Getting a Passport in Barberton, OH: Steps, Facilities & Checklist

By GovComplete Team • Published on: January 14, 2026

Location: Barberton, OH

Getting a Passport in Barberton, OH

Barberton, located in Summit County, Ohio, is a convenient hub for residents seeking passports amid Ohio's busy travel landscape. The state sees frequent international business trips, tourism peaks in spring/summer and winter breaks, student exchange programs, and occasional urgent travel for last-minute opportunities. However, high demand at acceptance facilities often leads to limited appointments, especially during these seasons. Common hurdles include photo rejections from shadows or glare, incomplete paperwork for minors, and confusion over renewals versus new applications. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you prepare effectively [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before starting, identify your situation to use the correct forms and process. Missteps here, like using a renewal form for a first-time application, can delay you significantly.

First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport. Use Form DS-11. You must apply in person at an acceptance facility [1].
Renewal: Eligible if your previous passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, and is undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing data [2]. Ohio travelers often overlook eligibility; check your old passport's issue date carefully.
Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Use Form DS-64 to report it, then DS-82 if eligible to renew by mail, or DS-11 for in-person if not [3]. Provide evidence like a police report if stolen.
Child (Under 16) Passport: Always a first-time style application with Form DS-11, requiring both parents' presence or notarized consent. Summit County families with exchange students face extra scrutiny here [1].
Name Change or Data Correction: Use Form DS-5504 within one year of passport issuance, or DS-82/DS-11 otherwise [4].

Ohio's seasonal travel surges amplify confusion—business professionals on tight schedules and families during breaks often mix these up. Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm: https://pptform.state.gov/ [5].

Gather Required Documents and Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

Incomplete documentation tops rejection reasons in high-volume areas like Summit County. Start early, as Ohio vital records processing takes 3-5 business days for birth certificates [6].

Core Requirements for DS-11 (First-Time, Child, Replacement in Person):

Proof of U.S. citizenship: Original or certified birth certificate (Ohio issues these via mail or in-person at local health departments; hospital certificates don't count) [6], naturalization certificate, or previous passport.
Photocopy of ID: Front and back.
Valid photo ID: Driver's license, military ID, etc.
For minors: Parental IDs, consent forms if one parent absent.

For DS-82 Renewals (Mail): Old passport, photo, fee.

Fees (as of 2023; verify current): $130 adult book (first-time), $30 execution fee at facilities. Pay acceptance fee by check/money order; State Dept fee by check [1]. Expedited adds $60 [7].

Pro tip for Barberton residents: Order Ohio birth certificates online at HealthDataOhio or visit Summit County Public Health (check hours) [6]. During winter break rushes, mail requests spike—plan 2-4 weeks ahead.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Pitfalls

Photo issues cause 25% of rejections nationwide, with Ohio facilities noting shadows from indoor lighting and glare on glasses as frequent problems [8]. Specs are strict:

2x2 inches, color, white/cream/off-white background.
Head 1-1 3/8 inches from chin to top.
Neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses unless medically necessary (no glare).
Taken within 6 months [9].

Where to Get Photos in Barberton:

Barberton Post Office (465 E Tuscarawas St): Often provides on-site ($15-20) [10].
CVS Pharmacy (126 2nd St NW): Self-service kiosks ($14.99) [11].
Walmart (486 Rolling Acres Dr): Photo center ($15) [12].

DIY at home? Use white walls, natural light, measure precisely—but professionals minimize rejection risk. For kids, capture natural expressions quickly.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Barberton

Barberton lacks a dedicated passport agency (those are for life-or-death urgent cases, like Cleveland's at 2 miles from downtown [13]). Use local facilities; book appointments online as slots fill fast in Ohio's travel seasons.

Key Options in/near Barberton (Summit County):

Barberton Post Office: 465 E Tuscarawas St, Barberton, OH 44203. Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM, by appointment. Phone: 330-745-2256 [10].
Akron Post Office (Main): 1145 E Market St, Akron, OH 44305 (10-min drive). Larger volume, extended hours [14].
Summit County Fiscal Office: 1180 S Main St, Akron, OH 44301. Handles passports Mon-Fri [15].
Cuyahoga Falls Post Office: 2727 E Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 (15-min drive) [16].

Search all via State Dept: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ [17]. High demand means booking 4-6 weeks ahead in spring/summer; walk-ins rare.

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

Use this checklist to prepare—print and tick off items. Tailored for Barberton applicants facing peak-season queues.

