Getting a Passport in Red Springs, NC: Forms & Facilities Guide

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Red Springs, NC
Getting a Passport in Red Springs, NC: Forms & Facilities Guide

Getting a Passport in Red Springs, North Carolina

Red Springs residents in Robeson County, NC (ZIP 28377), frequently apply for passports ahead of flights from Raleigh-Durham (RDU) or Charlotte (CLT), coastal trips, Appalachian hikes, or UNC Pembroke exchange programs. Demand spikes in spring/summer tourism and winter family travel, straining local spots—plan 8-13 weeks early to sidestep appointment shortages and processing delays. This guide details the U.S. Department of State process, with Robeson-specific tips, decision aids for DS-11 vs. DS-82, rejection pitfalls, and checklists to streamline your application.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Select the right form and method upfront to avoid restarts. Use this table for quick decisions:

Situation Form Method Key Notes & Common Mistakes
First-time, minor under 16, prior passport expired >15 years, lost/stolen/damaged DS-11 In person only Don't mail or sign early; both parents needed for kids. Mistake: Using DS-82 instead.
Eligible renewal (issued age 16+, <15 years old, undamaged, no major changes) DS-82 Mail or online Excludes name/gender/DOB changes. Mistake: Mailing damaged passport.
Lost/stolen DS-64 (report) + DS-11/DS-82 Report first, then apply as above Include police report if stolen.
Damaged DS-11 In person Even if recent; submit old passport.

For Red Springs applicants, in-person DS-11 means traveling to verified facilities—use iafdb.travel.state.gov with ZIP 28377. Expect 10-20 minute reviews: Agent verifies docs, you sign DS-11 under oath, pay fees, get receipt. Rural NC spots like post offices fill fast; call 1-2 weeks ahead.

First-Time/Minor Pro Tips: Download DS-11 from travel.state.gov (print single-sided, unsigned). Bring originals: citizenship proof (e.g., NC long-form birth cert), photo ID (NC DL + SSN card), 2x2 photos (CVS/Walgreens nearby), fees. Minors: DS-3053 notarized consent if one parent absent. Arrive organized—agents reject incomplete packets on-site.

Renewal Pro Tips: Online via MyTravelGov for eligible adults (upload scans); mail DS-82 otherwise. Peak NC seasons amplify USPS delays—ship early.

Required Documents and Forms

Originals only—no photocopies for primary proofs. NC Vital Records (vitalrecords.nc.gov) issues birth certs; order 1-2 weeks ahead.

  • Citizenship: Long-form birth cert (raised seal; abstracts rejected), na

turalization cert, etc. Match names exactly.

  • Identity: NC DL, military/gov ID. Name change? Marriage cert/court order.
  • Minors: Both parents or DS-3053.
  • Photos: One attached (specs below).
  • Fees (2023; verify): Adult book $130 app + $35 exec; child $100 + $35. Separate check/money order.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-50% of apps fail here. Strict rules:

  • 2x2 inches, color, white background.
  • Head 1-1⅜ inches, eyes open/neutral, no glasses/hats (exceptions documented).
  • Recent (6 months), even light, no shadows/glare.

Robeson options: Walmart Pharmacy (Lumberton) or UPS stores. Avoid selfies—use State Dept. photo tool to validate. Retakes waste time/fees; pros charge $15.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Red Springs

Red Springs (ZIP 28377) has limited options; nearby Lumberton (~15 miles) handles volume. Disclaimer: Facility status, hours, and appointments change—always verify via iafdb.travel.state.gov or phone before visiting. Do not rely on this list alone.

Known local spots (confirm acceptance):

  • Red Springs Post Office: 350 E 2nd Ave, Red Springs, NC 28377. Phone: (910) 843-2391.
  • Lumberton Post Office: 611 N Chestnut St, Lumberton, NC 28358. Book: usps.com.
  • Robeson County Clerk of Superior Court: 217 E 3rd St, Lumberton, NC 28358. Mon-Fri courthouse hours.

Expect: 15-30 min waits, oath/swearing, no on-site photos/forms. Book online/phone; arrive early with checklist. For urgent (≤14 days travel): Nearest agency Atlanta (5+ hours); prove itinerary.

(Interactive map pinned to Red Springs Post Office, Lumberton Post Office, and Robeson County Clerk. Zoom/search for updates.)

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

  1. Confirm DS-11 need (table above).
  2. Download/fill DS-11 (unsigned), DS-3053 if minor.
  3. Gather: Citizenship/ID originals + photocopies, photo, fees.
  4. Verify/book facility (call ahead).
  5. Arrive 15-30 min early.
  6. At site: Present, sign under oath, pay.
  7. Track online after 5-7 days (passportstatus.state.gov).

Processing Times and Expedited Opt

ions

  • Routine: 6-8 weeks (longer peaks).
  • Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks (request at acceptance/online).
  • Urgent (≤14 days): Agency only, itinerary proof.

Robeson travelers: Apply 3 months pre-summer/beach season—no guarantees amid NC demand.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Under 16: Both parents or DS-3053/court order. UNC Pembroke exchanges snag on consent—plan 4 weeks early. Homeschoolers: State-issued birth cert only.

Renewing Online or by Mail (DS-82)

Online (eligible adults): MyTravelGov account, upload docs/photo. 2-3 weeks; skips Lumberton drive.

Mail Checklist:

  1. Verify eligibility.
  2. Fill/sign DS-82.
  3. Include old passport, photo, fees, ID/old passport photocopies.
  4. Mail per form instructions.
  5. Track after 5-7 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Red Springs? No; Atlanta agency for urgents only.

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited speeds routine (fee); urgent needs agency/proof.

Photo rejection? Shadows/size common—use validator tool.

Red Springs Post Office appointment? Likely; call to confirm.

Lost abroad? DS-64/DS-5504; embassy help.

NC short-form birth cert? No—long-form required.

Name change? Include docs; mail if eligible.

Online safe? Yes, official portal.

Sources

[1] Passports - Travel.State.Gov
[2] Apply In Person - Travel.State.Gov
[3] Renew Your Passport - Travel.State.Gov
[4] NC Vital Records
[5] Passport Photo Requirements - Travel.State.Gov
[6] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[7] USPS Passport Services
[8] Robeson County Government
[9] Passport Agencies - Travel.State.Gov
[10] Check Application Status - Travel.State.Gov

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