Getting a Passport in Brookville, PA: Full Step-by-Step Guide

By GovComplete Team • Published on: February 1, 2026

Location: Brookville, PA

Getting a Passport in Brookville, PA

Residents of Brookville in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, often need passports for international business trips, family vacations, or study abroad programs. Pennsylvania sees frequent international travel from its major hubs like Pittsburgh International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport, with peaks during spring and summer vacations as well as winter breaks. Students from nearby universities and exchange programs add to the demand, alongside urgent last-minute trips for family emergencies or work. However, high demand at acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments, especially in peak seasons, making early planning essential [1].

This guide covers everything from determining your service type to application steps, common pitfalls, and local resources. Brookville's small size means relying on nearby post offices, county offices, or clerks of court for passport acceptance. Always verify availability, as facilities can change [2].

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before starting, identify which service fits your situation. Using the wrong form or process can delay your application.

First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16. Use Form DS-11. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility [3].
Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, undamaged, and issued in your current name (or you can document a name change). Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or for minors [4].
Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: If lost or stolen, report it first with Form DS-64, then apply for a replacement using DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (mail if eligible). For damaged passports, use DS-5504 if recently issued [5].
Name Change or Data Correction: Form DS-5504 for errors on a passport issued within the last year. Otherwise, apply as new [6].

For children under 16, always use DS-11 in person with both parents [3]. If unsure, use the State Department's online wizard [7].

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

Follow this checklist to avoid rejections, a common issue due to incomplete documents or photos.

Fill Out Form DS-11: Complete online at travel.state.gov and print single-sided. Do not sign until instructed at the facility [3].
Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (long-form preferred), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Photocopies on plain white paper required. Pennsylvania birth certificates come from the state vital records office [8].
Provide Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, government ID, or military ID. Photocopy front and back [3].
Get Passport Photos: Two identical 2x2-inch color photos on photo paper, taken within 6 months. White background, neutral expression, no glasses unless medically necessary. Common rejections: shadows, glare, wrong size, or uniforms [9].
Pay Fees: Execution fee ($35 adult/$30 child to facility), application fee ($130 adult/$100 child book), optional expedited ($60), 1-2 day delivery ($21.36). Payable by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; facility fee separate [10].
Book Appointment: Call ahead—Brookville Post Office (814-849-2303) or Jefferson County Clerk of Courts. Limited slots fill fast, especially spring/summer [2].
Attend Appointment: Bring all originals and copies. Sign DS-11 in front of agent. Receive receipt with tracking number.
Track Status: Use online tracker after 5-7 days [11].

For renewals (DS-82), mail everything—no checklist needed beyond forms, photos, fees, and old passport [4].

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities in Brookville and Jefferson County

Brookville Post Office at 302 W Main St, Brookville, PA 15825, accepts applications by appointment (Mon-Fri, call 814-849-2303). They offer photo services [2].

Other nearby options:

Jefferson County Clerk of Courts, 200 Main St, Brookville, PA—handles passports, verify hours [12].
Punxsutawney Post Office (25 miles away), DuBois Post Office (30 miles).

No passport agencies in Jefferson County—nearest in Pittsburgh (2+ hours drive) for urgent services (14 days or less travel) [13]. For life-or-death emergencies abroad, contact the Pittsburgh agency only after confirming need [14].

Pennsylvania vital records for birth certificates: Order online/mail from PA Department of Health ($20 first copy). Processing 3-5 business days standard, longer in peaks [8]. Local registrars may not issue for out-of-county births.

Passport Photo Requirements and Local Options

Photos cause 25-30% of rejections. Specs: 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches, even lighting, no shadows/glare/selfies [9].

Brookville options:

CVS Pharmacy or Walgreens (nearby)—$15, quick.
Post office if available.
AAA Northeast branches (membership required) [15].

Tip: Check photo with State Dept tool before submitting [9].

