Passport Guide for Drexel Hill PA: Facilities Checklists Fees

Getting a Passport in Drexel Hill, PA: A Complete Guide

Drexel Hill residents in Delaware County frequently apply for passports due to international travel via nearby Philadelphia International Airport (PHL, ~15 miles southeast), Drexel University student exchanges, family vacations during spring/summer peaks or winter breaks, and business trips to Europe or Asia. Seasonal demand creates limited slots at local facilities—plan 4-6 weeks ahead. This guide provides tailored checklists, decision tools, timelines, and local tips to avoid pitfalls like early signing of DS-11, photo rejections (shadows/glare common in home setups), incomplete minor forms, or fee miscalculations. Always cross-check with official sites for updates.

Determine Your Passport Need: First-Time, Renewal, or Replacement

Choose the right path to avoid 2-4 week delays from resubmissions.

Drexel Hill locals often qualify for mail renewals, bypassing busy post offices.[1][2][3][4]

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Drexel Hill

No local passport agency exists—use acceptance facilities for routine DS-11 apps. Confirm real-time services, hours, and slots via official locator: iafdb.travel.state.gov.[6] Demand peaks near PHL (spring breaks, summer flights); book via phone 4-6 weeks early. Expect 15-30 min visits: staff verify docs, witness signature, collect fees, forward to processing center. Busiest: Mon-Wed 10AM-2PM; opt for early mornings, late afternoons, or Saturdays if available. Arrive prepared with unsigned DS-11, photocopies, photo, exact payments (two checks/cash for execution fee).[5]

Key Nearby Facilities (distances from central Drexel Hill; verify passport services as they vary):

| Facility | Address | Phone | Approx. Distance | Google Maps | Notes | |----------|---------

|-------|------------------|-------------|-------| | Upper Darby Main Post Office | 2000 Windsor Ave, Upper Darby, PA 19082 | (610) 352-0114 | 2 miles | Map | On-site photos ($15); appointments recommended[7] | | Havertown Post Office | 21 Brookline Blvd, Havertown, PA 19083 | (610) 789-0770 | ~3 miles | Map | Routine apps; call for slots[8] | | Lansdowne Post Office | 57 N Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne, PA 19050 | (610) 284-1142 | ~2 miles | Map | Walk-ins limited; confirm[9] | | Upper Darby Free Library (potential) | Check locator for current sites | Varies | ~2 miles | Locator | Libraries offer limited services—verify | | Philadelphia Passport Agency (urgent only) | 1600 Callowhill St, Philadelphia, PA 19130 | 1-877-487-2778 | ~10 miles | Map | <14 days travel + proof; no walk-ins[4] |

Request expedited ($60 extra) at submission for 2-3 weeks processing.[10]

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

For first-timers/minors/non-renewals. Total facility time: 45-90 min if prepared.

1. Complete DS-11: Fill online (pptform.state.gov), print single-sided, do not sign.[11]
2. Citizenship proof: Original + front/back photocopy (PA birth cert via health.pa.gov or Delaware County Register of Wills, 201 W Front St, Media, PA; ~7 miles).[12][13]
3. ID proof: Original + photocopy (PA driver's license/REAL ID compliant).[1][21]
4. 2x2 photo: Compliant specs (see below); USPS often provides.
5. Fees: Two payments (see table); check to "U.S. Department of State," execution to facility.[14]
6. Appointment: Call facility; arrive early.
7. At facility: Present docs, sign DS-11 on-site, parents for minors. Agent interviews for eligibility.
8. Track: After 7-10 days (passportstatus.state.gov); call 1-877-487-2778 after 15 days.[15]

Mail Renewal (DS-82) Checklist (eligible only):

1. Complete DS-82 online, include old passport, new photo, fees ($130 adult to State Dept; +$30 replacement).
2. Mail to National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 901

55, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (expedited: separate address).[2] 3. Track as above. PA mail-ins process efficiently via Philly NPC.

