Hyattsville MD Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms & Checklists

Getting a Passport in Hyattsville, MD

Hyattsville's proximity to Washington, D.C., and the University of Maryland fuels intense passport demand from federal workers, international business travelers, Caribbean cruisers, and UMD students rushing study-abroad applications. Expect shortages 4-6 weeks out during peaks (spring break, summer travel, December holidays). Avoid pitfalls like submitting DS-11 when DS-82 eligible (20-30% of rejections), off-spec photos (glare, uneven lighting), missing minor consents, or mixing expedited ($60 fee, 2-3 weeks) with life-or-death urgent service (<14 days at agencies). Start 10+ weeks early; check real-time slots via the State Department's locator [2].

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Mismatching forms causes most local delays—use this table to decide quickly. Renewals skip in-person lines, ideal for busy UMD faculty or DC commuters.

Use the form wizard [4] for confirmation. UMD students post-exchange often renew via mail by including their old student passport.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Hyattsville and Prince George's County

These state-approved sites (post offices, county clerk) handle DS-11 witnessing, $35 execution fees, and forwarding. Book online via links below—walk-ins are unreliable amid DC/UMD volume. Arrive early (before 9 AM or after 3 PM) to dodge rushes; process takes 15-45 minutes: ID/docs review (on-site fixes common), oath, separate payments (check/money order preferred), and tracking receipt. Bring extras of everything; agents won't store items.

• Hyattsville Post Office: 6529 Annapolis Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20784. On-site photos ($15-20). Phone: (301) 459-7971. Book via USPS Locator [2][5]. Directions
• **Prince Geo

rge's County Central Post Office** (College Park): 8500 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740. Full services, near UMD. Book via USPS Locator [2][5]. Directions

• Clerk of the Circuit Court, Prince George's County: 14735 Main St, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. County-focused service. Schedule via County Site [6]. Directions
• Other Nearby: Riverdale Post Office (5811 Rhode Island Ave, Riverdale, MD). Use locator for Greenbelt/New Carrollton options [2].

(Pins: Hyattsville PO, College Park PO, County Clerk. Zoom/pan for traffic-aware routing.)

Required Documents and Forms

Originals required (photocopy citizenship proof front/back). Maryland birth certificates take 1-2 weeks from Vital Records [7]—order early for peaks.

Adults (16+): Proof of citizenship (certified birth cert/naturalization/old passport), photo ID (driver's license; name must match), 2x2 photo, unsigned DS-11/DS-82, fees ($130 book/$30 card to State Dept.; $35 to facility—separate checks).

Minors: DS-11, child's birth cert, parents' IDs/consent forms (both present or DS-3053 notarized), $100/$15 fees.

Download [4]; sign DS-11 only with agent.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

U.S. specs: 2x2 inches, <6 months old, white/cream background, 1-1⅜ inch head height, neutral expression, no glare/glasses/selfies/uniforms [8]. Local DIY fails spike with student phone cams—opt for post office service ($15-20) for guaranteed approval. Test via State template [8].

Step-by-Step Checklist for Standard In-Person Application (DS-11)

1. Confirm form via wizard [4].
2. Collect originals, photo, fees [7][8].
3. Complete unsigned DS-11 (add DS-64/3053 as needed).
4. Secure appointment [2][5][6].
5. Arrive 15 mi

n early with extras. 6. Agent reviews/signs/pays; get receipt/tracker [9].

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals (DS-82, By Mail)

1. Check eligibility [3].
2. Prepare DS-82, old passport, photo, $130 check.
3. Mail to Philadelphia (expedite separate) [3].
4. Track after 7-10 days [9].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (peaks stretch to 10+). Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks. Urgent (<14 days): Book DC/Baltimore agencies with itinerary/proof [10]. Local traffic adds buffer—apply ahead.

Special Considerations for Minors and Urgent Travel

Minors need dual parental consent (or DS-3053)—notarize ahead to avoid reschedules. UMD families: Sync with semester deadlines. Urgent: Agencies verify travel docs; don't count on routine facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Expedite renewal? Yes, add $60 and mail to expedited address [3].
MD birth certificate? Certified/sealed from Vital Records (rush 1-2 weeks) [7].
Book local slot? Via locator [2], USPS [5], or county [6]—slots fill in hours.
Photo issues? Retake per specs; post offices fix on-site [8].
Passport card for planes? No—book only [1].
Name change? Submit marriage cert with DS-82/DS-11 [1].
Check status? Online after 7 days [9].
Minor needs appointment? Yes; both parents best [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passport Application & Passport Renewal
[2] U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page
[3] U.S. Department of State - Renew an Adult Passport
[4] U.S. Department of State - Forms
[5] USPS - Passport Services
[6] Prince George's County Clerk of the Circuit Court
[7] Maryland Department of Health - Vital Records
[8] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[9] U.S. Department of State - Passport Status Check
[10] [U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passpor

Tax Agencies

Hyattsville residents and property owners typically handle taxes across federal, state, county, and sometimes city levels. Start by identifying your obligations: federal income tax (IRS), Maryland state income and sales/use taxes (Comptroller of the Treasury), Prince George's County property and local piggyback income taxes (County Treasury), and any Hyattsville-specific business licenses or fees (City Finance Department). Use residency status, property location, and income sources to decide—e.g., non-residents with Hyattsville rental property owe county property tax but not local income tax.

Practical Steps

1. Gather forms early: Federal (1040 series via IRS), state (MD 502 for residents/503 for non-residents via Comptroller), county property (via county portal).
2. File electronically: Most agencies offer free e-filing; MD Comptroller integrates local piggyback tax automatically.
3. Deadlines: Federal/state April 15 (extensions available); property taxes due dates vary—check county schedule annually.
4. Payments: Use agency portals, checks, or credit cards (fees apply); set up installments for property taxes if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overlooking local piggyback tax: Hyattsville's rate (set by Prince George's County) is withheld/claimed on your MD state return—missing it leads to penalties.
• Confusing county vs. city: City handles business licenses/fees separately from county property taxes; double-check jurisdiction.
• Ignoring estimates: Freelancers/businesses forget quarterly federal/state estimates, triggering underpayment fines.
• Wrong residency classification: Commuters from DC/VA often misfile as non-residents, missing deductions or overpaying.

Decision Guidance

Verify rates and rules yearly via official websites, as they change (e.g., PG County rates adjust with assessments). Consult a local tax pro for complex cases like multi-state income.