Getting Passport in Sayreville NJ: DS-11 vs DS-82, Facilities

Getting a Passport in Sayreville, New Jersey

Last Updated: October 2024. Fees, processing times, hours, and appointments vary—always verify on travel.state.gov, USPS.com, and facility sites before visiting.

Sayreville residents in Middlesex County often seek passports for EWR flights (30-45 minutes away), Rutgers study abroad, Caribbean cruises from NJ ports, or Europe family trips. Demand peaks spring/summer (school breaks, cruises) and winter holidays—book 4-6 weeks ahead. Urgent needs like emergencies qualify for faster service, but 25-40% of rejections stem from photos, missing parental consent for minors, or wrong forms (DS-11 vs. DS-82).

Quick Decision Help: DS-11 (New, In-Person) vs. DS-82 (Renewal by Mail)

• DS-11 if: First-time, under 16 when issued prior passport, prior passport >15 years old, lost/stolen/damaged, or name change requiring in-person verification.
• DS-82 if: Issued age 16+, <15 years old, undamaged/in possession, no major changes.
• Common mistake: Using DS-82 for ineligible cases—wastes time/fees; use travel.state.gov wizard.

Top Pitfalls & Pro Tips

• Photos: 30% rejection rate—pro shots only (no selfies/home prints).
• Minors: 40% fail without both parents' presence/consent.
• Timeline: Apply 3-6 months early; NJ traffic to facilities adds 10-20 minutes.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Sayreville Tip: EWR proximity favors expedited for flights; check eligibility at travel.state.gov or 1-877-487-2778.

First-Time or Ineligible for Renewal (DS-11)

Must apply in person—no signing form until agent witnesses. Expect 15-30 minute facility visit: docs review, oath, receipt issued.

Checklist:

1. Download/fill DS-11 (don't sign).
2. Original citizenship proof (NJ birth cert via vital records.nj.gov), valid ID + photocopy.
3. 2x2 photo (pro, $15 at CVS).
4. Fees (two payments: State + facility).
5. Minors: Both parents or DS-3053 consent.

NJ Pitfalls: Delayed Middlesex birth certs—order early ($25+ online).

Renewals (DS-82)

Mail if eligible—no facility needed unless changing data.

Checklist:

1. Confirm criteria.
2. DS-82 + photo + fees ($130+ check to State Dept).
3. Mail to Philadelphia lockbox.
4. Track online.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacements

• Report lost/stolen via DS-64 online first.
• Eligible? DS-82 + DS-64. Else DS-11 + DS-64.
• Damaged: Always DS-11 (examples on state.gov).

Other Cases

• Name change: Include cert with form.
• Minors: Always DS-11, both parents.
• Cards (land/sea): Same process, lower fees.

Required Documents: Complete Checklist

Adults DS-11:

• Citizenship: Original NJ birth cert ($25, nj.gov/health/vital), naturalization/prior passport.
• ID: DL + photocopy.
• Photo.
• Fees: ~$130 State + $35 facility (+$60 exp).

DS-82:

• Old passport + photo + ~$130.

Minors <16:

• DS-11 + parents' docs/consent + ~$100 + $35.

NJ Tip: Middlesex births via NJ Vital Records portal (1-2 weeks standard, $50 rush).

Passport Photos: Get It Right First Time

25-30% rejections here. Strict specs: 2x2", color, white background, 6 months recent, 1-1.375" head, neutral face, no glasses/selfies/shadows.

Local Spots: CVS/Walgreens/AAA near Sayreville (~$15). Compare to state.gov samples before submitting.

Acceptance Facilities Near Sayreville

No local agency (use Philly/NYC for urgents). Use USPS.com locator for live appointments/availability—slots fill fast near Rutgers/EWR demand.

Key Nearby Options (distances approximate; verify hours/services):

• Sayreville Post Office: 717 Washington Rd, Sayreville, NJ 08872. (732) 257-4821. Mon-Fri ~10am-3pm, Sat appt.
• East Brunswick Post Office: 645 NJ-18, East Brunswick (~5 miles).
• New Brunswick Post Office: 1 Albany St, New Brunswick (~10 min, Rutgers volume).
• Old Bridge Post Office: 3478 US-9, Old Bridge (nearby).
• Middlesex Borough Clerk: Call (732) 356-4313 for details.

Busy Times & Tips: Peaks Mon mornings, summer/holidays. Book online, arrive early with checklist, mid-week/end-of-day best. Agents verify docs/oath but can't advise/expedite beyond options.

Step-by-Step Application Process

DS-11 In-Person:

1. Confirm form/eligibility (state.gov tool).
2. Gather docs/photo.
3. Book appt (USPS/facility site).
4. Attend: Sign on-site, pay, get tracking receipt.
5. Track after 7 days.

DS-82 Mail:

1. Confirm eligibility.
2. Complete + enclose old passport/photo/fees.
3. Mail to NPPC Philadelphia.
4. Track online.

Expedited & Urgent Services

• Expedited (2-3 weeks, +$60): Add at facility/mail for <6 week trips.
• Urgent (<14 days): Agency appt (1-877-487-2778), proof required. Philly: ~1 hour drive.

Sayreville: Factor NJ Turnpike delays to EWR/Philly.

Special Rules for Minors & Families

DS-11 in-person always. Both parents or notarized DS-3053. Rutgers students: Add program letter.

Processing Times & Expectations

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3. Peaks/backlogs add 1-2 weeks regionally. 25% need fixes—track diligently. Off-peak (fall) best; use Informed Delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Sayreville? No—weeks minimum; urgents to agencies.

Lost NJ birth cert? Order nj.gov/health/vital ($25+, 1-2 weeks).

Old passport for renewal? No if >15 years/damaged—DS-11.

Name change? Cert with DS-82/DS-11.

Passport card? $30-65, same process (Canada/Mexico).

Rejected photo? Retake pro; DS-5504 free fix (1 year).

Track status? Receipt # at travel.state.gov (post-7 days).

Local libraries? Check USPS locator (e.g., East Brunswick).

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Passport Forms
[3] NJ Dept of Health - Vital Records
[4] USPS Passport Services
[5] Passport Photos
[6] Middlesex Borough
[7] Get Fast Passports