Passport Guide for Marlton MD: Steps, Checklists & Facilities

Getting a Passport in Marlton, MD

Marlton, an unincorporated community in Prince George's County, Maryland, offers easy access via the Capital Beltway (I-495) and proximity to BWI Airport, ideal for residents handling frequent trips to Europe, Asia, or family visits abroad. Local demand spikes from University of Maryland students on exchanges, DC-area business travel, and seasonal tourism. Common hurdles include scarce appointments at county facilities, photo rejections from DIY prints, form errors for minors, and mixing up renewal eligibility with first-time rules. This guide provides Marlton-specific steps, checklists, and tips based on U.S. Department of State standards to streamline your application and dodge delays.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Start by matching your situation to the right form—mismatches cause 25%+ of rejections. Use the State Department's wizard: https://pptform.state.gov/.

First-Time Passport (DS-11)

Required if:

• No prior U.S. passport.
• Child under 16 (both parents/guardians needed, or notarized consent).
• Previous passport expired over 15 years ago (and you're now 16+).

Submit in person at a Prince George's County facility—no mailing. Expect agent review, oath, and sealing on-site.

Quick decision tip: If your old passport is damaged, lost, or name-changed significantly, default to DS-11 over renewal.

Renewal (DS-82)

Eligible only if:

• Issued within 15 years.
• You're 16+.
• Undamaged 10-year adult book (not card).

Mail-in only—faster for routine needs. Ineligible? Switch to DS-11.

Replacement (Lost/Stolen/Damaged)

File DS-64 report (free), then DS-11/DS-82 to replace. BWI thefts are common—act fast for travel proofs.

Child Passport (Under 16)

Always DS-11 in person with parental presence or Form DS-3053. Local families often trip on missing court orders for sole custody.

Other Changes (Pages/Name)

DS-5504 (free, within 1 year) or DS-82/DS-11 as needed.

Timeline tip: Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks. Urgent (<14 days life/death): Regional agency only.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time Adult Passport (DS-11)

Tailored for Marlton adults; book appointments 4-6 weeks early due to DC commuter volume.

1. Complete DS-11: Download from travel.state.gov; fill in black ink, don't sign yet. Match name exactly to ID.
2. Citizenship Proof: Original MD birth certificate (order from vital records), naturalization cert, or old passport. Photocopy front/back on 8.5x11 white paper.
3. Photo ID: MD driver's license or equivalent. Photocopy.
4. Photos: Two 2x2-inch color (specs below). Pro service recommended.
5. Fees: $130 application (check to "U.S. Department of State") + $35 execution (to facility). Expedite +$60 optional.
6. Schedule: Use iafdb.travel.state.gov or facility sites.
7. Attend: Arrive 15 min early; sign/oath on-site. Get receipt.
8. Track: Online after 7-10 days.

What to expect: 15-30 min review; no on-site issuance. Peaks (spring/summer) add waits.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Passport Renewal (DS-82)

Simpler for eligible locals planning ahead.

1. Verify Eligibility: <15 years old, 16+, undamaged.
2. Complete DS-82: Download, sign, include old passport.
3. Photos: Two compliant 2x2-inch.
4. Fees: $130 routine/$190 expedite (check to State Dept).
5. Mail: Per form instructions; USPS Priority with tracking.
6. Expedite: +$60 fee + return envelope for 2-3 weeks.
7. Track: Online post-mailing.

Pitfall: Don't mail if ineligible—rejections waste time.

Required Documents in Detail

• Citizenship: MD birth certs via https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/vitalrecords/ ($12+; 1-2 week processing—rush available). No photocopies as primary.
• ID: MD MVA license (not learner's permit). Name mismatch? Add SS card.
• Minors: Both parents' IDs + DS-3053 if absent.
• Photocopies: Crisp, full-size B&W OK.

Local note: Order vital records early; Baltimore office is 45-min drive.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

20-25% fail here—don't risk it. Strict specs [5]:

• 2x2 inches; head 1-1⅜ inches.
• White/off-white background; full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No glasses/hats/shadows/glare/selfies; color matte, <6 months old.

Marlton tips: CVS Largo or Walmart Upper Marlboro ($15-17). Skip home printers. Examples: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html.

Finding a Passport Acceptance Facility Near Marlton

No Marlton facility—nearest in Prince George's County (5-15 min drives). High demand from BWI/DC traffic; book via https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ [6]. Walk-ins limited; aim for early mornings/Tues-Wed to beat peaks.

• Prince George's County Clerk of Circuit Court: 14735 Main St, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4PM (appt required). 301-952-3655. https://www.princegeorgescourts.org/154/Passport-Services [7].
• USPS Largo Carrier Annex: 9501 Largo Dr W, Largo, MD 20774 (~10 min). Mon-Fri 10AM-2PM, Wed to 7PM. usps.com [8].
• USPS Kettering Station: 2710 Kettering Dr, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 (~5 min). Check usps.com/locationfinder [8].
• Others: Bowie Library/Glenarden Clerk—search iafdb.travel.state.gov.

Visit tips: Bring extras; agent seals package (6-8 weeks processing). Emergencies: National Passport Center (1-877-487-2778).

The Application Process

1. Prep checklist/docs.
2. Book appt.
3. Arrive early; agent verifies, you swear/sign.
4. Pay (check preferred).
5. Receipt issued; track online.

Urgent (<14 days): Life/death proof for Washington Passport Agency (2+ hr drive)—not vacations. Expedited helps routine cases.

Processing Times and Peak Seasons

• Routine: 6-8 weeks.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+fee).
• MD peaks (Mar-Jun, Dec): +2-4 weeks from tourism/business.

Plan 3 months ahead; track at travel.state.gov [1].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Marlton? No local option. Urgent needs agency appt/proof [2].

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited speeds mail (2-3 weeks); urgent is agency-only for <14 days life/death [1].

Photo rejected? Shadows/glare common—retake professionally [5].

MD birth cert? Vital Records: online/mail, $12-24 rush [4].

Renew lost passport? No, DS-11 + DS-64 report [2].

Family emergency (non-death)? Expedite mail; no agency [1].

Minors both parents? Yes, or DS-3053 [1].

Learner's permit ID? No, full photo ID [2].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Apply in Person
[3] U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passport
[4] Maryland Department of Health - Vital Records
[5] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[6] U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[7] Prince George's County Courts - Passport Services
[8] USPS - Passport Services