Getting a Passport in Perryville MD: Steps Forms Facilities

Getting a Passport in Perryville, MD

Perryville residents in Cecil County often need U.S. passports for flights out of nearby Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Port of Baltimore cruises, or study abroad from University of Maryland or Johns Hopkins programs. Spring and summer see surges for European vacations, while winter prompts trips to Florida or Mexico. Business travelers and families face tight timelines amid high demand, with common snags like photo rejections from poor lighting, DS-11/DS-82 mix-ups, or minor consent form errors—especially risky within 14 days of departure [1].

This guide offers Perryville-tailored steps from U.S. Department of State resources. Confirm details on official sites, as rules evolve.

Choose the Right Passport Service: First-Time, Renewal, or Replacement

Pick the wrong form, and expect delays— a top mistake for Perryville applicants rushing BWI departures.

• First-Time or Ineligible for Mail (DS-11): No prior passport, issued before age 16, or major changes. Apply in person; sign form on-site. Expect 10-15 minute interview verifying ID and citizenship.

• Renewal (DS-82): Passport issued at 16+, undamaged, within 15 years, current name (or prove change). Mail it—no facility visit unless adding pages. Perryville locals skip this, driving to post offices unnecessarily; double-check issue date.

• Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacement: Report via DS-64 first. Use DS-5504 (if <1 year old/damaged), DS-82 (renewal-eligible), or DS-11 otherwise. Include police report; expedite for urgency.

Name changes? Submit Maryland marriage certificate from Vital Records [3]. Renew early to avoid peaks.

Gather Required Documents and Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

Order ahead—Maryland birth certificates take 2-4 weeks via Department of Health Vital Records ($12 certified copy) [3]. Photocopy everything on plain white paper.

By Type:

• DS-11: Original/citizenship proof (birth/naturalization certificate, old passport) + photocopy; valid photo ID + photocopy.
• DS-82: Old passport (they retain it).
• Replacement: Vary by case; add loss report.

Minors under 16: Both parents or notarized DS-3053. Frequent error: Unsigned or expired notary, derailing student trips [4]. Download fresh forms [1].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejection Pitfalls

25-30% rejections stem from photos: 2x2 inches, color, 6 months recent, head 1-1 3/8 inches, white/off-white background, no glare/

shadows/glasses reflections [5].

Local Tips for Perryville:

• CVS or Walgreens on Pulaski Highway: $15-17 compliant shots.
• DIY fails: Overhead lights cast shadows; kids blur from squirming—opt professional.
• Print matte; no glossy/selfies/toys.

Retakes waste time—check specs twice.

Locate Acceptance Facilities Near Perryville

No local passport agency (Philadelphia or D.C. for emergencies only [6]). Routine apps at these:

• Perryville Post Office: 63 Broad Street, Perryville, MD 21903. Call (410) 885-3255 for appointments [7]. View on Google Maps
• Cecil County Clerk of the Circuit Court: 129 E. Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921 (~15-minute drive). DS-11 apps; verify at cecilcountymd.gov [8]. View on Google Maps
• North East Post Office: 102 S. Main Street, North East, MD 21901 (10 miles north). View on Google Maps

Appointments essential—book via phone/online; peaks fill fast. Use official locator: iafdb.travel.state.gov [9]. Expect quick oath, document check, fee payment; arrive organized.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing Your Application

Complete 2-4 weeks pre-travel; errors like unsigned DS-11 or wrong fees cause returns.

1. Identify type/form [1].
2. Order birth certificate ($12, 2-4 weeks) [3].
3. Get 2x2 photos [5].
4. Fill form (black ink, no whites-outs; DS-11 unsigned).
5. ID + citizenship proof + photocopies.
6. Fees (check/cash/money order).
7. Minors: DS-3053 + parental IDs [4].
8. Book slot (e.g., Perryville PO).
9. Arrive 15 mins early.

At Facility:

1. Agent pre-checks.
2. Sign DS-11.
3. Pay dual fees.
4. Receive tracking #.
5. Standard return: 6-8 weeks mail.

Fees and Payment Methods

Non-refundable. State Dept fee (check/money order payable to them); execution to facility.

--------------------------| | Adult Book (10-yr) | $130 | $35 | | Adult Card (10-yr)| $30 | $35 | | Minor Book (5-yr) | $100 | $35 | | Renewal (DS-82) | $130 (adult) | None | | Expedited | +$60 | Same |

Perryville PO: Exact cash/check; Cecil Clerk may take cards—call [7][8].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (longer in MD peaks). Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks. <14 days: Agency appt + itinerary [6]. Life-or-death: 1-877-487-2778 [1]. Track: passportstatus.state.gov [11]. Apply 9+ weeks early for BWI flights.

Special Rules for Minors and Families

DS-11 in person; both parents or DS-3053 (notarized, recent). Pitfall: Missing signatures—add school letter for exchanges [4].

After You Apply

Track weekly [11]. Allow mail buffer; BWI airlines check 6-month validity. Lost in mail? File claim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I renew at Perryville Post Office? No—DS-82 mail if eligible [2].

Birth certificate source? MD Vital Records (online/mail/Baltimore) [3].

Travel in 10 days? Expedite + agency proof [6].

Photo rejected? Retake at local Walgreens: even light, no glare [5].

Cecil Clerk appointment? Yes; limited walk-ins [8].

Perryville PO cards? No for app fee; confirm execution [7].

Passport card for cruises? Yes (Western Hemisphere land/sea); book for air [1].

Lost old passport? DS-64 + new app; expedite [1].

DS-11 vs. DS-82 confusion? DS-82 only if 16+ at issue, <15 years old, undamaged [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Renew a Passport
[3] Maryland Department of Health - Vital Records
[4] U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
[5] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[6] U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies
[7] [USPS - Perryville Post Office](https://tools.usps.com/fin

d-location.htm?locationType=post-office&address=21903)
[8] Cecil County Government - Clerk of the Circuit Court
[9] U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[10] U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees
[11] U.S. Department of State - Processing Times