
3. ID Proof: Driver's license/military ID + photocopy; add name-change docs if needed.
4. Photo: 2x2 colo

r, <6 months old, 1-1⅜" head size, neutral background/expression, no glasses/shadows/glare (20-30% fail rate).

• Local spots: CVS/Walgreens (~$15) or Silver Spring USPS.

5. Fees (check to "U.S. Department of State" for app; cash/check to facility for execution):

   Fee Type	Adult	Child (<16)
   Application	$130	$100
   Execution	$35	$35
   Expedite	+$60	+$60
   1-2 day delivery	+$22.05	+$22.05

   • Routine adult total: ~$165.
6. Minors Extra: DS-3053 consent if one parent absent; relationship proof.
7. Expedite?: +$60 for 2-3 weeks (no guarantee); urgent to agency.

Organize in a folder. Common pitfalls: Signed forms early, poor photos, no copies.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Hillandale

No passport acceptance facility operates directly in Hillandale—residents rely on nearby Silver Spring spots (2-5 miles via University Blvd or New Hampshire Ave) or Montgomery County offices. These USPS branches, libraries, and clerks process DS-11s and witness oaths but don't issue passports or take photos. Book 4-6 weeks ahead; no walk-ins. High DC-area volume means Mondays/midday peaks—opt for early mornings or Tuesdays.

Check Availability & Wait Times: Use the State Dept Facility Locator for real-time slot

s or USPS tool above. Call facilities directly—many show online calendars. For peaks, monitor weekly.

Pinned Map of Key Facilities:

Urgent (<14 days life/death or travel): DC Passport Agency (~10 miles, 202-647-0512) or Baltimore; proof required, appt via 1-877-487-2778.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

1. Book/Arrive: 15 min early; bring folder with unsigned forms/originals/photos/fees.
2. Agent Review: They verify docs, oath, catch errors (e.g., mismatched names).
3. Sign/Pay: On-site only; get receipt/tracking #.
4. Duration: 20-45 min; busier spots longer.
5. Minors: All adults present; expect questions on custody.

Track after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov.

Processing Times and Tracking

• Routine: 6-8 weeks + 2-week mail (10-14 total); avoid for summer trips.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60); peaks add delays.
• Renewals: Mail to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. No guarantees—check status online/email alerts.

Special Considerations for Hillandale Residents

• Birth Certs: Montgomery Clerk or MD Vital Records (expedite option).
• DC Proximity: Easier agency access for urgents; UMD group sessions for students.
• Tips: DC commuters—pair with IAD/DCA runs; holidays spike everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Renewal if expired >15 years? No, DS-11 in person.

Urgent timeline? <14 days: Agency. 14-28: Expedite + agency.

Single parent for child? Affidavit or DS-3053 notarized.

Photo rejection? Shadows/glare/size—retake per state.gov specs.

Always need appt? Yes, especially peaks/COVID limits.

Track status? Yes, travel.state.gov after 5-7 days.

Expedite guaranteed? No, 2-3 weeks average.

Lost abroad? Embassy; DS-64 on return.

Sources

[1] [U.S. Department of State - Forms](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-appl

y/forms.html)
[2] Lost/Stolen
[3] Children
[4] Get Fast
[5] MD Vital Records
[6] Montgomery Clerk
[7] Photo Specs
[8] Fees
[9] USPS Passports
[10] Status Check