Cedar Mill OR Passport Guide: DS-11 New vs DS-82 Renewal Steps

Getting a Passport in Cedar Mill, OR

Cedar Mill residents in Washington County, just west of Portland, frequently travel internationally for Asia and Europe business trips, Mexico and Canada road trips, or cruises departing Seattle. Spring and summer see vacation peaks, while winter brings ski trips to Whistler and steady student exchanges. Portland-metro demand overwhelms nearby facilities—plan 10+ weeks ahead for routine processing to avoid spring/summer shortages. This guide provides Cedar Mill-specific steps, decision tools for DS-11 (new/in-person) versus DS-82 (renewal), common pitfalls like rejected photos or form errors, and tips for Washington County options.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose based on your situation to save time and avoid rejections. First-time applicants, children under 16, lost/stolen passports, or major changes (name, gender) require DS-11 in person at a local acceptance facility. Eligible adults renew via mail with DS-82, bypassing crowded Beaverton or Hillsboro post offices.

Quick decision tool: Take the State Department's online quiz [3]. Mismatching forms (e.g., using DS-82 for a name change) forces a full DS-11 restart, delaying 6-8 weeks routine or 2-3 expedited. Track timelines: routine 6-8 weeks processing + mailing; expedited 2-3 weeks; peaks add 2-4 weeks.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Cedar Mill

No passport office in Cedar Mill—head 10-15 minutes to Beaverton, Aloha, or Hillsboro. These State Department-authorized sites (US

PS and county clerk) verify documents, witness DS-11 signatures, collect fees (two separate payments), and forward sealed applications. Expect 15-45 minutes: arrive 15 minutes early with unsigned DS-11, photos, proofs, photocopies (front/back same page), and fees. No passports issued on-site. Walk-ins uncommon; book appointments online via USPS or county sites—spaces fill fast during summer Mondays. Avoid Hwy 217/26 rush hours. Renewals mail from any post office (use certified mail). Verify current status, hours, and slots at usps.com/passport or iafdb.travel.state.gov [6][7].

• Beaverton Main Post Office (3605 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005): Full DS-11 services including photos; (503) 469-8070 [6].
• Cedar Hills Station Post Office (11738 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton, OR 97005): Closest to Cedar Mill; prioritize appointments [6].
• Washington County Clerk (155 N First Ave, MS 17, Hillsboro, OR 97124): Handles DS-11 expertly, good for complex cases; (503) 846-8842 [7].
• Aloha Main Post Office (17780 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd, Aloha, OR 97007): Convenient south option [6].

What to expect: Agents check completeness first—if missing photocopies or mismatched names, you'll reschedule. Busy lulls: early weekday mornings. For photos, nearby Beaverton Walgreens, CVS, or select USPS locations meet specs ($14-16); confirm via store locators [8].

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

1. Check eligibility/timeline: Use State quiz [3]; start 10+ weeks early for routine.
2. Fill DS-11: Download from travel.state.gov; black ink, complete but don't sign until instructed. List all prior names [2].
3. Photos: Two identical 2x2 color prints (<6 months old), white/cream background,

head 1-1⅜ inches, neutral expression, no glare/eyewear/shadows. Get at Beaverton pharmacies/USPS [8]. 4. Proof of citizenship: Original (Oregon birth cert from Oregon.gov/Washington County, naturalization cert) + photocopy both sides one sheet [9]. 5. Photo ID: Valid driver's license (Oregon DL/REAL ID preferred) + photocopy both sides; names must match application [2]. 6. Photocopies: 8.5x11 plain white paper; all docs front/back same page. 7. Fees: $130 check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" + $35 execution fee to facility (cash/check). Expedited +$60; overnight return +$21.36. No credit cards typically [1]. 8. Book appointment: Via facility site/phone; arrive early with organized folder. 9. At appointment: Present docs, sign DS-11 in front of agent, pay, receive receipt/tracking number. Envelope sealed on-site. 10. Track status: Check after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov [10].

For minors: Add DS-3053 (notarized parental consent if one parent absent), both parents' IDs/child's birth cert. Processing same timelines: routine 6-8 weeks, expedited 2-3.

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

1. Confirm eligibility: Passport <15 years old, issued age 16+, undamaged, no changes, current U.S. address [3].
2. Fill DS-82: Download/sign in black ink; include old passport (they'll cancel it) [3].
3. Photo: One 2x2 meeting specs [8].
4. Fees: $130 to "U.S. Department of State" (check/money order); expedited +$60 optional [1].
5. Assemble: Old passport on top, then DS-82, photo, fee, optional overnight envelope.
6. Mail certified/return receipt: To PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. Track via USPS [3].
7. Track: Online after 7-10 days [10].

Ineligible (e.g., damage)? Switch to DS-11 in person. Timelines match DS-11 without execution fee.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Cedar Mill-area facilities book 4-6 weeks out during peaks—25% of apps rejected for avoidable issues:

• Photos (top rejection): Use even lighting, no selfies; Beaverton CVS/Walgreens pros nail specs. Retakes waste time [8].
• Incomplete docs: Pre-make all photocopies; order Oregon birth certs early (2-4 weeks, $25+ via Oregon.gov) [9].
• Form errors: Don't sign DS-11 early; DS-82 misuse means redo. Double-check names/addresses.
• Fees/timing: Always separate checks; urgent needs itinerary for agency call (1-877-487-2778). Peaks delay tracking start.
• Minors: Notarize

DS-3053 ahead; all parties attend to skip callbacks [5].

Special Considerations for Oregon Residents

Obtain Washington County birth certificates via Oregon Health Authority (oregon.gov, expedited options) or Portland office [9]. Oregon DL/REAL ID serves as strong ID. Note: Air/land/sea to Canada/Mexico requires passport (no WHTI exceptions by air) [11]. Proximity to PDX aids last-minute flights, but process passports first.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long from Beaverton/Hillsboro facilities? Routine 6-8 weeks + 1-2 weeks mail; expedited 2-3 weeks [1].
Local photo services? Beaverton USPS/Walgreens/CVS ($14-16); check usps.com [6][8].
Urgent under 14 days? Submit app first, then call 1-877-487-2778 with itinerary [1].
Child passports in Washington County? DS-11 with both parents/child; DS-3053 alternative [5].
Renewals at County Clerk? No—DS-11 new apps only [7].
Lost passport abroad? Report DS-64; replace stateside [4].
Oregon birth cert rush? Oregon.gov vital records, $25 standard/$50 expedited [9].
Does Oregon REAL ID work for ID? Yes, preferred [2].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Apply in Person
[3] U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[4] U.S. Department of State - Replace Your Passport
[5] U.S. Department of State - Children
[6] USPS - Passport Services
[7] Washington County Clerk - Passports
[8] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[9] Oregon Health Authority - Vital Records
[10] U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status
[11] [U.S. Department of State - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-I

Cedar Mill, OR Local Resources

Cedar Mill is an unincorporated community in Washington County, Oregon, meaning many services fall under county jurisdiction rather than a city government. Start with the Washington County website or service finder tools for quick access to departments like planning, public works, health, and elections.

Practical Steps:

• Use the county's online portal or app for permits, payments, and reporting issues (e.g., potholes or code violations).
• For emergencies, always dial 911; for non-emergencies, use the sheriff's dispatch line.
• Check school boundaries via district websites if you have kids—Cedar Mill spans multiple districts like Beaverton, Hillsboro, or Riverdale.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Assuming services are handled by nearby cities like Beaverton or Portland—confirm your exact location with Washington County's property search tool to avoid wrong departments.
• Delaying online registration for services like voter updates or waste collection, which can lead to missed notifications or fees.
• Overlooking seasonal rules, such as burn bans or parking restrictions during winter storms.

Decision Guidance:

• Property/Taxes: County assessor for valuations; treasurer for payments.
• Utilities: Contact providers directly (water often via Clean Water Services area).
• Trash/Recycling: Verify your route via county waste services—opt for curbside if available to simplify.
• Elections/Voting: Register or update via Oregon Secretary of State, but use county clerk for local ballot questions. If unsure, search "[service] Washington County OR" for official guides—prioritize .gov sites to ensure accuracy.