Bexley, OH Passport Guide: Steps, Facilities, Renewals & Fees

Getting a Passport in Bexley, Ohio

Residents of Bexley, a suburb of Columbus in Franklin County, often need passports for frequent international business trips to Europe and Asia, family vacations during spring and summer peaks or winter breaks, student exchange programs at nearby Ohio State University, or last-minute urgent travel. Ohio's central location and John Glenn Columbus International Airport facilitate these patterns, but high demand at acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments, especially seasonally. This guide covers the process step by step, drawing from official U.S. Department of State resources to help you avoid common pitfalls like photo rejections from shadows or glare, incomplete forms for minors, or confusion over renewal eligibility.[1]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before starting, identify your situation to use the correct process and forms. Applying incorrectly wastes time and money.

• First-Time Passport: For adults or minors who have never had a U.S. passport. Use Form DS-11.[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 by mail—no in-person visit needed.[2]
• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Use Form DS-64 to report it (free), then DS-11 (new) or DS-82 (renewal-eligible) depending on age/issuance date.[3]
• Name Change or Correction: If minor changes, use DS-5504 within one year of issuance; otherwise, treat as new/renewal.[4]
• Child Passport (under 16): Always in-person with DS-11; both parents/guardians typically required.[5]

For Bexley residents, renewals can often be mailed directly, saving a trip. Check eligibility using the State Department's online wizard.[6] Common Ohio mistake: Using DS-11 for eligible renewals, which requires in-person application and higher fees.

Passport Requirements and Documentation

Gather documents early—Ohio vital records offices report delays in birth certificate issuance during peaks.[7] U.S. citizenship proof is primary:

For minors, include parents' IDs and consent. Photocopy all front/back. Ohio birth certificates are available via Franklin County Public Health or Ohio Department of Health.[7] Incomplete docs cause 30% of rejections locally.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities in Bexley and Franklin County

Bexley lacks a passport agency (for urgent needs), so use acceptance facilities for routine/expedited applications. High demand means book appointments 4-6 weeks ahead via the State Department's locator.[8]

• Bexley Post Office (2525 E Main St, Bexley, OH 43209): Offers passport services; call (614) 252-3231 to confirm hours/appointments. Limited walk-ins.[9]
• Nearby Options:

  Facility	Address	Phone	Notes
  Upper Arlington Post Office	4270 Tremont Rd, Columbus, OH 43221	(614) 486-6151	15-min drive; accepts DS-11/DS-82 mail-ins
  Franklin County Clerk of Courts	375 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215	(614) 525-3600	County courthouse; good for complex cases
  Worthington Post Office	130 E Wilson Bridge Rd, Worthington, OH 43085	(614) 436-2822	20-min drive; high volume

Peak seasons (March-June, Nov-Dec) fill slots fast—monitor online.[8] No Bexley clerk of courts handles passports; nearest is Franklin County. For urgent travel (within 14 days), life-or-death emergencies only qualify for agencies like Columbus Passport Agency (by appointment).[10]

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications

Follow this checklist to minimize errors. Print forms single-sided; do not sign DS-11 until instructed.

1. Complete Form DS-11 (online or PDF; unsigned).[11] Double-check name matches ID exactly.
2. Gather Proof of Citizenship: Original birth certificate + photocopy. Order from Ohio Vital Statistics if needed (allow 2-4 weeks).[7]
3. Provide ID: Valid photo ID + photocopy. Ohio BMV DL works.[12]
4. Get Passport Photo: 2x2 inches, color, white background, no glasses/selfies. Local pharmacies like CVS in Bexley (2475 E Main St) offer for $15.[13]
5. Calculate Fees: See fees section below.
6. Book Appointment: Use locator; arrive 15 min early with all docs.[8]
7. At Facility: Present docs, sign DS-11 in front of agent, pay fees (check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; applicant fee to facility).
8. Track Status: Online after 7-10 days.[14]

For renewals (DS-82): Mail old passport, new photos, fees to address on form—no appointment.[2] Checklist for renewals:

1. Verify eligibility (passport <15 years old, age 16+ at issue).
2. Fill DS-82.
3. Include old passport, photo, fees.
4. Mail via USPS Priority (trackable).

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Ohio applicants face high photo rejection rates from glare (flash), shadows (uneven lighting), or wrong size (must be 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches).[15] Specs:

• Recent (6 months), plain white/cream background.
• Neutral expression, eyes open, full face view.
• No uniforms, hats (unless religious), eyeglasses (unless medically necessary).
• Print on matte/glossy photo paper.

