Getting a Passport in Tallmadge, OH: Facilities, Steps & Tips

Getting a Passport in Tallmadge, OH

Residents of Tallmadge, Ohio, in Summit County, frequently apply for passports due to international travel from nearby Akron-Canton Airport, family vacations, and study abroad programs at the University of Akron. Peak demand hits in spring/summer for Europe trips and winter for ski destinations, with students adding summer rushes. Last-minute needs arise from emergencies or business, but Summit County facilities book quickly—plan ahead to avoid delays. Common pitfalls include using the wrong form (DS-11 for new vs. DS-82 for renewals), photo rejections from poor lighting, and minor applications missing parental consent, causing 30% of Ohio rejections.

This guide offers Tallmadge-specific steps based on U.S. Department of State rules. Verify on official sites, as processing times fluctuate (routine 6-8 weeks, longer in peaks).[3]

Choose the Right Passport Service

Select the process to avoid rejections—many Ohio applicants err here.

• First-Time (DS-11): No prior passport or expired over 15 years; apply in person. Expect 15-30 minute facility visit: staff verifies docs, you sign under oath.
• Renewal (DS-82): Eligible if issued at 16+, within 15 years, undamaged. Mail it—no facility needed, ideal for Tallmadge to skip lines.
• Lost/Stolen/Damaged: Report via DS-64, then DS-11/DS-82. In-person for urgent.
• Child (under 16, DS-11): Both parents/guardians present or DS-3053 notarized consent; no mail renewals.
• Corrections: Proof like marriage certificate; renew if eligible.

Check eligibility via State Dept wizard: old passport issue date/age key. Wrong form? Start over.[1][4][17]

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Tallmadge

No passport agency in Tallmadge (nearest Chicago, 4-hour drive for 14-day urgents only).[7] Use USPS post offices, libraries, or county offices for DS-11 applications—they witness oaths, collect fees, mail to agency. No on-site photos/issuance; bring compliant 2x2 photos, originals, fees. Appointments fill fast in Summit County; book via official locator.[8]

Key nearby options (confirm services/availability; enter "Tallmadge, OH 44278"):

• Tallmadge Post Office (158 East Ave, Tallmadge, OH 44278): Primary local spot. Call (330) 633-1414 or book online. USPS Locator for hours/appointments.[9]
• Munroe Falls Post Office (474 N Main St, Munroe Falls, OH 44262):

Quick drive for backups.

• Akron Main Post Office (1141 E Market St, Akron, OH 44316): More slots, 15-20 min away.
• Summit County Fiscal Office: Limited; check site.[10]
• Portage Summit County Public Library (Tallmadge Branch): Fairs possible; verify.[11]

Search Passport Locator daily. Busy times: Mondays/mid-days in peaks (spring/summer); aim early mornings or mid-week. Expect doc review, oath, payment split (State check + facility fee).[8][9]

Required Documents

Originals required; photocopies for ID. Ohio birth certificates accepted—rush via VitalChek if lost (3-5 days).[12]

Adult First-Time (DS-11):

• Form DS-11 (unsigned).[13]
• Citizenship proof (birth/naturalization cert).
• Valid ID + photocopy.
• 2x2 photo.
• Fees.

Child (DS-11):

• Above + both parents' IDs/presence or DS-3053 (notarized; Ohio banks/USPS offer).
• Child's photo (recent).

Renewal (DS-82, mail): Old passport, photo, fee.

Mistake: No parental consent for minors—major rejection cause.[2][6]

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Strict specs cause 20-30% Ohio fails: 2x2 inches, 6 months recent, 1-1 3/8 inch head, white background, neutral face, no glare/shadows/glasses.[14]

• Local options: Tallmadge Walmart, CVS/Walgreens ($15, confirm compliant).
• Avoid selfies/DIY printers.

Bring two; facilities don't take photos.[9]

Fees and Payment

[15]

• Adult book: $130 State + $35 facility (+$60 expedite).
• Card: $30 less.
• Child: $100 + $35.
• 1-2 day delivery: +$21.36.

State fee: Check to "U.S. Department of State". Facility: Cash/check/card at USPS. ~$200 total first-time adult.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (peaks 10-12).[3]

• Expedited: 3-6 weeks (+$60).
• Urge

nt (14 days): Emergencies only, Chicago agency appointment.[7]

Track via status tool after receipt number (1-2 weeks post-submission).[16] No same-day locally.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time Adult Application

1. Wizard check: New/renewal?[17]
2. DS-11 complete, unsigned.[13]
3. Docs: Birth cert,[12] ID copy, photo.
4. Book: Tallmadge PO/USPS scheduler.[8][9]
5. Fees ready (two payments).
6. At facility: Review, oath, sign, pay—get receipt (15-30 min).
7. Track online.[16]
8. Mailed 6-8 weeks; docs returned separate.

Child: Add consent. Renewal: Mail DS-82 to form address.[4]

Common Challenges and Tips for Tallmadge Residents

• Demand: Summit backups (Akron PO); book 4-6 weeks early.
• Photos: Ohio lighting issues—use indoor pros.
• Minors: Notarize DS-3053 ahead (local USPS/banks).
• Docs: Ohio birth rush $25+.[12]
• Peaks: 10+ weeks pre-travel; UA students apply pre-summer.
• Urgent: Domestic flight first, apply abroad (risky).[3]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Tallmadge? No; agencies for emergencies only.[7]
Renewal? Mail DS-82 if eligible.[4]
Child for study abroad? In-person early, both parents.[6]
Slots full? Akron/libraries; check locator.[8]
Lost birth cert? VitalChek expedited.[12]
Expedited vs. urgent? 3-6w any travel vs. 14-day emergencies.[3]
Expired passport as ID? No; use DL.[1]
Photo fails? Check specs, certified service.[14]

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[3] U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[4] U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[5] U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen
[6] U.S. Department of State - Children
[7] U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies
[8] Passport Acceptance Facility Locator
[9] [USPS Passport Services](https://www.us

ps.com/international/passports.htm)
[10] Summit County Ohio
[11] Portage Summit Library
[12] Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics
[13] Passport Forms
[14] Passport Photo Requirements
[15] Passport Fees
[16] Check Status
[17] Passport Wizard