Temple Hills MD Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms, Timelines

Getting a Passport in Temple Hills, MD

Temple Hills residents (ZIP 20748) in Prince George's County benefit from easy access to D.C.-area airports like Reagan National (DCA, 15 miles/20 min drive), Dulles (IAD, ~40 miles/45 min), and BWI (35 miles/40 min), fueling high demand for passports among business commuters, families heading to the Caribbean or Europe, and students on exchanges. Peak rushes hit March–June (summer trips), November–December (holidays), and January–February (spring break), plus spikes from job moves or emergencies near federal hubs. Facilities book 4–6 weeks out then—start 10–13 weeks early for routine (6–8 weeks processing) or 6–8 weeks for renewals. Dodge pitfalls like selfie photos failing specs (glare/shadows from home setups), unsigned DS-11s mailed by first-timers, mismatched minor birth certificates, or forcing DS-82 renewals on damaged passports. This guide draws from U.S. Department of State rules for streamlined steps, with Temple Hills-specific tips like early MD vital records orders and PG County slots.

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

Pick wrong? 30–50% rejection risk, +4–6 weeks delay. Use this decision tree:

1. Never had U.S. passport? Or prior one >15 years old (adults)/>5 years (minors)? Or name/gender change sans docs? → DS-11: In-person only at acceptance facility.
2. Eligible renewal? Issued at 16+, <15 years ago, undamaged, in your possession, no major changes? → DS-82: Mail (or in-person).
3. Lost/stolen/damaged? File DS-64 first (+police report for stolen); then DS-11 in-person or DS-82 if eligible.
4. Travel <3 weeks? Expedite (+$60, 2–3 weeks) or agency for life-or-death (<14 days, proof required).

What to expect: Facilities verify docs, oath, seal—no issuance. Expect 15–30 min review; kids need both parents (or DS-3053). Online wizard at pptform.state.gov confirms your path. Temple Hills tip: Prioritize Hillcrest Heights PO for quick DC-area turnarounds.

Consolidated Document and Application Checklist

Bold warning: Always verify current requirements, fees, and times on travel.state.gov—updates frequent, info here as of latest State Dept guidelines.

Gather everything pre-appointment; incompletes cause 30%+ PG County rejections. Extras: 2 photos, doc photocopies (front/back, white paper). MD births? Order from health.maryland.gov/vsa (2–4 weeks standard; vital records at 6550 Calmos St, Upper Marlboro, ~12 miles/20 min drive).

Universal Items

• Form: DS-11 (first-time/minor/replacement—in-person, unsigned till agent); DS-82 (renewal—mail eligible).
• Photo: 1–2 identical 2x2" color (white background, <6 months, head 1–1⅜", neutral eyes-open; $15 at CVS/Walgreens on Brinkley Rd).
• ID: Valid DL/military/govt (photocopy both sides); both parents for minors.
• Citizenship Proof: Original/certified birth cert (MD: raised seal, no hospital cards), naturalization cert, prior passport.
• Fees: Verify travel.state.gov! Execution (facility): check/money order; app fee (State): separate check. No cards usually.
• Name Change: Marriage/divorce/court order.
• Minors <16: Both parents or notarized DS-3053 + absent ID copy; custody orders if applicable.
• Lost/Stolen: DS-64 + police report.
• Expedite/Urgent: +$60; itinerary/tickets proof.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Wizard at pptform.state.gov → Download/print single-sided.
2. Photo at pro spot (avoid selfies—25% rejections from glare).
3. Book slot (tools below).
4. Arrive 15 min early, organized folder.
5. Agent reviews/oath/seals (15–30 min; expect lines mornings).
6. Track at passportstatus.state.gov (7–10 days post-submit).
7. Delivery: 6–8 weeks routine total (peaks longer).

Pro tips: Scan all; PG facilities copy-fee ~$0.50/pg. Mornings/Tues–Thurs beat peaks.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Temple Hills (ZIP 20748)

No local agency (DC's for urgents: 1-877-487-2778). Acceptance spots verify/submit. Book online/phone; no walk-ins. Distances from central Temple Hills (e.g., 4500 28th Ave).

• Hillcrest Heights Post Office (2020 Brooks Dr, Hillcrest Heights, MD 20748; ~2 miles/5 min drive): Routine/expedited. Hours: M–F 9AM–5PM, Sat 9AM–2PM (verify). Phone: 301-894-7774. Book: tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport&addressZip=20748.
• Prince George's County Circuit Court Clerk (14735 Main St, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772; ~12 miles/20 min drive): Full services. Hours: M–F 8:30AM–4:30PM (verify site). Phone: 301-952-3655. Info: princegeorgescourts.org/156/Passport-Services.
• Oxon Hill Library (1 Harry S Truman Dr, Oxon Hill, MD 20745; ~4 miles/10 min drive): Limited/seasonal. Hours: Vary, check pgcmls.info. Phone: 301-839-4698.
• Nearby USPS alternatives: Clinton PO (5 miles) or Marlow Heights (3 miles)—search iafdb.travel.state.gov by 20748.

At facilities: 15–30 min doc review/oath; kids wail-proof snacks help. Peaks: Avoid Mon/midday.

Passport Photo Requirements and Local Fixes

25% rejections: 2x2" color, white/off-white bg, even light (no MD indoor shadows), neutral face, no glasses/uniforms (religious OK w/note). Temple Hills: CVS (2930 Brinkley Rd, ~1 mile) or Walgreens—confirm specs digitally.

Fees, Payments, and Processing Times

WARNING: Fees/times change—verify travel.state.gov before paying/applying!

Routine: 6–8 weeks (peaks 10+). Expedited: 2–3 weeks (+$60). Urgent agency: Days (<14 days travel proof).

Payments: Dual checks (facility execution separate from State app fee).

Tips for Temple Hills Travelers

• Airports: DCA closest for quick intl; passports 3+ months pre-flight.
• Students/Families: Sync w/visas; minor surges summers—book PG slots early.
• Challenges: Humidity-glared photos; delayed MD certs (order now); slots fill w/DC commuters.
• Peaks: Book 4–6 weeks ahead; track flights from BWI surges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Temple Hills? No; DC agency for <14-day urgents w/proof.

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited anywhere (2–3w); urgent agencies only.

Child app parents? Both or notarized DS-3053.

Expired 16+ years? DS-11 new app.

MD birth cert? health.maryland.gov/vsa (expedite avail).

Track? passportstatus.state.gov post-7 days.

Passport card air travel? No, land/sea only.

Name change? Docs w/DS-82.

Sources

[1] travel.state.gov/passports
[2] travel.state.gov/how-to-apply
[3] travel.state.gov/renew
[4] travel.state.gov/lost-stolen
[5] travel.state.gov/under-16
[6] pptform.state.gov
[7] health.maryland.gov/vsa
[8] eforms.state.gov/ds3053.pdf
[9] tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport
[10] princegeorgescourts.org/156/Passport-Services
[11] iafdb.travel.state.gov
[12] travel.state.gov/photos
[13] usps.com/international/passports.htm
[14] travel.state.gov/fees
[15] travel.state.gov/processing-times
[16] passportstatus.state.gov
[17] travel.state.gov/contact-us/passports