Common Mistakes: Wrong fees (calculate twice), no photocopies, expired ID, signing early—leads to full resubmit.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25% of Delaware County rejections stem from photos.[16] Strict specs:[17]

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1⅜ inches high.
• Color, <6 months old, white/cream background, neutral face, even light (no shadows/glare).
• No glasses/hats/uniforms (medical/religious exceptions with proof). Local USPS (e.g., Upper Darby) offers compliant service. Validate DIY: photoid.state.gov app.[18] Retakes delay 4+ weeks.

Special Cases: Minors and Name Changes

Minors <16: Both parents/guardians attend with IDs/child's birth cert; absent parent: notarized DS-3053 + ID copy. Prevents fraud—25% rejection rate locally for incompletes.[19]

Name changes: Attach marriage/divorce/court docs. Renewals: explain on DS-82.

Students: Drexel University intl office aids exchanges; check group options.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

From receipt (add 1-2 weeks mail): Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent <14 days/life-or-death: agency only (+$60 + $21.36 delivery).[10][4] PHL peaks (holidays/summer) add delays—apply 3 months early. No refunds.

Fees Breakdown

Exact payment; cash/check/card varies by facility.[14]

Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead for peak seasons near PHL/Drexel? 9-13 weeks routine; monitor travel.state.gov/processing-times.[10]

Same-day in Drexel Hill? No; Philly agency for urgent with appt/proof. 1-877-487-2778.[4]

3-week travel? Expedited at facility (2-3 weeks total).[4]

PA birth cert? health.pa.gov ($20+); Delaware County Register (Media, ~7 miles).[12][13]

Photo rejected? Shadows/size common; new photo + resubmit. Use validator.[17][18]

Renew expired by mail? Yes if <5 years expired/eligible; enclose old passport.[2]

Appointment at Upper Darby PO? Yes, call—walk-ins rare.[7]

Child's passport, one parent absent? DS-3053 notarized + ID.[19]

Final Tips for Success

Photocopy all docs. Business travelers: consider passport card ($30 less, land/sea).[20] REAL ID DL as ID.[21] Folder-organize for quick checks.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Apply for a New Adult Passport
[2] U.S. Department of State - Renew Adult Passport
[3] U.S. Department of State - Report Lost or Stolen Passport
[4] Philadelphia Passport Agency
[5] USPS - Passport Services
[6] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[7] USPS Location Finder - Upper Darby
[8] USPS Location Finder - Havertown
[9] USPS Location Finder - Lansdowne
[10] Passport Processing Times
[11] Passport Forms
[12] PA Department of Health - Birth Certificates
[13] Delaware County Register of Wills
[14] Passport Fees
[15] Check Application Status
[16] Passport Photo Errors
[17] Passport Photo Requirements
[18] Photo Validator Tool
[19] Children Under 16
[20] [U.S. Passport Card](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passpor

For Drexel Hill, PA residents (Delaware County), consider the U.S. Passport Card as a wallet-sized, affordable alternative ($30–$65 fee) to the passport book for land/sea travel only to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean nations—valid 10 years for adults, but not usable for air travel (details: Passport Card).

Pennsylvania REAL ID: Required starting May 7, 2025, for domestic flights, federal buildings, and military bases (use your PA driver's license/ID marked with a star). Apply in person at any PennDOT Driver License or Photo Center during walk-in hours (appointments recommended via PennDOT site). Bring originals:

• Identity: U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or unexpired passport.
• Social Security: Card, W-2, or paystub with full SSN.
• PA Residency (2 proofs): Utility bill, bank statement, lease, or property tax bill (dated within 90 days, showing your name/address).

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Bringing photocopies instead of originals (photos allowed only for backup).
• Using only one residency proof or expired/out-of-state documents.
• Expecting automatic REAL ID on renewal—must select/apply in person first time.
• Overlooking name changes (bring marriage/divorce/court order).

Decision guidance:

Plan ahead: Processing takes 4–6 weeks (expedite available). Check PennDOT for closures/hours.

[21] DHS - REAL ID