Elizabethtown PA Passport Guide: Forms, Facilities, Steps

Guide to Getting a Passport in Elizabethtown, PA

In the vibrant Lancaster County community of Elizabethtown, locals and visitors alike prepare for global adventures—from flights out of nearby Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) to Europe, family trips through Amish country, or Elizabethtown College study-abroad programs. Peak seasons like spring breaks, summer holidays, fall semesters, and December travel spikes overwhelm local services, so apply 6-9 months ahead for routine processing (6-8 weeks standard, plus mailing). This guide, aligned with U.S. Department of State guidelines, highlights avoidable errors like invalid photos, uncertified birth certificates, and form mismatches to save time and fees [1].

Quick Start Checklist:

• Urgent need (2-3 weeks)? Choose expedited service (+$60) or life-or-death emergency at a passport agency (+$219).
• First-time, child, or ineligible renewal? Use DS-11 in person at a facility.
• Routine renewal? Mail DS-82 if your passport meets criteria (see below).
• Pro tip: Appointments vanish fast—book via the official locator tool immediately; no reliable walk-ins during peaks.

Choosing the Right Passport Form

Selecting DS-11 or DS-82 prevents 20-30% of rejections and extra trips. Use the State Department's interactive Form Finder at travel.state.gov for a personalized recommendation.

ons** | Name/gender/data errors post-issue. | Minor name changes with docs. | Use DS-5504 for no-fee fixes if <1 year old [2]. |

Pennsylvania birth certificates from the Department of Health are ideal primary proof—request certified copies online (digital delivery possible) or mail (2-4 weeks processing) [3]. Validate your full document set with travel.state.gov's evidence tool. Photos: Exactly 2x2 inches, white/off-white background, taken within 6 months—CVS or Walgreens in Elizabethtown handle them reliably, but double-check specs to avoid returns.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Elizabethtown

Elizabethtown-area post offices process DS-11 new applications and child passports (routine service, 6-8 weeks). Expect 20-45 minute appointments: Staff verify identity, witness signatures, answer travel questions, take photos if offered, and seal your package for forwarding. No renewals (mail DS-82 separately). Book via the State Department's facility search tool with ZIP 17022 [5]; call ahead for slots.

• Elizabethtown Post Office: 145 S Market St, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. On-site photos; call (717) 367-5537 or schedule at usps.com. Typical hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM-4 PM [4].
• Nearby Lancaster County Options (10-20 minute drives):
  • Manheim Post Office: 24 S Granville St, Manheim, PA 17545.
  • Lancaster Post Office: 440 N Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602—larger capacity, book early [4].
  • Elizabethtown Area Library: Check elizabethtownlibrary.org for limited passport events.

If local spots are booked, expand to Harrisburg. For expedited (+$60 at submission), provide proof; ultra-urgent cases (<14 days) route to the Philadelphia Passport Agency (about 2 hours away) after local expedite—call 215-597-0124 with itinerary [6].

Step-by-Step Application Process

Organize everything in a folder before arriving—reduces stress and errors.

1. Complete Form: Download DS-11 (new/child) or DS-82 (renewal) from travel.state.gov. Do not sign DS-11 until instructed [1].
2. Gather Citizenship Evidence: Original PA birth certificate (certified seal required), naturalization certificate, or prior passport + photocopies (front/back on one page) [1][3].
3. Prove Identity: Valid driver's license, passport card, or military ID (name must match); include color photocopy [1].
4. Passport Photo: One 2x2-inch color print meeting specs (details below) [7].
5. For Minors: Both parents' presence/IDs or DS-3053 notar

ized consent (<90 days old), plus custody/divorce/death certificates [1]. 6. Prepare Fees: Two separate payments (see table); track money order numbers [1]. 7. Schedule Appointment: Via usps.com or phone [4]. 8. Attend Session: Present all items; staff reviews for completeness, collects fees, and issues receipt/sealed envelope. Do not mail it yourself. 9. Monitor Progress: Enter application locator number at passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days [8].

Renewals: Follow DS-82 instructions precisely—mail old passport, photo, and fees via tracked USPS.