Documentation for Specific Situations

Minors Under 16:

Both parents/guardians present or notarized consent (DS-3053).
Child's birth certificate, parents' IDs.
Fees: $100 application + $35 execution.
Valid 5 years [3].

Seniors (80+): Book only, no card option, but cheaper fees if eligible [10].

Name Changes: Marriage/divorce decree, court order. Photocopies [6].

Previous Passports: Submit if within 15 years for renewals [4].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks door-to-door (facility to mail-back). Expedited: 2-3 weeks + $60. No guarantees—peaks (spring/summer, holidays) add delays. Avoid relying on last-minute processing; plan 3+ months ahead [1].

Urgent (travel in 14 days): Agencies only, proof required (itinerary, ticket). Pittsburgh Passport Agency: 1000 Liberty Ave, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (814 area code eligible). Appointment via 1-877-487-2778 [13].

1-2 day return shipping: $21.36 extra [10].

Track at travel.state.gov [11].

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Limited Appointments: Book 4-6 weeks early. High demand from seasonal travel, students [1].
Expedited vs. Urgent Confusion: Expedited speeds processing but not for 14-day trips—use agencies [13].
Photo Rejections: Use professional services; measure head size.
Incomplete Docs: Double-check citizenship proof. PA birth certs often missing—order early [8].
Renewal Mistakes: Don't mail DS-11; ineligible if passport >15 years old.
Peak Season Delays: Spring break, summer, winter—volumes surge [1].

Pro Tip: Apply during off-peak (fall).

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

Confirm eligibility [4].
Complete DS-82 online, print single-sided.
Attach old passport, new photos (2), fees (check to "U.S. Department of State").
Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [4].
Track old passport return separately.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Brookville

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and other qualified individuals. These facilities do not process passports on-site; instead, staff review your documents, administer the oath, collect fees, and forward your sealed application to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types of acceptance facilities include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In Brookville and surrounding areas, such facilities are typically found in central post offices, local government centers, and community libraries within a short drive. Nearby towns often host similar spots in their civic hubs, making it convenient to explore options within the region.

When visiting, come prepared with a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on your situation), a valid photo ID, passport photos meeting State Department specifications, and exact payment (usually a combination of check and cash or money order). Expect a short wait for staff review, which includes verifying your identity and ensuring all documents are correct. Appointments are often required or strongly recommended at many facilities to streamline the process—call ahead or check online for availability. Children under 16 must apply in person with both parents or guardians, adding extra verification steps.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities around Brookville tend to see higher traffic during peak travel seasons like summer vacation periods and major holidays, when demand surges. Mondays are often the busiest weekdays due to weekend backlogs, and mid-day hours (roughly 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) typically draw larger crowds as people schedule lunch breaks. To avoid long waits, aim for early morning or late afternoon visits on weekdays, and consider quieter periods like mid-week in off-seasons. Always verify current procedures via the official State Department website, as volumes can fluctuate. Planning at least 10-13 weeks ahead for standard processing helps mitigate stress from unexpected delays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Brookville?
No local same-day service. Urgent needs require Pittsburgh agency with proof of 14-day travel [13].

How long does a PA birth certificate take?
Standard 3-5 business days vital records; expedited 2 days extra fee. Order early [8].

What's the difference between passport book and card?
Book for worldwide air/sea/land; card for land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean. Book recommended for flexibility [10].

Do I need an appointment at Brookville Post Office?
Yes, call 814-849-2303. Walk-ins rare [2].

Can my passport be expedited if traveling in 3 weeks?
Yes, pay $60 for 2-3 weeks processing, but no travel proof needed. Still risky in peaks [1].

What if my child’s other parent is unavailable?
Notarized DS-3053 form or court order required [3].

How do I report a lost passport?
Submit DS-64 online/mail immediately, then apply for replacement [5].

Are passport photos available at acceptance facilities?
Brookville Post Office offers them; confirm fee/availability [2].

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