Passport Guide University Park MD: DS-11 DS-82 Facilities Fees

Getting a Passport in University Park, MD

Last updated: November 2024 with fees and processing times from travel.state.gov.

Nestled in Prince George's County, University Park offers quick access to passport services amid the bustle of nearby University of Maryland (UMD) campuses and Washington, DC. Local residents often apply for passports tied to UMD study abroad opportunities—over 5,000 Terps participate yearly—family reunions overseas, or government jobs in the capital region. Application surges hit hard during spring break (March-April), summer travel (June-August), and holiday seasons (November-December), straining nearby post offices. Common hurdles? Photos with glare from home lighting, mismatched forms like using DS-82 when DS-11 is needed, overlooked minor consent requirements, and ignoring routine processing timelines now at 4-6 weeks. This detailed guide draws directly from U.S. Department of State resources, offering decision aids, checklists, error-proofing tips, and tailored advice for University Park applicants to streamline your process.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Start with the State Department's application wizard to match your situation—it's the fastest way to confirm DS-11 (in-person) vs. DS-82 (mail renewal) and dodge 20-30% of common rejections from form errors.

Key Decision Factors: DS-11 vs. DS-82

Use this expanded decision guide:

Pro Tip for University Park: UMD students with expired high school passports (issued under 16) default to DS-11—plan ahead for semester peaks.

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

Use Form DS-11 for first-time passports, child applications (under 16), renewals if your prior passport was issued before age 16 or over 15 years ago, major name changes without legal docs fitting DS-82 rules, or if replacing a lost/stolen passport in person. All DS-11s require an in-person visit to a nearby passport acceptance facility (like post offices, county clerks, or libraries) for the oath, document sealing, and $35 execution fee—no mailing or online submission allowed.

Decision Guidance:

• Confirm eligibility first: If your last passport was issued within 15 years after age 16, name/address unchanged significantly, and it's undamaged/not lost, use mail-in DS-82 renewal instead (faster/cheaper).
• For University Park, MD residents: Local facilities handle high volumes from nearby universities—book appointments early via the facility's site or phone to avoid long waits (1-2 hours typical).

What to Bring (Checklist):

• Completed (unsigned) DS-11 form.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or prior undamaged passport—photocopies not accepted).
• Valid photo ID (driver's license, military ID; if name differs from citizenship proof, add legal name change docs).
• One 2x2" color passport photo (white background, recent, specific specs—check state.gov for examples; many facilities offer on-site photos for $10-15).
• Fees: $130/$165 application fee (check/money order to "U.S. Department of State") + $35 execution fee (cash/check to facility) + optional 1-2 day delivery ($21.36).

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Signing DS-11 early: Leave signature blank—agent witnesses it on-site.
• Bringing photocopies only: Originals required; make certified copies if needed later.
• Wrong photo: Eye-level, neutral expression, no glasses/selfies—rejections common.
• Insufficient funds/prep: Verify fees (they change); arrive 30+ min early with all docs organized.
• Assuming mail-in: DS-11s never mail—leads to full reapplication delays (4-6 weeks processing + travel).

Pro Tip: Download/print DS-11 from state.gov; fill by hand (no pencil); track status online post-submission. Expect 6-8 weeks standard processing—expedite if urgent.

Renewals by Mail (Form DS-82)

Ideal for eligible adults: Skip lines, but confirm eligibility strictly.

Detailed DS-82 Steps:

1. Download and auto-fill DS-82 online, print single-sided, sign in black ink.
2. Affix one 2x2" photo (exact specs—no staples).
3. Include old passport on top.
4. Fees: Two separate payments (application by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; no personal checks at some spots).
5. Mail via USPS Priority (tracked) to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
6. Wait 7-10 days, then check status online with last name + date of birth.

Pitfalls to Avoid: Signing before enclosing (voids it), photos glued crooked, or mailing without photocopies. UMD faculty or parents renewing during breaks love this—no campus traffic.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Replacements

1. Submit DS-64 online or by mail immediately (free; cancels old passport).
2. If expired: Renew via DS-82.
3. If valid: DS-11 in-person +$60 replacement fee. Timeline Tip: Report within 24 hours; replacement takes full processing time.

Passport Book vs. Card? Books for worldwide travel; cards ($30 adult app fee) for land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean—cheaper, wallet-sized. Fees table below covers both.

Required Documents and Forms

Rule #1: Originals only—no scans/PDFs. Photocopy front/back of every ID/citizenship doc (8.5x11 white paper) to submit with app.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship Checklist:

Photo ID: Valid driver's license (MD REAL ID ok but not citizenship proof), passport card, military ID, or gov employee ID. Name must match citizenship doc exactly.

Name Change Docs: Marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order.

Minors Under 16: DS-11 + both parents/guardians present (or notarized DS-3053 consent form) + custody papers if sole parent. No child's signature.

