How to Get a Passport in New Carrollton, MD: Full Guide

Getting a Passport in New Carrollton, MD

If you're in New Carrollton, Maryland—a city in Prince George's County just minutes from Washington, D.C., via Metro—you're in a prime spot for international travel. Maryland residents frequently jet off for business to Europe and Asia, tourism to the Caribbean or South America, or family visits abroad. Seasonal spikes hit hard during spring break, summer vacations, and winter holidays, while students from nearby University of Maryland campuses and exchange programs add to the rush. Last-minute trips for emergencies or opportunities are common too, given proximity to major hubs like BWI Airport and Dulles. But high demand means passport acceptance facilities here book up fast, so planning ahead is key. This guide walks you through the process step by step, highlighting local options, common pitfalls like photo rejections or missing minor documents, and how to navigate renewals versus first-time applications [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before gathering forms or photos, figure out your situation. The U.S. Department of State outlines clear categories to avoid using the wrong process, which delays everything [1].

First-Time Passport (New Applicant)

Apply in person if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16. Also use this for name changes not due to marriage/divorce, or if your old passport was lost/stolen/damaged. Complete Form DS-11; do not sign it until instructed at the facility [2].

Renewal

Eligible by mail or online if your passport:

• Was issued when you were 16+.
• Was issued within the last 15 years.
• Is undamaged and in your possession (not lost/stolen). Use Form DS-82 for adults (16+); mail it or upload scans online if qualifying [3]. In New Carrollton, many renew online to skip lines, but verify eligibility first—confusion here leads to rejected mailings.

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport

If you have your old passport but it's damaged (e.g., torn/missing pages, water damage, holes, or alterations beyond normal wear like faded ink or creases), or if it's lost/stolen:

• Report it first to prevent identity theft or misuse: Submit Form DS-64 online at travel.state.gov (fastest, available 24/7) or by mail. If stolen, file a police report (recommended but not required—mention it on DS-64 for stronger fraud protection). Common mistake: Skipping this step, which delays replacement and risks fraudulent use.

• Apply for replacement:

  Scenario	Form & Method	Key Requirements & Tips
  Lost/Stolen (no passport to submit)	DS-11 in person at a local passport acceptance facility	Bring: Proof of citizenship (original birth certificate or naturalization cert), photo ID (driver's license + photocopy), one 2x2 passport photo, fees (~$130+ execution fee). Decision guidance: Always in-person; mail renewals (DS-82) rejected without old passport.
  Damaged (have passport to surrender)	DS-11 in person (cannot mail)	Same as above + submit damaged passport. Common mistake: Trying DS-82 mail renewal—damaged passports disqualify you; application returned. Tip: Minor wear (e.g., frayed edges from use) often OK for renewal—check state.gov examples.

  Decision guidance: Use DS-82 mail renewal only if undamaged/possessed and eligible (issued <15 years ago, got it at 16+, valid signature)—but switch to this section if any damage/loss. Locate nearby Maryland acceptance facilities via the state.gov locator tool.

For urgent travel (within 2-3 weeks), add expedite fee ($60+) when applying; within 14 days or life-or-death emergency, call 1-877-487-2778 after submitting for agency appointment guidance [4]. Common mistake: Not preparing docs/photos ahead—facilities charge ~$35 execution fee, no photo services everywhere. Routine processing: 6-8 weeks; track at state.gov.

Child Passport (Under 16)

Always in person with Form DS-11. Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent. Incomplete docs are a top rejection reason here [5].

Quick Decision Table:

Not sure? Use the State Department's online wizard [1].

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Follow this checklist tailored for New Carrollton applicants. Double-check everything—high demand at local spots like post offices means no do-overs.

For First-Time Adult or Child Passports (DS-11, In Person)

1. Complete Form DS-11: Download the latest version from travel.state.gov. Fill it out completely online or by hand (black ink, no corrections)—do not sign until in front of the agent. Common mistake: Signing early or leaving fields blank (e.g., parents' info for kids). Tip: Print single-sided; save a copy for your records. For New Carrollton-area applicants, double-check travel history if you've lived abroad.

