Metzger OR Passport Guide: Tigard, Beaverton Post Offices & DS-11 Tips

Obtaining a Passport in Metzger, Oregon

Metzger, an unincorporated community in Washington County, sits conveniently near Portland International Airport (PDX), fueling high demand for passports among locals heading to Europe, Asia, Canada, Mexico, and beyond. Busy professionals, families on summer vacations, and students in exchange programs drive seasonal rushes—especially spring break, summer, and winter holidays—leading to booked appointments at suburban facilities. This guide provides Metzger-specific navigation, including nearby post offices, drive times via Highway 217, and tips to sidestep pitfalls like photo rejections or expired slots.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Select DS-11 (in-person only) or DS-82 (mail for eligible renewals) upfront to avoid rejections. First-timers, minors, or those with passports over 15 years old must use DS-11 at a facility.

First-Time Passport (DS-11)

Required if no prior passport, child under 16, issued before age 16, or over 15 years ago. Common for Metzger families starting international trips or renewing childhood books.

Quick Decision Guide

Pitfalls to dodge: Don't mail expired passports over 15 years (automatic rejection). For minors, both parents must attend or provide notarized consent—missing this stalls weeks. Verify DS-11 completeness; agents reject unsigned or photocopied birth certificates.

Metzger tip: Prep docs amid PDX flight surges; routine processing 4-6 weeks, expedited 2-3.

Passport Renewal (DS-82)

Mail-eligible if undamaged, issued age 16+, within 15 years, no major personal data changes. Ideal for Metzger commuters skipping facilities.

Passport Replacement

Lost/stolen? File DS-64 online first. In-person or mail based on urgency; report immediately to avoid travel issues.

Quick Checklist:

• Eligible mail renewal? → DS-82.
• Otherwise? → DS-11 in-person.
• Lost? → DS-64 + application.

Gather Required Documents and Photos

Washington County's volume amplifies doc errors—order Oregon birth certificates early (1-4 weeks).

Key Documents Checklist

Renewals: Old passport + photo + DS-82.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Rejections hit 25-30% from poor quality. Specs: 2x2", head 1-1⅜", white background, even light, no glasses/selfies, <6 months old. Get at CVS/Walgreens/USPS in Tigard/Beaverton ($15-17)—facilities won't accept flawed ones.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Metzger

No on-site facility in Metzger—use these Washington County USPS spots (verify passport services, hours, appointments, and wait times via USPS Locator or phone, as they change). Expect 15-45 min processing: agent verifies docs, oaths DS-11, collects fees (execution to facility, app to State Dept). Walk-ins rare; book online/phone. Peaks (Mon mid-day, summer/holidays) overwhelm—aim early AM or late PM.

Top Options with Drive Times from Metzger (97008 ZIP):

• Tigard Post Office: 12800 SW Pacific Hwy, Tigard, OR 97223. (503) 639-7771. ~3 miles, 7 min drive. Directions on Google Maps. High demand, book early.
• Beaverton Main Post Office: 4490 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005. (503) 643-3364. ~6 miles, 12 min. Directions on Google Maps.
• Hillsboro Post Office: 1301 NE 25th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124. ~13 miles, 22 min. Directions on Google Maps.

County clerks rarely handle passports—prioritize USPS. Urgent life-or-death (<14 days): Call 1-877-487-2778 for Seattle agency slot (2+ hr drive).

Step-by-Step Application Checklist (In-Person, DS-11)

1. Fill DS-11 (don't sign yet). Download here.
2. Collect originals + photocopies, photos, fees.
3. Book appointment (weeks ahead in peaks).
4. Arrive early (2-3 hrs buffer).
5. Agent oaths, you sign.
6. Pay split fees.
7. Track after 7-10 days here.

Mail Renewal (DS-82): Complete form, add old passport/photo/fees, send to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Verify current times at travel.state.gov/wait-times—typically 4-6 weeks routine, 2-3 expedited (add $60 at facilities/mail). Oregon surges (PDX summer flights) extend waits.

• Expedited: Faster processing, not booking.
• Urgent (<14 days): Life-or-death proof only; Seattle agency.
• Rush: Private services post-approval (extra cost).

Special Considerations for Oregon Residents

• Minors: Both parents mandatory; spikes from school trips.
• Name/Gender Changes: Extra court docs.
• PDX Proximity: Renew early for Europe/Asia flights.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Slots: Book 4-6 weeks ahead; monitor cancels.
• Photos/Docs: Pros only; originals essential.
• Timing: Expedite ≠ instant; plan 9+ months pre-expiry.
• Birth Certs: $25+ from state site; apostille for some nations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Metzger? No; urgent to Seattle (2+ hrs).

Expedited vs. Urgent? Expedited speeds routine; urgent needs proof/agency.

Tigard appointment? Yes, essential in peaks.

Renewing soon? DS-82 9+ months early; old passport usable if valid.

Child for school trip? DS-11 + both parents; pro photos.

Oregon birth cert? Order from Health Authority ($25, 1-4 weeks).

Lost abroad? Embassy first.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Apply In Person
[3] Renew by Mail
[4] Lost/Stolen
[5] Oregon Vital Records
[6] SSN Info
[7] Fees
[8] Photo Specs
[9] USPS Locator
[10] Urgent Services
[11] Status Check
[12] Wait Times