Full Forms Library:

• DS-11 (new)
• DS-82 (renewal)
• DS-64 (lost/stolen)
• DS-3053 (minor consent)

Common Mistakes Here: Assuming MD driver's license proves citizenship (it doesn't); forgetting photocopies; mismatched names (e.g., maiden vs. married). Double-check via wizard.

Current Fees (November 2024, verified at state.gov/fees):

Pay application/exec fees separately (two checks/money orders). No cards at most facilities—cash/check only. Verify latest; fees unchanged since 2022 but processing updated.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25-35% of rejections locally. Specs: 2x2 inches, color print (matte/glossy ok), taken <6 months ago, head 1-1 3/8 inches (eyes center), white/cream/off-white background, even lighting (no shadows/glare), neutral expression, mouth closed, no glasses/headwear/uniforms/selfies.

Local Photo Challenges in University Park: Dim winter light or overhead bulbs create shadows—face a north window at midday or use natural light apps.

Validation Tools:

• State Dept photo checker—upload to confirm.
• Examples: Good vs. bad at photo page.

Where to Get Them:

• USPS/AAP (automatic, $15).
• CVS, Walgreens, Walmart ($15-17).
• University libraries or photo shops.

Facilities may retake for $10-20 if yours fails. Print fresh; digital submissions invalid.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near University Park

No passport office in University Park—head to nearby Prince George's County spots for DS-11. Confirm acceptance, hours, and appointments via official facility locator or USPS tool. Demand peaks during UMD breaks; book 2-4 weeks ahead. Walk-ins limited; expect 30-90 min.

Proven Nearby Options (verify current status):

• College Park Post Office: Go-to for UMD students; close to campus shuttle routes.
• Hyattsville Post Office: Convenient for quick University Park drives.
• Prince George's County Circuit Court Clerk: Handles higher volumes weekdays.
• Greenbelt Post Office: Solid alternative for north-side residents.

Full search here.

What to Expect at Facilities:

• Arrive 15-30 min early (Tue-Thu best; avoid Mondays/lunch).
• Complete unsigned DS-11, all docs/photos/fees ready (two checks).
• Agent reviews, you sign under oath, they seal/forward.
• Get receipt with tracking number; no passport issued same-day.
• Polite crowds, but rushes mean firm prep.

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person (DS-11)

Prep Phase:

• Run wizard.
• Gather citizenship/ID proofs + photocopies.
• Get compliant photo.
• Fill DS-11 online → print unsigned.
• Fees: Two checks ready.

Visit Day:

1. Book/arrive early.
2. Present everything.
3. Answer travel questions (e.g., departure date).
4. Sign DS-11.
5. Receive receipt—track after 1 week.

Minors Extra: Parents present; DS-3053 if absent.

Post-Submit: Status updates weekly; passport mails 4-6 weeks routine.

DS-82 Mail Counterpart: Eligibility → Fill/sign → Bundle → Track mail → Monitor.

Expedited and Urgent Services

Apply 9-13 weeks early to buffer peaks. Private expediters add convenience fees but no speed boost.

DC Agency Tip: Proves lifesaver for University Park urgency—slots fill fast.

Special Considerations for Minors and UMD Students

Minors: Every 5 years; both parents or DS-3053 (notarized, apostille for some countries). Kids can't travel solo internationally by air/sea.

UMD Ties: Study abroad offices recommend 8+ weeks lead; dual U.S.-other citizens use U.S. passport for re-entry. Fall apps avoid spring crunches.

Other Nuances: Name discrepancies? Legal docs. Gender marker change? Court order + physician letter.

Processing Times and Expectations

Routine: 4-6 weeks (peaks +2 weeks). Expedited: 2-3. Track here after 5-13 days—no earlier calls. Delays from incomplete apps, photo issues, or high volume. Upon arrival: Sign for, verify pages. Report errors within 60 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does University Park have a passport office? No—use nearby like College Park Post Office (confirm via search).

Trip in 2 weeks? Expedite + agency appt; success ~90% if eligible.

Photo rejected at facility? Shadows, sizing, or smiles—use tool for retake.

Appointment required? Yes for most; walk-ins spotty.

Lost valid passport fee? $130 adult book + $35 exec + $60 replace.

Does child need passport for cruise? Yes, closed-loop ok with birth cert but passport safer.

Rush MD birth certificate? Vital Records expedite—add $20.

Is MD driver's license enough for citizenship? No—needs birth cert/old passport.

Form mistake after signing? Void and restart; agents won't accept errors.

Can I track before 2 weeks? No—system lags.

Passport card for Europe? No—land/sea only.

Name change post-application? Amend before processing or reapply.

Sources

• 1. U.S. Passports
• 2. Forms
• 3. Lost/Stolen
• 4. Facility Search
• 5. MD Vital Records
• 6. Minors
• 7. Processing Times/Fees
• 8. Photos
• 9. USPS Locator
• 10. PG County Clerk
• 11. Status Check
• 12. Urgent Agencies
• 13. Photo Tool