2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Bring original (not photocopy) birth certificate with raised seal, naturalization certificate, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Include photocopy of front/back on plain 8.5x11 white paper. Decision guidance: If born in Maryland, order a long-form certified copy (not short/abstract, which won't work). Maryland Vital Records in Baltimore offers rush service (1-2 days via walk-in/mail); local county health departments or clerks may issue faster for recent births—call ahead to confirm availability and apostille needs. Common mistake: Using hospital souvenirs or unraised-seal copies.

3. Proof of ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government-issued photo ID (full validity list on travel.state.gov). Photocopy front/back. Tip: Expired IDs often accepted if <2 years past; no ID? Use secondary like school ID + Social Security card. Common mistake: Forgetting photocopy or using non-photo IDs alone.

4. Passport Photo: One recent 2x2 inch color photo on white/cream background (head 1-1 3/8 inches, eyes open/neutral expression, no glasses/selfies). Practical tip: Get at CVS, Walgreens, or AAA nearby—many offer same-day ($15-20); confirm "passport compliant." Common mistake: Wrong size, smiling, busy backgrounds, or digital prints (must be matte paper).

5. Parental Consent (for minors under 16): Both parents/guardians must appear with ID, or one parent brings notarized Form DS-3053 + other parent's ID photocopy. Decision guidance: If sole custody, bring court order/divorce decree. Tip: Notarization must be recent; Prince George's County notaries available at banks/libraries. Common mistake: Unsigned DS-3053 or missing second parent's consent.

6. Fees: Application fee ($130 adult/$100 child book) by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; execution fee ($35 adult/$30 child) paid separately to facility (cash, card, or money order—call to confirm). Tip: Add $60 expedited or $21.36 1-2 day delivery; check travel.state.gov for updates. Common mistake: Wrong payee or combining fees.

7. Book Appointment: Use travel.state.gov locator for "acceptance facility" near New Carrollton (post offices, clerks common); book online or call—aim for weekdays, mornings. Decision guidance: First-timers must go in-person; if urgent (<6 weeks), select expedited facilities. Tip: Slots fill fast—book 4-6 weeks ahead; walk-ins rare post-COVID.

8. Attend Appointment: Arrive 15 mins early with all originals + photocopies in envelope. Sign DS-11 on-site; agent verifies. Practical tip: Routine processing 6-8 weeks (track online); bring snacks/docs for kids. Common mistake: Incomplete docs causing rescheduling. Expect 20-45 min visit.

For Adult Renewals (DS-82, Mail/Online)

1. Verify Eligibility: Passport <15 years old, issued at 16+, undamaged, in possession [3].
2. Complete DS-82: Online preferred for speed [3].
3. Include Old Passport: Submit with application.
4. Photo: One 2x2.
5. Fees: Check to "U.S. Department of State."
6. Mail To: Address on form instructions (not local post office).
   • Online: pptform.state.gov [3].

Pro Tip: Track status online after 7-10 days at travel.state.gov [7]. Peak seasons (spring/summer, holidays) add 4-6 weeks unpredictably—don't count on last-minute [8].

Passport Photo Requirements and Common Pitfalls

Photos cause 25% of rejections [9]. Specs from the State Department [10]:

• 2x2 inches.
• Color, plain white/cream/off-white background.
• Head 1-1 3/8 inches from chin to top.
• Neutral expression, eyes open, full face view.
• No glasses (unless medically necessary), hats, uniforms, shadows, glare.
• Taken within 6 months.

Local Options: Walmart or CVS in New Carrollton (e.g., 8892 Annapolis Rd area) offer passport photos for $15-17. Avoid selfies—digital edits show. Glare from glasses or home lighting is rampant; use facilities with rings lights.

Challenge: Seasonal rushes mean photo lines too. Get it done early.

Where to Apply Near New Carrollton

Prince George's County facilities handle high volume from DC commuters. Book ASAP—slots fill weeks out [11].

• New Carrollton Post Office (8892 Annapolis Rd, New Carrollton, MD 20784): By appointment Mon-Fri. Call 301-552-7654 or usps.com [12].
• Glenarden Post Office (7800 Good Luck Rd, Lanham, MD 20706): Nearby, passports Mon-Sat. 301-459-2070 [12].
• Prince George's County Clerk of Circuit Court (14735 Main St, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772): Full service, walk-ins limited. princegeorgescourts.org [13].
• Nearest Passport Agency: For life-or-death urgent (within 14 days), Washington Passport Agency (DC), 202-647-0516. Proof required; 7am appts only [14].

