Riverdale Park MD Passport Guide: Steps, Facilities, Tips

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Riverdale Park, MD
Riverdale Park MD Passport Guide: Steps, Facilities, Tips

Getting a Passport in Riverdale Park, MD

Riverdale Park residents in Prince George's County benefit from quick Metro access to D.C. for urgent needs, but local facilities book up fast due to UMD College Park students traveling for spring break or study abroad, plus BWI/Dulles airport rushes. Plan 8-11 weeks for routine service (6-8 weeks processing + mail) or 2-3 weeks expedited (+$60). High-demand periods (March-June, December) add delays—check availability 4-6 weeks ahead via USPS locator.

Key Pitfalls to Avoid:

  • Photos (40% rejections): 2x2-inch, white/cream background, neutral expression, even lighting—no selfies, glasses glare, hats. Use CVS/Walgreens; facilities reject poor ones.
  • Forms: DS-11 (new) unsigned until agent witnesses; DS-82 (renewal) mailed flat. Minors under 16 need both parents' IDs, birth certificate, consent (DS-3053 if absent)—30% rejections here.
  • Renewal Errors: Ineligible if damaged/stolen, >15 years old, or issued before 16. Verify at travel.state.gov eligibility tool.
  • Timing: D.C. metro volume spikes holidays; expedited adds 2-5 days peaks. Always pre-check eligibility online.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Situation Form & Method Timeline & Fees Common Mistakes & Tips
First-time, minor <16, lost/stolen/damaged DS-11, in-person at facility 6-8 weeks routine ($130 adult/$100 child + $35 execution); +$60 expedited (2-3 weeks) Mailing DS-11 (invalid); missing minor docs. Both parents or notarized DS-3053. Expect 15-30 min: agent oath, seal app. Book via USPS.
Eligible renewal (issued 16+, <15 yrs, undamaged, in possession) DS-82, mail-in Same as above, no execution fee In-person waste ($35 extra). Quiz at travel.state.gov first. Mail flat to address on form; track online.
Faster need (<6 weeks travel) Expedited on any (+$60) 2-3 weeks No line skip—book facilities early. Track at passportstatus.state.gov.
Urgent (<2 weeks, life/death) Expedited + agency (DC) Same-day possible Proof req'd (obit/doctor letter); call 1-877-487-2778. Not local; drive/Metro to Dulles agency. Business no.

Print forms double-sided, black ink: DS-11, DS-82.

Application Processes

First-Time or DS-11 (In-Person)

Covers new applicants, kids <16, old passports (>15 yrs/childhood). Riverdale Park exchange students: apply early for Europe trips.

Checklist:

  • ✓ Fill (don't sign) DS-11.
  • ✓ Proof citizenship (certified birth cert), photo ID, front/back photocopies (white paper).
  • ✓ 2x2 photo (specs below).
  • ✓ Fees: 2 payments.
  • ✓ Book appt.

What to Expect: Agent reviews, you sign under oath, they seal/mail. 15-45 min; bring extras for errors.

Renewal or DS-82 (Mail)

Eligible? State.gov quiz. Include old passport (canceled on receipt), photo, fees. UMD faculty renewing pre-conference: mail from home, skip lines.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacement

  1. Report police (get copy), file DS-64 online.
  2. DS-82 if eligible (have book, recent); else DS-11 in-person. Damaged? Always DS-11—surrender it. Local tip: Book Riverdale PO early; expedited if BWI flight looms.

Other Cases

  • Name/data correction (<1 yr): Free DS-5504, mail old passport.
  • Urgent <14 days: Dulles agency appt via 1-877-487-2778 + proof.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Riverdale Park

Consolidated list—verify hours/availability real-time, as they vary. Book via USPS tool or call. Walk-ins rare; Metro-friendly for D.C. commutes. BWI proximity means holiday crushes.

  • Riverdale Post Office: 5709 Baltimore Ave, Riverdale, MD 20737. Phone: (301) 864-0134. Book here. Quick for locals.
  • Hyattsville Post Office (nearby): 6529 Annapolis Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20784. USPS link.
  • Prince George's County Clerk (Upper Marlboro): 14735 Main St, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. pgccourts.net passports.

Full locator. Early weekday slots best; avoid lunch rushes.

Required Documents

  • Citizenship: Certified birth cert (MD Vital Records, Hyattsville: 6550 Calmos St; same-day option).
  • ID: Driver's license (exact name match).
  • Photo: 1x (specs below).
  • Minors: Both parents/DS-3053, relationship proof. Photocopies: Front/back, plain paper.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25-30% fail: Head 1-1⅜", eyes open, neutral, no shadows/glare/smiles. State.gov validator.

Local spots:

  • Riverdale/Hyattsville USPS (while-you-wait).
  • CVS (5817 Rhode Island Ave, Riverdale): $16.99, preview. cvs.com/photo.
  • Walgreens (6200 66th Ave, Riverdale). photo.walgreens.com.

Fees and Payment

Facility execution: $35 adult/$30 child (check/cash/card varies). State: Check/money order.

  • Adult book routine: $130 + $35.
  • Child: $100 + $30.
  • Expedited: +$60. Delivery: +$21.36 overnight.

Fee calculator.

Processing Times

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks. D.C./BWI volume adds peaks. Track: passportstatus.state.gov.

Step-by-Step Checklist

  1. Confirm service (state.gov quiz).
  2. Gather docs/photo/birth cert (2-4 weeks lead).
  3. Fill form (no sign DS-11).
  4. Book facility.
  5. Prep 2 payments.
  6. Attend: Oath, seal.
  7. Track after 7-10 days.
  8. Sign on receipt.

Mail DS-82: Old passport + to form address.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

DS-11 in-person, both parents (or DS-3053). UMD exchange families: Frequent consent misses. No card <16.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Riverdale Park? No—expedited fastest local. Dulles agency for emergencies (2+ hr drive/Metro).

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited speeds processing; urgent agency-only for life/death <14 days.

No appts? Try Hyattsville/clerk; check USPS tool.

Photo rejections? Shadows/size—use CVS preview.

Lost abroad? Embassy, then DS-64/DS-11 home.

Renew soon-to-expire? Yes; 6-month airline rule—apply 9 mo early.

Birth cert? MD Vital Records.

Passport card? Land/sea only (Canada/Mexico/Caribbean)—book for flights.

Sources

[1] travel.state.gov/passports
[2] Processing Times
[3] USPS Locator
[4] PG Courts
[5] MD Vital Records
[6] Photo Requirements
[7] CVS
[8] Walgreens

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations