How to Get a Passport in Westmont, NJ: Facilities, Forms & Fees

Getting a Passport in Westmont, NJ

Residents of Westmont, New Jersey—a neighborhood in Haddon Township, Camden County—rely on passports for international trips via nearby Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), family cruises from the Jersey Shore, or study abroad from Camden County College. Peak demand hits in spring break, summer, and holidays, straining local facilities. Common pitfalls include signing DS-11 too early, photos with glare from office fluorescents, mismatched ID names after marriage, or missing parental consent for kids. High volumes mean appointments book 4-6 weeks out; use this guide for efficient steps based on U.S. Department of State rules [1].

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

Select your form to avoid wasted trips:

Westmont locals often misjudge renewals—use travel.state.gov's wizard. For lost passports, file DS-64 online immediately to prevent fraud [1].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Westmont

Westmont (ZIP 08108) lacks an on-site facility, but Camden County options are 2-4 miles away. Book via iafdb.travel.state.gov; walk-ins are limited [2]. Expect 15-30 minutes: agent reviews docs, you swear oath, sign DS-11 (if applicable), and they seal for mailing. Bring all items; no storage lockers.

Local options:

• Collingswood Post Office (100 E Collings Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108—2 miles): USPS appointments at usps.com [2].
• Merchantville Post Office (6017 Main St, Merchantville, NJ 08109—3 miles): Quick drive for Haddon Township [2].
• Camden County Clerk's Office (Woodlynne Branch, 520 Cooper St, Camden, NJ 08102—4 miles): Call (856) 225-5300; weekdays only [3].
• Haddon Heights Post Office (140 White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035—4 miles): Serves south Haddon area [2].

Busy times: Mondays, lunch hours, peak seasons (March-June, Nov-Dec). Opt for early mornings or Wednesdays. For u

rgent NJ needs, Philadelphia Passport Agency (1600 Callowhill St, Philadelphia, PA 19130) requires appointments via 1-877-487-2778 [1].

Required Documents and Forms

Originals only (photocopies for ID backup):

• Citizenship: Birth certificate (NJ-issued via Camden Clerk or vitalchek.com), naturalization cert, or old passport [4].
• ID: Driver's license (match names exactly; add marriage cert if changed) [1].
• Photo: 2x2 specs (below).
• Forms: DS-11 (unsigned until sworn), DS-82 (signed for mail) [1].
• Minors: Parents' IDs, DS-3053 consent if one absent (notarized) [1].

Mistake: Forgetting raised-seal birth cert—delays 50% of apps.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% rejections from poor specs [5]:

• 2x2 inches, color, white/off-white background.
• Head 1-1 3/8 inches high, 6 months recent, neutral face, no glare/shadows/glasses. Local spots: CVS/Walgreens (e.g., 133 Haddon Ave, Collingswood) for $15; avoid home printers.

Fees and Payment Methods

Separate payments: Check/money order to State Dept; execution (cash/check/card) to facility [1][6].

+$60 expedite, +$21.09 overnight return. USPS takes cards; clerks prefer checks [3].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). No guarantees in NJ peaks; track at passportstatus.state.gov after 5-7 days [1].

Special Considerations for Minors and Urgent Travel

Minors: Both parents or notarized consent—common for Westmont school trips. Urgent: Philly agency only with itinerary; no local rush [1].

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

1. Wizard check: travel.state.gov [1].
2. Citizenship proof: Original (Camden Clerk if lost) [4].
3. Photo: Compliant 2x2 [5].
4. DS-11: Complete, unsigned [1].
5. ID + photocopy.
6. Fees ready.
7. Appointment: Local PO/clerk [2][3].
8. Attend: Oath, sign, seal (2hr buffer).
9. Track post-submission [1].

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

1. Eligibility: Recent, adult, intact [1].
2. DS-82 signed + old passport +

photo [1]. 3. Fees: Check to State Dept. 4. Expedite optional. 5. Mail: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [1]. 6. Track [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day in Westmont? No; Philly agency for <14 days [1].
Lost NJ birth cert? Vitalchek.com rush to Camden Clerk [4].
Expiring for summer? DS-82 mail, 9+ weeks early [1].
Child needs both parents? Or DS-3053 [1].
Photo fail? Retake on-site/nearby [5].
Expedite guaranteed? No, peaks delay [1].
Track status? passportstatus.state.gov [1].
Passport card? For cruises to Mexico/Caribbean ($65 total) [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[3] Camden County Clerk - Passport Services
[4] New Jersey Vital Statistics
[5] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[6] USPS Passport Services