Confirm eligibility: Use pptform.state.gov wizard [5]. Gather citizenship proof + photocopy.
Complete Form DS-11: Fill by hand (black ink), do NOT sign until instructed. Download: https://pptform.state.gov/ [1].
Get photo: Meet specs [9]. Bring two if required.
Prepare fees: Two checks—one for State Dept ($130+), one for facility ($35).
Book appointment: Via facility website/phone (e.g., USPS.com for post offices) [10].
Arrive early: Bring all docs. Sign DS-11 in front of agent.
Submit: Agent seals envelope. Track online later [18].
For expedited: Request at acceptance (+$60), or mail to agency post-submission [7].

For Minors Checklist Addition: 9. Both parents/guardians present with IDs. 10. If one absent: DS-3053 notarized consent + ID copy [1].

Expect 6-8 weeks routine processing; avoid relying on last-minute during Ohio holidays [7].

Renewals and Mail-In Options

Ohio business travelers love mail renewals for speed. Eligible? Mail DS-82 + old passport + photo + fee to State Dept. No execution fee. Processing mirrors in-person [2]. Track: https://passportstatus.state.gov/ [18].

Lost passport abroad? Contact nearest embassy first [19].

Expedited and Urgent Travel Services

Confusing expedited ($60, 2-3 weeks) with urgent (14 days or less, $217.32+ overnight fees, agencies only). For true emergencies (life/death, national interest), book Cleveland Passport Agency (1240 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44199; appointment via 1-877-487-2778) [13]. Warns: No guarantees during peaks—spring business trips or summer tourism overload systems [7]. Last-minute? Airlines often accept receipts, but verify policies.

Processing Times and Seasonal Warnings

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail from facility). Expedited: 2-3 weeks. Ohio's patterns—winter breaks, summer vacations—cause backlogs; State Dept explicitly cautions against assuming quick turnaround [7]. Track status online [18]. Barberton applicants: Mail from post office adds 1-2 weeks.

Special Considerations for Summit County Residents

Students in exchange programs need apostilles for foreign use—extra step via Ohio Secretary of State [20]. Business travelers: Ensure passport validity 6 months beyond trip [21].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Barberton

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for U.S. citizens. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerks' offices, and certain municipal buildings. These sites do not process or issue passports themselves; their role is limited to verifying eligibility, administering the required oath, collecting fees, and forwarding the sealed application package to a passport agency for adjudication. Processing times typically range from several weeks to months, depending on demand and whether expedited service is requested.

When visiting a facility, applicants should arrive with all necessary documents meticulously prepared, including a completed application form, evidence of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate), valid identification, two passport photos meeting specific size and quality standards, and exact payment (often a combination of checks or money orders for application and execution fees). Expect a review process where the agent checks for completeness, witnesses your signature, and may ask clarifying questions. Not all locations handle renewals or minor applications, so verify eligibility in advance via the official State Department website.

In and around Barberton, various acceptance facilities operate in local post offices, libraries, and government offices within the city limits and surrounding areas like nearby urban centers. These provide convenient options for residents, but availability can vary, so use the State Department's online locator tool for the most current information.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Facilities often experience higher volumes during peak travel seasons, such as summer and holidays, as well as on Mondays and mid-day periods when walk-in traffic peaks. To minimize delays, plan visits for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, and prioritize locations offering appointments if possible. Always double-check document requirements and facility status through official sources beforehand, and consider mailing renewals if eligible to bypass lines altogether. Patience and preparation are key to a smoother experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport the same day in Barberton?
No local same-day service. Nearest agency in Cleveland requires confirmed urgent travel; routine takes weeks [13].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited speeds routine apps (2-3 weeks). Urgent is for 14-day departures via agencies only [7].

My child’s birth certificate is from Ohio—does it work?
Yes, if certified (raised seal). Order from Ohio Dept of Health if lost [6].

How do I book an appointment at Barberton Post Office?
Online at tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport or call 330-745-2256 [10]. Book early.

Can I renew my passport at the post office?
No, renewals are mail-only if eligible. Post offices do DS-11 only [2].

What if my passport photo is rejected?
Common in Ohio due to lighting. Retake immediately; facilities often help on-site [9].

Do I need an appointment for child passports?
Yes, same as adults. Both parents required [1].

How long before travel should I apply?
6-9 months ideal; at least 8 weeks routine [7].

Sources

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