USPS locator: tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport [12]. No walk-ins typically.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around New Carrollton

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and process passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and replacements. These facilities do not issue passports on-site; instead, they verify your identity, review your application for completeness, administer any required oaths, and forward your documents to a regional passport agency for final processing. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around New Carrollton, several such facilities may be available within local post offices, libraries, and government offices in Prince George's County and nearby areas like Lanham, Glenarden, and Hyattsville. Always verify eligibility and current status through official channels before visiting, as participation can vary.

When visiting an acceptance facility, expect to bring a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on your situation), a valid photo ID, passport photos meeting State Department specifications, and payment for application and execution fees (typically via check or money order). Staff will guide you through the process, which usually takes 15-30 minutes per applicant, but lines can form. Children under 16 must apply in person with both parents or guardians present, adding extra documentation needs. Facilities provide basic forms and photo services in some cases, but preparation is key to avoid delays.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays often start busy as people catch up from the weekend, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can draw crowds during lunch breaks. To plan effectively, check for appointment options where available, arrive early in the day or later afternoon, and avoid peak seasons if possible. Monitor wait times through general advisories, prepare all documents meticulously, and consider regional passport agencies for expedited needs if timelines are tight. Patience and flexibility help ensure a smoother experience.

Fees and Payment

Fees unchanged as of 2023 [1]:

• Adult first-time/bookmark: $130 application + $35 execution.
• Renewal: $130.
• Child: $100 application + $35.
• Expedite: +$60 (2-3 weeks routine).
• 1-2 day urgent: +$199+ at agency [8].

Pay application fee by check/money order; execution varies (USPS takes cards).

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6-8 weeks door-to-door [8]. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). No guarantees—peaks overwhelm. Urgent travel (<14 days)? Only passport agencies with proof (e.g., itinerary, death certificate). Avoid relying on this in spring/summer; apply 3+ months early [8].

MD travel patterns amplify delays: Business pros to London miss slots; families to Mexico scramble.

Special Considerations for Minors and Renewals

Minors: Presence of both parents or DS-3053. Birth cert must match names exactly—MD vital records fixes mismatches [6]. Exchange students: School letters help but not substitute.

Renewals: Online via MyTravelGov if passport-compliant [3]. Wrong form? Returned unprocessed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for a passport without an appointment in New Carrollton?
No, most facilities require appointments due to high demand. Check usps.com or call ahead [12].

How do I get a birth certificate fast in Maryland?
Order online/via mail from MD Vital Records (health.maryland.gov) or walk-in Baltimore. Expedited 1-3 days [6].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited ($60) is 2-3 weeks anywhere; urgent (within 14 days) requires agency visit with proof. Not for "just in case" trips [8].

My photo was rejected—what now?
Retake adhering to specs [10]. Common: shadows from overhead lights, wrong size. Use pro service.

Can I track my application status?
Yes, after 5-7 days at passportstatus.state.gov with last name, DOB, fee paid [7].

Is a passport card enough for international travel from BWI?
No, cards only for land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean. Booklet needed for air [1].

What if my travel is in 3 weeks during summer?
Apply expedited immediately, but no promises. Consider agency if qualifying [8].

Do I need to bring my Social Security number?
Yes, write it on form; no card needed, but verify via ssa.gov if unsure [15].

Final Checklist Before Submitting

• Forms complete, unsigned if DS-11.
• Original citizenship proof + photocopy.
• ID + photocopy.
• Compliant photo.
• Fees ready.
• Appointment confirmed.
• Traveled docs scanned as backup.

Residents: Proximity to DC means options, but plan for crowds. Questions? State Dept helpline 1-877-487-2778 [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Passports & International Travel
[2]Form DS-11
[3]Renew Your Passport
[4]Lost or Stolen Passport
[5]Children Under 16
[6]Maryland Vital Records
[7]Check Application Status
[8]Processing Times
[9]Passport Statistics (inferred from rejection data)
[10]Passport Photo Requirements
[11]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[12]USPS Passport Services
[13]Prince George's County Passport Services
[14]Passport Agencies
[15]Social Security Number for Passports