Getting a Passport in Exton PA: Local Facilities & Forms Guide

Q: Same-day in Exton?

No; Philly urgent only (<14 days proof) [10].

By GovComplete Team • Published on: January 26, 2026

Location: Exton, PA

Getting a Passport in Exton, PA

Exton, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, has high passport demand from business travelers to Europe and Asia, family trips to the Caribbean in spring/summer, Canadian ski escapes, and study abroad for West Chester University students. Pennsylvania peaks—spring break (March-April), summer (June-August), and holidays (December-January)—fill appointments weeks ahead [1]. Plan early to avoid delays.

This guide uses U.S. Department of State rules, tailored for Exton with local facilities, checklists, and pitfalls like photo glare rejections, wrong forms, or missing minor consents. Verify on official sites for updates.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Pick wrong? Wasted fees and trips. Exton locals often misjudge renewals.

Situation	Form	Method	Key Rules
First-Time	DS-11	In person at acceptance facility	Never had passport; no mail. Minors always here [2].
Renewal	DS-82	Mail	Issued at 16+, undamaged, <15 years old. Otherwise, DS-11 [2].
Lost/Stolen/Damaged	DS-64 (report) + DS-82 or DS-11	Mail if <1yr expired; else in person [3]	Report first; expedite for urgent.
Name/Correction	DS-5504	Mail	Minor change <1yr from issue; else new app [2].

Use State Dept wizard [4]. Common mistake: Expired >15yrs or damaged = DS-11, not renewal.

Gather Required Documents

30% delays from incompletes [1]. Photocopy citizenship/ID on 8.5x11 paper.

Adults (16+)

Citizenship proof: Original birth cert (PA via vital records), naturalization cert, old passport.
Photo ID: PA driver's license, etc.
Form: DS-11 or DS-82.
2x2 photo (<6mo old) [6].
Fees: $130 app + $35 execution (DS-11). Expedite +$60; 1-2 day return +$19.53 [7].

Minors (<16)

Parents/guardians appear or notarized DS-3053. Birth cert proves relation. $100 app + $35 execution [5].

PA birth certs: PA Dept of Health ($20/copy, 3-5 days) [8].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

20-25% fail from glare, shadows, size (head 1-1⅜"), or headwear [6]. Exton CVS/Walgreens (e.g., 303 N Pottstown Pike) do specs for $15 [9]. No selfies. Glasses OK if eyes visible, no glare. Samples: [6].

Where to Apply in the Exton Area

No local agencies (emergencies only) [10]. DS-11 at acceptance facilities; book online—Chester County slots fill fast. Expect 15-30min: Agent verifies docs, oath, seals app. Bring completed (unsigned) form, originals, photo, fees (check/money order to State Dept for app; facility for execution). No on-site photos/expedites.

Facility	Address	Phone	Hours	Notes
Exton Post Office	20 E Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA 19341	(610) 363-8240	M-F 9am-4pm (appt only)	Book USPS.com [11].
Chester County Clerk of Courts (West Chester, ~10min)	201 W Market St, West Chester, PA 19382	(610) 344-6135	M-F 8:30am-4:30pm	County site [12].
Uwchlan Township Building (~5min)	256 Towncenter Blvd, Exton, PA 19341	(610) 363-9524	By appt	Limited [13].
Malvern Post Office (~10min)	1 W King St, Malvern, PA 19355	(610) 644-2257	M-F 10am-3pm	If Exton full [11].

Peak tips: Book 4-6wks ahead; early AM/late PM best; Mondays/midday busiest. Walk-ins rare. Renewals mail to: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [2].

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

Eligibility check [4].
Fill DS-11 (unsigned) [14].
Photo [6].
Fees ready [7].
Book appt [11].
Arrive with all; parents/DS-3053 for minors.
Sign on-site.
Track after 7-10 days [15].

Renewals (DS-82): Eligibility > form + old passport + photo + fee > certified mail.

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6-8wks (no mail time) [1]. Expedite (+$60): 2-3wks. Urgent (<14 days travel): Philly agency appt (2hr drive), 1-877-487-2778, proof needed [10]. Peaks add 2-4wks; students apply 3mo early.

Special Considerations for Minors and Students

Minors: Both parents or DS-3053; 50% PA apps [1]. Child passport valid 5yrs [5]. Students: School letter for urgency.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Appts full: USPS search all PA spots; cancellation alerts [11].
Expedite/urgent mixup: Expedite routine; urgent agencies only [1].
Photos/docs: Pharmacies; triple-check minors [6][8].
Renewal errors: Wizard first [4].
Delays: Off-peak; mail if eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Exton? No; Philly urgent only (<14 days proof) [10].
Routine vs expedite? 6-8wks vs 2-3 (+$60) [1].
Exton Post Office appt? Yes [11].
16yr expired? DS-11 [2].
Lost abroad? Embassy; new on return [16].
PA non-driver ID? Yes, secondary [2].
One parent absent? DS-3053 notarized [5].
Child validity? 5yrs [5].
PA birth cert? Health Dept [8].

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