Suitland MD Passport Guide: DS-11, Renewals, Facilities

Getting a Passport in Suitland, MD

Suitland, MD, in Prince George's County, sits just outside Washington, DC, with Metro Green Line access and proximity to I-495 for quick trips to passport facilities. Demand spikes from federal employees at nearby NASA Goddard and Joint Base Andrews on international rotations, University of Maryland students studying abroad, and DC-area family trips during spring breaks, summer vacations, and holidays. Facilities handle high volumes, but rush-hour commutes (30-60 minutes to Upper Marlboro) and peak seasons stretch waits—book appointments 4-6 weeks ahead via the USPS portal to secure mid-week morning slots.

This guide follows U.S. Department of State standards [1], focusing on Suitland-specific pitfalls: 20-30% rejection rates from invalid photos (glare, poor lighting, or hairstyle changes), unsigned DS-11s, mismatched names on IDs/citizenship docs, or wrong forms (DS-82 vs. DS-11). Routine service: 6-8 weeks (10-12 in June-August/December peaks); expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Track online [2]. For travel under 14 days (28 for expedited), prove urgency with itinerary and call 1-877-487-2778 for agency slots—no walk-ins [3]. Decision guide: >8 weeks out, routine; 2-8 weeks, expedited; <2 weeks, agency if eligible.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Mischoosing forms/services causes most rejections. Use this table for Suitland applicants factoring local commutes and demand:

Verify with State Dept wizard [16]. Pro tip: Prince George's residents, order MD birth certs 6-8 weeks early from county health dept [7].

First-Time Passport

For your first U.S. passport (or if your previous one expired over 5 years ago, was lost/stolen, or issued before age 16), apply in person only using Form DS-11—this form cannot be mailed or pre-signed.

Required Items (Bring **Originals Only**—No Photocopies Accepted)

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Long-form birth certificate (with raised seal/stamp), Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or undamaged prior U.S. passport. Common mistake: Short-form "wallet" birth certificates or hospital-issued ones are often rejected—verify it has the official state seal.
• Valid Photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, military ID, or government employee ID (must be current and match your application name). If names differ (e.g., due to marriage), bring original name-change documents like marriage certificate.
• One Passport Photo: 2x2 inches (exactly), color, white/cream background, head size 1-1⅜ inches, taken within 6 months by a professional. Common mistake: Drugstore/CVS photos frequently fail specs (wrong size, smiling, or busy background)—use a passport photo service or AAA if member.
• Fees: Execution fee ($35, paid on-site via check/cash/card depending on facility) + application fee ($130+ for book; check usps.com/passport for exact current amounts). Bring two separate payments—one personal check/money order for application fee, exact cash/check for execution. Common mistake: Forgetting expedited ($60 extra) or 1-2 day delivery ($21+).

Step-by-Step Process

1. Complete DS-11 but do not sign until after the oath in front of the acceptance agent.
2. Present everything; agent verifies, administers oath, you sign, and they seal/submit.
3. Processing: Routine (6-8 weeks) or expedited (2-3 weeks)—add $60 for faster.

Common Mistakes & Tips for Suitland, MD

• Pre-signing DS-11: Form is invalid—always sign on-site.
• Incomplete docs: Double-check citizenship proof matches your ID; photocopies lead to full reapplication.
• Photo fails: 30%+ rejections here due to specs—practice head pose (neutral expression, eyes open).
• Payment errors: Facilities prefer checks; arrive with exact amounts to avoid delays.
• High local demand: Federal workers create lines—call ahead for appointment slots (if offered) and arrive 30+ min early; no walk-ins during peak hours (midday/weekends).

Quick Decision Guide

Download forms/photos specs at travel.state.gov. Track status online post-submission.

Passport Renewal

Use Form DS-82 for mail-in renewal only if fully eligible—all criteria must match, or apply in person:

Eligibility checklist (double-check to avoid rejection):

• Hold your most recent U.S. passport book (not card) in hand—undamaged/mutilated-free.
• Issued when you were 16+ years old.
• Issued within last 15 years from today.
• Not lost, stolen, or expired >15 years.

Ineligible for mail-in (must do in-person DS-11):

• Minors under 16 (need parents/guardian).
• Lost/stolen passports.
• Damaged beyond minor wear.

Common mistakes & fixes:

• Submitting without a new 2x2" color photo (taken <6 months, white background, no glasses/selfies—get at pharmacies like CVS/Walgreens).
• Wrong fees (standard $130 application + $60 execution if in-person later; check usps.com for totals/exact methods: check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of State").
• Incomplete form or old photo—apps returned unprocessed, wasting 4-6 weeks.
• Mailing from Suitland without tracking/insurance—use USPS Priority with return receipt.

Decision guidance for Suitland-area residents:

• Use State Dept. online wizard (travel.state.gov) to confirm eligibility instantly.
• Routine: 6-8 weeks processing; add 2-3 weeks mail time.
• Urgent? Pay for expedited ($60 extra, 2-3 weeks) or 1-2 day delivery ($21.36).
• If ineligible/urgent, find a passport acceptance facility (post offices/libraries) for same-day DS-11 filing—appointments fill fast, book early via usps.com locator. Life-or-death emergencies qualify for agency walk-ins with proof.

