Oak Ridge, NJ Passport Guide: DS-11, DS-82, Fees & Local Offices

Guide to Obtaining a Passport in Oak Ridge, New Jersey

Oak Ridge, a small community in Morris County's Passaic Highlands region (ZIP 07438), provides straightforward access to passport services through nearby post offices and the county clerk. With Newark Liberty International Airport just 45 minutes away via I-80 and I-287, local demand rises for trips to Europe, the Caribbean, or family abroad. This guide focuses on Morris County-specific steps, form choices (DS-11 vs. DS-82), checklists, pitfalls like photo rejections, and timelines, following U.S. Department of State rules.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Start with the State Department's passport wizard to select the correct form—errors force restarts with added fees and delays.

• DS-11 (First-Time, Minors Under 16, Expired >15 Years, or Replacements): In-person only at acceptance facilities (e.g., post offices). No mailing allowed; expect 15-30 minutes for review, oath, and sealing.

• DS-82 (Renewals): Mail if passport issued at 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, and in possession. Name changes require extra proof; no in-person unless expediting pages.

• Lost/Stolen: File DS-64 online (free), then DS-11 in person.

• Corrections/Name Changes: DS-5504 by mail (if <1 year post-issuance); otherwise DS-11/DS-82.

Morris County DS-11 users visit local post offices; DS-82 mails to Philadelphia (address on form).

Key Requirements and Common Pitfalls

Essential Documents:

• U.S. citizenship proof (original birth certificate with raised seal, naturalization cert, prior passport) + photocopy on standard paper.
• Photo ID (e.g., NJ driver's license) + photocopy (front/back, same page).
• One 2x2-inch color photo (<6 months old, white background, 1-1⅜ inch head size, no uniforms/glasses unless medical/religious exemption).
• Fees: $130 adult book + $35 execution fee (payable at facility); $30 child book. Checks to "U.S. Department of State"; add $60 expedite or $21.36 1-2 day return.

Morris County Notes: Order birth certificates via NJ Vital Statistics ($25 rush + 1-2 week shipping) or Morris County Clerk. Minors require both parents or notarized DS-3053.

Local Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Wrong form (e.g., DS-82 for first-timers): 25% of rejections.
• Photo issues (glare/shadows): Use CVS/Walgreens ($15) or State Dept [photo guid

e](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html).

• No appointment: Slots book weeks ahead—use USPS tool.
• Incomplete minor apps: 40% delayed without consent.
• Poor timing: Routine processing hits 10+ weeks near Newark peaks.

Passport Facilities Near Oak Ridge

No passport office in Oak Ridge—head to Morris County acceptance facilities (post offices or clerk). Staff verify docs, witness signatures, collect fees, and forward to processing centers (no on-site passports).

Find and Book: Use the USPS Passport Locator for verified locations, hours, availability, and appointments near 07438. Expect 15-30 minutes: arrive with unsigned DS-11, extras (photos, fees as checks/cash per location).

Examples (Verify Status/Distance via Tool):

• Newfoundland Post Office (~5 miles).
• Lake Hopatcong Post Office (~10 miles).
• Denville Post Office (~15 miles).
• Morris County Clerk, Morristown (~20 miles): Check morriscountyclerk.org for services.

Tips for Success: Avoid Mondays/midday peaks; aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Bring exact fees ("U.S. Dept of State" check + local execution). For ≤14-day urgents, book Philadelphia Passport Agency (3-hour drive) with itinerary proof via travel.state.gov/agencies.

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

Complete DS-11 at pptform.state.gov but sign on-site.

1. Citizenship proof + photocopy.
2. Photo ID + photocopy.
3. 2x2 photo.
4. Unsigned DS-11 (+ DS-3053 for minors).
5. Fees ready.
6. Book via USPS tool.
7. Attend (both parents for kids <16).
8. Track at passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days.

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

1. Verify eligibility online.
2. Fill/sign DS-82; affix photo; enclose old passport.
3. $130 check to "U.S. Department of State."
4. Mail to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (expedite uses alternate).
5. Track online.

Processing Times and Expediting

• Routine: 6-8 weeks (longer near holidays).
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60 at facility).
• Life-or-death urgent: Agencies only.

Morris County apps spike pre-summer/Newark flights—apply 10+ weeks early.

Special Considerations for Oak Ridge Residents

• Airport Access: Quick E

WR runs suit last-minute proofs.

• Local Travel: Frequent NYC/Europe flights; consider passport cards for cruises.
• County Resources: Clerk handles some walk-ins; confirm online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day service? No locally—Philadelphia for urgents.

Renew at 17? DS-82 if eligible.

Photo tips? Pro services minimize rejections.

Lost overseas? DS-64 + embassy DS-11.

Expedite proof? Itinerary/tickets required.

Clerk appointments? Check site/USPS.

Sources

1. U.S. Passports
2. Apply In Person
3. Renew by Mail
4. Lost/Stolen
5. Corrections
6. Fees
7. NJ Vital Records
8. USPS Locations
9. Photos
10. Expedited Service
11. Morris County Clerk
12. Passport Agencies
13. Forms
14. Status Check