How to Get a Passport in Duryea, PA: Facilities, Forms & Tips

By GovComplete Team Published on:

Location: Duryea, PA
How to Get a Passport in Duryea, PA: Facilities, Forms & Tips

Getting a Passport in Duryea, PA

Duryea residents in Luzerne County often need passports for trips through Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP), family vacations to Europe or the Caribbean, business travel, or study abroad. Demand peaks in spring break (March-May), summer (June-August), and holidays (November-December), with appointments booking 4-6 weeks out. For last-minute needs like emergencies, expedite but plan 7-9 weeks ahead for routine (4-6 weeks) or 5-7 weeks for expedited (2-3 weeks). Avoid pitfalls: Book multiple nearby facilities early via travel.state.gov; use 2x2-inch color photos (white background, <6 months old, no uniforms/hats/glasses/smiles/shadows); match names exactly on forms and docs.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Wrong form or method means restarting. Use this decision tree:

Situation Form Method Key Tips & Mistakes
First-time, lost/stolen, damaged, or major name change DS-11 In person at acceptance facility Must appear with ID/citizenship proof (e.g., certified birth certificate). Mistake: Mailing it.
Renewing undamaged passport (issued age 16+, <15 years old, in possession) DS-82 Mail Faster/cheaper. Mistake: In-person if eligible. Add pages? Use DS-5504.
Child <16 DS-11 In person Both parents/guardians or notarized DS-3053. Tip: Book early; longer due to consent.
Urgent travel (<14 days) or life/death emergency (<28 days) DS-11 + expedite Acceptance facility, then agency appt (1-877-487-2778) Prove itinerary. Pitfall: Agencies not for routine/vacations.

Verify at travel.state.gov quiz. Print single-sided. Unsure? Call 1-877-487-2778. Expect 15-30 min at facilities: Agent verifies docs, oaths form, collects fees, mails to processing center.

Replacements for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

  1. Report via DS-64 online (travel.state.gov) immediately—free, limits liability, provides travel proof.
  2. Then apply: DS-82 by mail if eligible (valid/expired <15 yrs, undamaged, age 16+); else DS-11 in person.
    • Mistake: Skip DS-64 (airlines need it); mail damaged passport with DS-82.
  3. Fees: $60 replacement + application/execution. Track all confirmations.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Duryea

Duryea's main option: Duryea Post Office (225 Main St, Duryea, PA 18642; 570-457-3411)—DS-11 by appointment; call for slots, as peaks fill fast.

Nearby in Luzerne County (within 10-15 miles, more openings often):

  • Avoca Post Office (500 School St, Avoca, PA 18641; 570-457-4900)
  • Pittston Post Office (35 S Main St, Pittston, PA 18640; 570-655-2475)
  • Wilkes-Barre Main Post Office (101 W Northampton St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702; 570-825-1361)—higher volume.

Search real-time at iafdb.travel.state.gov. Libraries (e.g., Nancy Secor Memorial in Duryea) may assist; confirm directly. Walk-ins possible but call ahead. Busy times: Mondays/mid-days in peaks—go early mornings, Tue-Thu. What to expect: 15-30 min; agent seals app, gives tracking #.

Required Documents and Fees

Docs (bring originals + photocopies):

  • Citizenship: Certified birth cert (PA via health.pa.gov, 3-5 days), naturalization cert, or prior passport.
  • ID: Driver's license/military ID (names match).
  • Photo: One 2x2" color (specs below).
  • Forms: Unsigned DS-11 (in-person); signed DS-82 (mail).

Fees (current):

Item Cost Pay To
Adult book (new/renew) $130 State Dept (check)
Child book (<16) $100 State Dept (check)
Execution (facility fee) $35 Postmaster (check/money order)
Expedite +$60 State Dept
1-2 day delivery +$21.36 USPS
Replacement search $60 State Dept

No cards at facilities. PA birth certs need seals; short forms rejected.

Photos: 25-30% rejections here. Head 1-1⅜", neutral face, <6 months, white background, no glasses/hats/shadows. Local: Duryea USPS/Walgreens-CVS Pittston (~$15). Avoid home/selfies.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Prep (All):

  • Choose form/service via table above.
  • Get photo/docs.
  • Prepare dual checks/fees.
  • Download forms (travel.state.gov).

DS-82 Mail Renewal:

  • Confirm eligibility.
  • Include old passport/photo/fees.
  • Mail to Philly center (form instructions).

DS-11 In-Person:

  • Book appt (call/locator).
  • Arrive early w/ all (minors: parents/DS-3053).
  • Sign/execute/pay.
  • Get tracking #.

Post-App:

  • Track weekly (passportstatus.state.gov).
  • Peaks: Add 2 weeks buffer.

Processing Times and Expediting

  • Routine: 4-6 weeks (peaks: March-June/Dec-Jan slower).
  • Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks.
  • Urgent (<14 days): Agency appt only (e.g., Philadelphia, 1-877-487-2778 w/ itinerary). No vacation guarantees.

Track online. Duryea-area peaks overwhelm—apply early.

Local Tips for Luzerne County

  • Peaks tie to AVP: Spring/summer flights spike; book 4-6 weeks out.
  • Minors: Notarize DS-3053 at Pittston banks/UPS (<90 days).
  • Common Fixes: PA cert seals missing? Reorder. Name mismatch? Amend first.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Duryea? No. Routine 4-6 weeks; agencies for emergencies only.

Mail renewal address? Philly center (DS-82 instructions).

Duryea Post Office appt? Yes, call; walk-ins rare in peaks.

Child fees? $100 + $35.

Old PA birth cert? Get certified copy (health.pa.gov).

Track app? passportstatus.state.gov w/ locator #.

2010 expired renewable? Yes, if undamaged/<15 yrs.

Photo rejection? New compliant ones; reapply.

Sources

[1] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[2] Forms
[3] USPS Passports
[4] Processing Times
[5] Citizenship Evidence
[6] PA Birth Certificates
[7] Fees
[8] Photos
[9] Agencies

AK

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