How to Get a Passport in Darby PA: Forms, Locations, Steps

How to Get a Passport in Darby, PA

Darby, PA residents in Delaware County enjoy easy access to Philadelphia International Airport and I-95, ideal for frequent international trips like winter escapes to the Caribbean, summer Europe vacations, or business travel from Philly ports. Pennsylvania sees travel peaks in spring/summer and holidays, straining local facilities—plan ahead to dodge long waits or rejections from photo errors or incomplete forms [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Quickly assess your needs using the State Department's wizard to pick DS-11 (in-person) or DS-82 (mail). Common Darby mistakes: using DS-11 for eligible renewals, delaying minor apps amid student exchange rushes near Villanova/UPenn.

• First-Time, Child, or Expired >15 Years: DS-11, in person only.
• Renewal: DS-82 by mail if passport issued at 16+, <15 years old, undamaged, and mailed to you.
• Lost/Stolen: DS-64 report first; DS-82 (mail) if <1 year expired, else DS-11.
• Corrections/Name Changes: DS-5504 (mail) for minor; DS-11/DS-82 otherwise.

Minors under 16: DS-11 with both parents. Confirm at Passport Wizard [2].

Required Documents Checklist

Assemble docs early—Delaware County sees frequent rejections from missing photocopies or uncertified birth certificates.

All Applicants:

• U.S. citizenship proof (original/certified birth certificate, naturalization cert, old passport) + photocopy.
• Valid photo ID (PA driver's license) + photocopy.
• 2x2 passport photo.
• Completed (unsigned for DS-11) form + fees: $35 adult/$30 child execution (to facility); $130 adult/$100 child book (to State Dept.). Expedite +$60 [3].

Renewals: Old passport. Minors: Both parents' IDs/presence or DS-3053 consent; relationship proof.

PA birth certificates: Order certified from PA Vital Records or VitalChek (expedited). Local Delaware County Orphans' Court options if born there, but state-issued prefe

rred [4][5].

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25-30% of apps fail on photos—PA humidity causes glare issues. Specs: 2x2 inches, head 1-1⅜ inches, white/cream background, <6 months old, no glasses/selfies/uniforms (religious/medical exceptions need note) [6].

Get at Darby-area USPS, CVS, Walgreens ($15-20). Tips: Neutral face, even front lighting, matte print.

See samples: Photo Requirements [6].

Where to Apply Near Darby, PA

No passport agency in Darby (Philly's at 1600 Callowhill St, 20 miles—urgent <14-day travel only, with proof) [7]. Routine apps at acceptance facilities: post offices verify docs, witness oath/signature, seal, and forward. Expect 15-30 min visits; bring organized docs in folder.

Key Local Facilities (book via USPS Locator; 4-6 week lead times near Philly peaks) [8]:

• Darby Post Office: 1111 Main St, Darby, PA 19023 (~0 miles).
• Sharon Hill Post Office: 1053 Sunflower Ln, Sharon Hill, PA 19079 (~1 mile).
• Folcroft Post Office: 720 Primos Ave, Folcroft, PA 19032 (~2 miles).
• Delaware County Government Center: 201 W Front St, Media, PA 19063 (~10 miles) [9].

Mail renewals to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.

Busy Times & Tips: Peaks spring/summer/holidays; Mondays/midday busiest. Go early mornings/Wednesdays; confirm via USPS. Upper Darby libraries may host events—check State Dept Locator [10].

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

1. Wizard check + gather docs/photos [2].
2. Download/fill DS-11 (no signature) [11].
3. Book slot at local USPS [8].
4. Fees ready: Two payments (facility cash/check; State Dept check/MO).
5. Arrive: Agent verifies, oath, sign, seal—get receipt.
6. Track online [12].

Timeline: 6-8 weeks routine; 2-3 weeks expedited (+$60); +$21.36 return delivery. Peaks delay [13].

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

1. Eligibil

ity check [1]. 2. Fill/sign DS-82 [14]. 3. Add old passport, photo, fees (single check), photocopies. 4. Mail Priority envelope to Philly NPC [1]. 5. Track after 7-10 days [12].

Same timelines; add court docs for changes.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks from receipt (longer peaks). Track: passportstatus.state.gov [12].

• Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks.
• Urgent Travel (<14 days): Agency only + itinerary.
• 1-2 Day Return: +$21.36.

PA spikes (Europe summer, Caribbean winter): Apply 3+ months early [13].

Common Challenges and Pennsylvania-Specific Tips

• Demand: Darby post offices fill fast—try Sharon Hill early; Yeadon backups.
• Form Mix-Ups: Renew by mail if eligible; DS-11 for kids/exchanges.
• Photos: CVS/Walmart fix glare; no home prints.
• Minors: Notarize consents ahead for school trips.
• Vitals: PA processing 3-5 days; VitalChek for rush [4].
• Lost Abroad: Embassy DS-64/DS-11 on return.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How far ahead for Darby passport? 3 months for peaks/facility waits [13].
Renew at Darby Post Office? No, mail DS-82 if eligible [1].
Urgent child school trip? Expedite DS-11; agency for <14 days + both parents [1][7].
Photo rejection? Retake with specs; shadows/glare common [6].
PA birth certificate? Certified from state vital records [4].
Passport fairs? Check Delaware libraries/state.gov [10].
Track status? Receipt # after 7-10 days [12].
Lost abroad? Embassy contact; replace post-return [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Passport Wizard
[3] Passport Fees
[4] PA Department of Health - Vital Records
[5] Delaware County Records
[6] Passport Photo Requirements
[7] Passport Agencies
[8] USPS Passport Locations
[9] Delaware County Government
[10] [Passport Acceptance Facility Search](https://iafdb.travel.s

[10] Use the USPS Locator to find nearby passport acceptance facilities serving Darby, PA—enter your ZIP code (e.g., 19023) for options open to the public; book appointments early as slots fill quickly. Common mistake: Assuming all post offices accept passports—verify "passport acceptance" status.

[11] Form DS-11 – Required for first-time applicants, children under 16, or if your previous passport is unavailable, damaged, expired over 5 years ago, or issued before age 16. Decision guide: Use this for new passports; fill out fresh each time (no pre-filled copies). Bring to in-person appointment.

[12] Passport Status Tracker – Track application after submission using your tracking number. Tip: Wait 5-7 days post-mailing before checking; status updates lag. Common mistake: Entering info too soon or using wrong tracking number from receipt.

[13] Processing Times – Check routine (6-8 weeks) vs. expedited (2-3 weeks) times, updated weekly. For Darby-area applicants: Routine via local facilities; expedited needs proof of travel and agency appointment if under 2 weeks. Guidance: Add 2 weeks for mailing; plan 10+ weeks ahead to avoid rush fees ($60+).

[14] Form DS-82 – For adult renewals only if passport was issued age 16+, within last 15 years, undamaged, and same name/gender. Mail-in option (no appointment needed). Common mistake: Mailing DS-82 if ineligible—for those cases, use DS-11 in person. Decision guide: Renew by mail if qualifying to save time; otherwise, DS-11 at a facility.