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

Report via DS-64 [5]. Eligible for DS-82? Renew; else DS-11 + extra fee. Theft: police report required.

Minors: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent [6].

Required Documents and Forms

Pre-gather to skip returns (common in high-volume PG County):

• Citizenship: Original birth cert (PG County Health Dept or MD Vital Records, $24 mail [7]) + photocopy on plain white paper.
• ID: MD driver's license/military ID matching citizenship name + photocopy.
• Photo: 2x2 specs (below).
• Fees: Execution ($35 to facility), app ($130 adult/$100 child to State Dept [8]). Check/money order; no cash often.
• Minors: Parents' IDs/docs; DS-3053 if solo parent.

Print single-sided black ink from travel.state.gov [9]. Suitland federal workers: Add naturalization cert if applicable.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25% rejections here—glare from fluorescent lights or shadows plague DC-area kiosks [10]. State specs [11]:

• 2x2 color, <6 months old.
• White/off-white background, head 1-1⅜ inches (50-69% frame).
• Neutral face, eyes open, no glare/glasses/hats/uniforms/shadows.

Local spots: Walmart (Silver Hill Rd), CVS, UPS near Suitland PO ($15 on-site common). Test lighting outdoors.

Where to Apply in Suitland and Prince George's County

No Suitland passport agency (urgent only); use acceptance facilities for DS-11/DS-82. Confirm services, hours, appts via USPS Passport Locator (20-mile radius from Suitland) [12]. Expect 15-45 min visits: docs review, oath, seal—no passports issued on-site.

Key Nearby Facilities (verify current status):

• Suitland Post Office: 5010 Silver Hill Rd, Suitland, MD 20746 (301-736-3219) [13]. Photos available; appts Mon-Fri.
• Prince George's County Clerk of Circuit Court: 14735 Main St, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (~10 miles, 20-40 min drive/Metro) [14]. Minors OK.
• Morningside Station USPS: 8100 Mathews Rd, Oxon Hill (~5 miles).
• Clinton Carrier Annex USPS: Check locator for full PG County list, incl. libraries like Oxon Hill (occasional events) [14].

DS-82 renewals: Mail to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [4]. Rush hour? Take Green Line to avoid I-495 parking snarls.

Step-by-Step Checklist: First-Time or Minor Passport (DS-11)

1. Complete unsigned DS-11 (+DS-3053 for minors) [9].
2. Gather originals/photocopies: citizenship, ID, photo.
3. Fees: $165 adult/$135 child base + optional expedited/delivery [8].
4. Book appt via USPS locator [12].
5. In-person: Oath, sign, pay, seal.
6. Track w/ locator number [2].

Step-by-Step Checklist: Renewal by Mail (DS-82)

1. Confirm eligibility [4].
2. Fill DS-82, attach photo/old passport.
3. Fees in check to "U.S. Department of State."
4. Priority mail to Philadelphia [4].
5. Track online [2].

Step-by-Step Checklist: Lost/Stolen Replacement

1. DS-64 report [5].
2. DS-82 if eligible or DS-11 +$60.
3. Include police report.
4. Follow relevant checklist.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (+2-4 peak). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60, 1-2 day return $21+). PG County/DC surges delay—apply 9+ weeks early [15]. Urgent <14 days: Baltimore agency (appt/proof) [3].

Common Challenges and Tips for Suitland Area

• Appt Shortages: Federal/UMD rushes fill Suitland PO/Upper Marlboro—book mid-week, use locator [12][14].
• Form Mix-ups: DS-82 ineligible? 15% returns; wizard first [16].
• Photos/Docs: Drugstore glare common; order PG birth certs ASAP (2-4 weeks) [7].
• Minors/Exchange Students: Notarized consent early [6].
• Commutes: Metro to Marlboro (Branch Ave-Green Line transfer); park early at POs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Suitland? No—agencies only for proven <14-day urgency [3].

Routine vs. expedited? 6-8 vs. 2-3 weeks (+$60); peaks add time [15].

Suitland PO appointment? Required; book online/call [13].

MD birth cert? PG Health Dept or Vital Records ($24, 2-4 weeks) [7].

Expired 16+ years? DS-11 only [4].

Divorced parents/child app? DS-3053 notarized [6].

Track status? Online w/ name/DOB/locator [2].

PG County fairs? Check clerk/library sites [14].

Sources

[1] U.S. Passports & International Travel
[2] Check Application Status
[3] Passport Agencies
[4] Renew by Mail
[5] Report Lost/Stolen
[6] Children Under 16
[7] Maryland Vital Records
[8] Passport Fees
[9] Passport Forms
[10] Passport Photo Evidence
[11] Photo Requirements
[12] USPS Passport Locator
[13] Suitland Post Office
[14] Prince George's County Passport Services
[15] Processing Times
[16] Passport Application Wizard