Bexley CVS/Walgreens: Reliable, but confirm specs. Self-print risks dimensions—use professional.[15] Rejection delays by 2-4 weeks.

Fees and Processing Times

Fees (as of 2023; verify current):[16]

Add $21.36 execution for USPS. Renewals: $130 routine. No refunds. Processing: Routine 6-8 weeks (longer peaks); expedited 2-3 weeks—do not rely on last-minute during spring/summer.[1] Track online.[14] Private expeditors exist but add costs; State Dept does not endorse.[17]

Special Considerations for Minors

Minors under 16 require in-person DS-11. Both parents/guardians must appear or submit DS-3053 consent (notarized). Common Ohio issue: Incomplete parental docs from separated families. Fees lower ($100 application).[5] Students on exchanges: Apply 3+ months early.

Urgent and Expedited Services

• Expedited: Add $60 at acceptance; 2-3 weeks. Use for 3-4 weeks out.
• Urgent (14 days): Only Columbus Passport Agency if travel proof.[10] Book via 1-877-487-2778; high demand.
• Last-Minute Warning: Peak seasons overwhelm—plan ahead. No guarantees.[1]

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Bexley

Passport acceptance facilities provide essential services for U.S. citizens applying for or renewing passports. These authorized locations, designated by the U.S. Department of State, handle the initial submission process but do not process passports on-site. Instead, they verify your identity, review documents, administer a required oath, and forward your sealed application to a regional passport agency or center for processing. Common types include post offices, public libraries, and municipal or county clerk offices. In Bexley and nearby areas, several such facilities are available within a short drive, offering convenience for residents in this suburban region without needing to venture to distant urban centers.

When visiting, expect a structured but straightforward procedure. Bring a completed application form—such as the DS-11 for new passports or DS-82 for renewals—along with two passport photos meeting State Department specifications, original proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment for application and execution fees (typically via check or money order). Staff will examine your paperwork for completeness, take your oath, and notarize the application. Processing begins only after submission, with standard service taking 6-8 weeks and expedited options available for an additional fee. Be prepared for potential wait times, as these locations serve walk-in customers alongside other duties. Always double-check requirements on the official State Department website to avoid issues.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons, such as summer vacation periods and major holidays, when demand surges. Mondays typically draw crowds catching up after weekends, while mid-day hours from late morning to early afternoon tend to be the busiest due to overlapping schedules. To navigate this, aim for early mornings, late afternoons, or quieter weekdays like Tuesdays through Thursdays. Cautiously plan around seasonal trends by applying well in advance of travel—ideally 3-6 months ahead. Confirm any appointment policies in advance, arrive with all documents organized, and monitor for updates, as conditions can fluctuate based on local events or backlogs. This approach helps ensure a smoother experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Bexley?
No routine same-day service locally. Agencies handle urgents only with proof; expect 1-2 weeks minimum even expedited.[10]

What's the difference between expedited and urgent travel service?
Expedited speeds routine to 2-3 weeks ($60 extra). Urgent (within 14 days) requires agency appointment for qualifying emergencies.[1]

Do I need an appointment at Bexley Post Office?
Yes, most facilities require them. Check online locator and call ahead.[8][9]

My passport expired 16 years ago—can I renew it?
No, use DS-11 as first-time if over 15 years or issued under 16.[2]

How do I get a birth certificate in Franklin County?
From Franklin County Public Health or Ohio Dept of Health online/mail. Allow processing time.[7]

Can I mail my first-time application from Bexley?
No, DS-11 must be in-person.[1]

What if my child’s other parent won’t consent?
Sole custody court order or DS-3053 with ID suffices.[5]

Are passport cards accepted for international air travel?
No, cards only for land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Bermuda/Caribbean.[18]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Renew a Passport
[3]Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport
[4]Correct or Update a Passport
[5]Children Under 16
[6]Passport Application Wizard
[7]Ohio Department of Health - Vital Records
[8]Passport Acceptance Facility Locator
[9]USPS Location Finder
[10]Passport Agencies
[11]Form DS-11
[12]Ohio BMV
[13]CVS Passport Photos
[14]Track My Application
[15]Passport Photo Requirements
[16]Passport Fees
[17]Private Passport Expeditors
[18]U.S. Passport Card

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