Complete Guide to Getting a Passport in Lower Burrell, PA

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Lower Burrell, PA
Complete Guide to Getting a Passport in Lower Burrell, PA

Table of Contents

Getting a Passport in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania

Lower Burrell residents in Westmoreland County often need passports for trips via nearby Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT, ~25-minute drive), peak-season vacations (spring/summer, winter holidays), student programs at Pitt or CMU, or Europe/Asia business travel. Demand spikes June-August, stretching standard processing to 10-12 weeks and local appointments 4-6 weeks out. This guide cuts through with a decision tree, checklists, timelines, and pitfalls like photo rejections (2x2" color, white background, no glare/smiles/glasses), DS-11 errors (missing citizenship proof), or renewal ineligibility (damaged passports or name changes).

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Use this decision tree to avoid restarts/delays:

Question Yes → Action No → Next
First-time, lost/stolen/damaged, child <16, or name change without docs? DS-11: New in-person at facility like Lower Burrell Post Office. Go to renewal.
Eligible renewal (issued <15 years ago, undamaged, age 16+ at issue, same name)? DS-82: Mail renewal. Pitfall: Skip if over 15 years—use DS-11. Use DS-11.
Need faster than 6-8 weeks? Add expedite (+$60, 2-3 weeks) or urgent (call 1-877-487-2778 for <14 days). Standard processing.
U.S. citizen born abroad/military? DS-2029 + DS-11. Standard.

Fees: $130 adult book/$100 child + $35 execution. Use State Dept. wizard: pptform.state.gov.

Passport Application Types

New Applications & Replacements (DS-11, In-Person)

For first-timers, minors, lost/stolen/damaged (>15 years old), or ineligible renewals. Expect 15-30 min at facility: agent verifies docs, oaths signature.

Checklist Table

Item Details Common Mistake
DS-11 Unsigned until agent present. Download: travel.state.gov. Signing early; incomplete fields.
Citizenship Proof Original birth cert (PA long-form via health.pa.gov or Westmoreland County) + photocopy. Short-form only; no copy.
ID Proof Driver's license + photocopy. Expired ID.
Photo 1x 2x2" compliant. Wrong specs (30% rejections).
Payment App fee to "U.S. Dept. of State"; execution to facility. Wrong payee.
Extras DS-64 for lost/stolen (file online first); name change docs. Forgetting report.

Replacements Tip: Cut corners on damaged passport; mail-ins invalid without it.

Renewals (DS-82, By Mail)

Eligible only if: age 16+ at issue, <15 years old, undamaged, in possession, U.S. resident, minor name change ok.

Checklist Table

Item Details Common Mistake
DS-82 Signed, latest version. Email for updates. Outdated form; no email.
Old Passport Include (sent back later). Forgetting it.
Photo 1x 2x2" compliant. Selfie/home print.
Payment Check to "U.S. Dept. of State". Cash/card.

Mail tracked Priority to Philly NPC (address on form). Pitfall: Ineligible? Expect return + delays.

Minors Under 16 (DS-11, In-Person)

Both parents/guardians or DS-3053 notarized consent + relationship proof (birth cert). Local issue: Order Westmoreland/Allegheny records early (2-3 weeks).

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25-30% rejections from photos. Specs:

  • 2x2" (51x51mm), color, white/cream background.
  • Head 1-1⅜", neutral face, eyes open, <6 months old.
  • No glasses/hats/uniforms/shadows/glare.

Local: CVS/Walgreens/USPS Lower Burrell (~$15). Samples. Tip: Outdoor natural light beats indoor glare common in PA.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Lower Burrell

Limited spots—book ASAP via USPS Passport Scheduler or phone. High Westmoreland demand: spring/summer slots gone weeks early. Confirm via official locator.

  • Lower Burrell Post Office: 1520 5th Ave, Lower Burrell, PA 15068. Call (724) 335-5113. Book appointment.
  • Nearby (10 miles): New Kensington Post Office, Arnold City Hall. Use locator for slots.

Custom Map with Pins

Expect: 15-min review/oath. Busy: Early AM or late PM; avoid Mondays.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Fill Form: Black ink, pptform.state.gov.
  2. Book Slot: Phone/online, arrive 15 min early.
  3. At Facility: Submit docs/photo; pay execution ($35 USPS); agent seals.
  4. Track: passportstatus.state.gov.
  5. Receive: 6-8 weeks routine; pick up or mail-back.
Facility Execution Fee
USPS $35
Clerk $30-35

Fees and Payment

Service Application Fee Execution Expedite (+$60) Urgent (+$22+)
Adult Book $130 $35 Yes <14 days
Adult Card $30 $35 Yes
Minor Book $100 $35 Yes
Minor Card $15 $35 No No

Check/money order only. Cards: land/sea only.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

  • Routine: 6-8 weeks (10-12 PIT peaks).
  • Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).
  • Urgent: <14 days/life-death (1-877-487-2778; Pittsburgh agency ~30 min drive).

Track weekly; no same-day locally.

Common Challenges and Local Tips

  • Appointments: Check daily for cancels; 4-6 weeks lead.
  • Docs: PA short-form certs fail—get certified ($20+).
  • Photos: Pro service only.
  • Renewal Errors: Verify eligibility or redo DS-11.
  • Local: PIT proximity rushes apps; order county vitals early. Off-peak: fall.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Lower Burrell? No; Pittsburgh urgent only.

Expedited vs. Urgent? Expedited anytime (2-3w); urgent proven travel <14d.

Appointment at PO? Yes; schedule.

12-year-old passport renewal? Yes, DS-82 if eligible.

Lost child birth cert? PA DOH/county (2-3w); hospital temp.

Track app? passportstatus.state.gov.

Passport card for flights? No; book for air.

Stolen passport? DS-64 first, then replace.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[2] USPS Passports
[3] Facility Locator
[4] PA Birth Certs
[5] Photo Requirements
[6] Get Fast

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