Passport Photo Requirements & Local Options

Photos cause one in four rejections [7]. Facilities reject on-site if flawed, wasting your trip.

• Dimensions: 2x2 inches square; head measures 1-1⅜ inches from chin to top.
• Background: Plain white or off-white—no patterns, shadows, or objects.
• Pose & Expression: Head straight, eyes open/mouth closed, neutral expression.
• Quality: Even lighting (no glare/dark spots), recent (<6 months), color print.
• Attire & Accessories: Everyday clothes (avoid white uniforms), no glasses unless medically required (submit doctor's note), hats ok for religious/medical reasons with face visible [7].

Elizabethtown staples: Post office ($15+), CVS/Walgreens (quick service), or AAA. Request a digital proof before printing.

Fees Breakdown

Always confirm current rates [1]:

Pay State fee by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; execution fee cash/check/credit. No refunds for mistakes.

Processing Timelines & Urgency Options

eks + mail | 4+ weeks out | +$60 at facility. | | Urgent | 1-3 days (agency only) | <14 days away | Philadelphia appt required [6]. |

Track online after week 1 [8]. Renewals process faster by mail. Plan 3 extra months for local high-demand periods.

Pennsylvania-Specific Tips

• Vital Records: Order PA birth certificates via health.pa.gov (717-217-5545); expedited shipping available [3].
• Minors: Notarizations must be recent; include all custody papers.
• Local Travelers: Coordinate with Elizabethtown College's global education office for student deadlines.
• Frequent Travelers: Prior passports speed reviews.

FAQs

How far in advance should I apply in Elizabethtown?
Aim for 3-6 months—routine totals 10-13 weeks with mailing, plus scarce appointments in peak seasons [6].

Can I renew at the Elizabethtown Post Office?
No—DS-82 renewals go by mail; post office handles DS-11 new apps only [1][4].

What if travel is within 14 days?
Submit expedited locally, then book Philadelphia Agency with proof of travel—no walk-ins [6].

Why do photos get rejected, and where for fixes?
Common: sizing, shadows, smiles. Retake at Elizabethtown USPS/CVS [4][7].

Do both parents need to be present for a child's passport?
Yes, with IDs—or submit notarized DS-3053 from the absent parent, plus any custody docs. This trips up most families [1].

How to replace a lost passport while abroad?
File DS-64 online; contact U.S. embassy. Stateside: Police report + DS-11/DS-82 [1].

Any PA resident discounts?
No—fees standard; military may skip execution fee at some sites [1].

Key Success Strategies

Triple-check docs against checklists. Use Lancaster-area backups during Elizabethtown crunches. Track diligently. For U.S. citizens only—others consult USCIS.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply for a Passport
[2] U.S. Department of State - Forms & Corrections
[3] Pennsylvania Department of Health - Vital Records
[4] USPS - Passport Services
[5] U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[6] [U.S. Department of State - Process

[6] U.S. Department of State - Processing Times & Expedited Service
Practical guidance for Elizabethtown applicants: Routine service typically takes 6-8 weeks (non-refundable fee); expedited adds 2-3 weeks for an extra fee. Choose expedited if travel is within 6 weeks or urgent—common mistake is assuming local post offices offer same-day processing (they don't for first-time passports). Always verify current times before submitting, as holidays or backlogs affect Lancaster County turnaround.

[7] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
Practical clarity and common pitfalls: Photos must be 2x2 inches, color, on white/cream background, taken within 6 months—no selfies, glasses (unless medically required), hats, or uniforms. Elizabethtown locals often err by using pharmacy prints that don't meet specs (get them rejected). Decision tip: Use local facilities advertising "passport photos" or follow DIY guidelines precisely; reprints delay your application by weeks.

[8] U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status
Helpful tips: Track online 7-10 days after mailing using your last name, date of birth, and last 4 SSN digits. Common mistake: checking too early or entering wrong info. For Elizabethtown filers via routine mail-in, status updates lag; if no movement after estimated time, contact the National Passport Information Center (wait times peak midday).