Getting a Passport in Severna Park, MD: Facilities & Steps

Obtaining a Passport in Severna Park, MD

Severna Park, an affluent Anne Arundel County suburb, sees surging passport demand from Naval Academy families, business travelers flying out of nearby BWI Airport (a 20-minute drive), and locals embarking on Caribbean cruises, European trips, or Mexico beach vacations. Spring spikes align with regattas and school breaks, while summer and winter holidays amplify waits—often pushing standard processing beyond 10 weeks. This guide cuts through delays with tailored steps for first-timers, renewals, and urgent needs, highlighting pitfalls like photo fails (25% rejection rate) and form mismatches.[1]

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Pick the wrong form, and your application bounces— a top error for Severna Park's busy applicants rushing for BWI flights.

Book vs. Card: Book ($130 adults) for global air/sea travel; card ($30) for land/sea to Mexico/Canada/Caribbean (10-year validity).[5] Naval families often need books for worldwide postings.

Use the State Department's wizard for instant confirmation.[6] For Severna Park pros with fluid itineraries, prioritize books and early apps.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Severna Park

Consolidate here: All DS-11 submissions need in-person at State-approved spots—no walk-ins due to demand. BWI's 27M annual passengers fuel seasonal rushes (March-June, Nov-Dec); book 2-4 weeks ahead via USPS.com or facility sites for real-time slots.[7][8]

• Severna Park Post Office (843 Ritchie Hwy): DS-11 appointments; call (410) 647-4015.[8]
• Millersville Post Office (8268 Veterans Hwy, ~5 miles): High availability for locals.[8]
• Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Clerk's Office (7 Church Circle, Annapolis, ~10 miles): Volume handler; book online.[9]

What to Expect: Arrive 15 minutes early with unsigned form, docs, photos, fees (two checks: State Dept app fee; facility execution). Staff verify ID, administer oath, seal envelope, issue receipt. No processing on-site—allow 30-60 minutes. Quieter early weekdays; peaks mid-day/Mondays. For wait estimates, use USPS passport tool.[8]

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Start 8-13 weeks pre-travel. Covers prep and submission—avoids 30% rejections from photos/docs.[10]

Preparation

1. Confirm form/eligibility (wizard).[6]
2. Citizenship proof: Birth cert (original, $10-24 from MD Vital Records), naturalization cert, or old passport.[11]
3. Photo: 2x2", <6 months, neutral expression, no glare/shadows/glasses (unless medical). CVS/Walgreens reliable ($15); rejections hit 20-25%.[12]
4. ID: Driver's license/military ID (photocopy front/back).
5. Name docs: Marriage cert for changes.
6. Fees: Book $130 + $35 exec; card +$30 opt; expedite +$60. Checks only.[1]
7. Minors: DS-3053 notarized if one parent absent.[13]
8. Photocopies: All docs, plain paper.

Print single-sided; no staples/signatures yet.

Submission at Facility

1. Book slot (USPS/facility site).[7][8]
2. Present originals (returned post-scan).
3. Sign DS-11 on-site.
4. Pay/seal/receipt.
5. Select speed: Standard 6-8w, exp 2-3w.[1]

Renewal by Mail (DS-82 Eligible Only)

Severna Park renewers save time mailing:

1. Verify: <15yrs old, 16+ at issue, undamaged.[3]
2. DS-82 + old passport + photo + $130 check.
3. Mail to National Passport Center, Philadelphia, PA 19355.[17]
4. Expedite: +$60, overnight return.
5. Track online.[14]

Processing Times and Expedited Service

Routine: 6-8 weeks, but Anne Arundel peaks hit 10-13 (BWI surge).[15] Track via receipt #.[14]

• Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks (request at submit/mail).
• Urgent (14 days/Life-or-Death): Post-submission call (1-877-487-2778); itinerary proof needed. Philly agency ~3hrs drive—no local same-day.[16]

Timeline tip: Apply off-peak (Jan-Feb, Jul-Aug) for Naval/exchange deadlines.

Common Pitfalls and Local Tips

• Photos: Head 1-1⅜" tall, even light—retakes waste appointments.
• Forms: DS-82 mail ineligible? DS-11 only. Naval families: Check military extensions.
• Minors: Full consent or delays for Academy programs.[13]
• Demand: Facilities book out; try Pasadena/Glen Burnie backups.[7]
• Scams: Skip "expediters"—State Dept direct.
• Birth Certs: MD online rush (1-2 days).[11]

BWI proximity tempts last-minutes—plan for 13-week buffers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day possible? No; nearest urgent Philly (3hrs).[16]

Minor exchange program? DS-11, dual consent; 6+wks—start post-holidays.[13]

Name change? Cert + photocopy.[1]

Summer expedite reliable? No; MD volumes delay—8wks min.[1]

MD birth cert? Vital Records (online/Annapolis).[11]

Old photo OK? No, <6mo.[12]

Lost abroad? DS-64 + police report.[4]

Walk-ins? No, book only.[8]

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Form DS-11
[3] Form DS-82
[4] Lost/Stolen
[5] Passport Card
[6] Apply Wizard
[7] Facility Search
[8] USPS Passports
[9] Anne Arundel Clerk
[10] Status Check
[11] MD Vital Records
[12] Photo Specs
[13] Minors
[14] Track Status
[15] BWI Stats
[16] Urgent
[17] Mailing