Getting a Passport in Marietta, PA: Facilities, Forms & Steps

Getting a Passport in Marietta, PA

Marietta, a riverside borough in Lancaster County's agricultural and manufacturing heartland, draws residents to international travel for business in logistics or tourism to Europe, the Caribbean, and Canada. Spring/summer family trips and winter ski holidays create seasonal rushes, amplified by proximity to Philadelphia International Airport (1.5-hour drive) and student exchanges at Millersville University or Franklin & Marshall College. Urgent needs, like last-minute emergencies, strain local slots amid Pennsylvania's high-volume peaks [1]. This guide streamlines the process with Lancaster-specific tips, drawing from U.S. Department of State resources. Processing times fluctuate—check travel.state.gov and plan 4-6 weeks ahead [2].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Mischoosing forms causes 20-30% of rejections. Use this decision tree:

Lancaster locals often err on child-issued or aged passports—treat as DS-11. Students: Mid-semester renewals rarely qualify for mail [3][4][5][6][7]. Verify at travel.state.gov/passport-forms.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

Marietta has no passport agency (nearest: Philadelphia); rely on county acceptance facilities for DS-11 [8].

1. Gather Required Documents

Originals + single-sided 8.5x11 photocopies. PA birth certificates via health.pa.gov or VitalChek (2-4 weeks; rush $20+) [10]. Pitfall: Hospital "footprint" certificates invalid—get certified copies.

2. Get Passport Photos

2x2 inches, color, white/cream background, <6 months old, 1-1⅜ inch head size, neutral expression, no glasses/selfies (25% rejection rate from glare/shadows). Use CVS/Walgreens in Columbia/Mount Joy or USPS—call ahead [11]. Tool: travel.state.gov photo validator.

3. Complete the Form

Download from pptform.state.gov (.gov only). DS-11: Handwritten black ink, unsigned until agent instructs (practice draft; no erasures/cross-outs). DS-82: Fillable PDF, print single-sided, sign post-print. Pitfall: Double-sided or unofficial sources rejected.

4. Find an Acceptance Facility

Search iafdb.travel.state.gov (ZIP 17547). Options:

• Marietta Post Office, 20 W Market St: (717) 426-1931; verify services/appointments at tools.usps.com/find-location.htm [12].
• Columbia Post Office, 101 N 5th St.
• Lancaster Post Office, 440 N Queen St.
• Lancaster County Clerk of Courts, 50 N Duke St.

Book online where available (USPS Global+ system); walk-ins limited. Expect 20-45 minutes: ID check, oath, signature witness. Weekday peaks 9am-3pm; arrive early [8].

5. Submit Application

DS-11 In-Person: Bring all to facility ($35 execution fee). Agent processes; you get receipt. From Marietta, factor 20-40 minute drives to Lancaster amid farm traffic. DS-82 Mail: To National Passport Center via tracked Priority Mail ($9+). No travel needed—ideal for rural applicants [13][14].

6. Pay Fees

Separate payments: Application to "U.S. Department of State" (check/money order); execution to facility. Use travel.state.gov fee calculator for current rates (book/card options; child discounts).

First-time adult book: ~$200+. No cash at most; confirm policy.

7. Track and Receive

Check passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days. Standard: 6-8 weeks; expedite: 2-3 weeks (peaks longer). Return via prepaid envelope [16].

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine 6-8 weeks (March-June/December surges in Lancaster delay 1-2 weeks) [2]. Expedite ($60) for all; urgent (<14 days, itinerary/proof) at Philadelphia agency (215-597-0127) [17]. Pitfall: Facilities can't override times—avoid last-minute reliance.

Special Considerations for Minors and Students

Minors: Both parents or DS-3053 (notarized); 50% delays from missing consent. PA custody docs essential. Students: Program letters speed verification; child-issued passports ineligible for DS-82 [6].

Comprehensive Document Checklist

Printable master list for Marietta applicants. Tailor by type (DS-11/DS-82); folder-organize. Verify at travel.state.gov.

• Proof of citizenship (original + photocopy): Certified PA birth cert (health.pa.gov), naturalization cert, or prior passport. Pitfall: No hospital copies.
• Photo ID (original + photocopy): PA DL/REAL ID/military. Name mismatch? Marriage cert.
• 2x2 photos (2 for in-person; 1 for mail): Compliant specs. Local: Columbia CVS/USPS; check tool.
• Form: DS-11 unsigned (hand-black ink); DS-82 signed (fillable PDF). Download fresh .gov.
• Fees: Separate check/MO exact amounts (calculator); execution $35 cash/check OK.
• SSN on form (all applicants).
• Child extras: DS-3053 if absent parent; both present/sign.
• Old passport (if renewing/replacing).
• Mail-only (DS-82): Tracked Priority envelope/prepaid return.

Local tip: Rush PA birth cert via VitalChek for peaks.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Marietta

Lancaster County facilities (USPS/clerk) process DS-11; no on-site passports. Use iafdb.travel.state.gov for 20-mile radius, hours, and Global+ appointments (tools.usps.com). Prep: Unsigned DS-11, photocopies, photos, fees. Expect oath, 20-45 min. Lancaster traffic peaks mornings; park early.

Busy Times: Mondays/mid-days overflow in summer/holidays. Opt early/late weekdays; call confirm (e.g., Marietta 717-426-1931).

Urgent: Philadelphia agency for <14-day travel [17].

Frequently Asked Questions

Renewal at Marietta PO? No—mail DS-82 [4].
Child quick? Expedite + both parents [6].
Lost PA birth cert? VitalChek/health.pa.gov [10].
Local photos? Columbia CVS/USPS [11].
Expedite vs. urgent? Expedite 2-3w ($60); urgent agency-only [15][17].
Expired passport travel? No; renew 9 months early [1].
Appointments? Required peaks; USPS online [8].
Stolen timeline? DS-11/report first [5].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Processing Times
[3] DS-11
[4] DS-82
[5] Lost/Stolen
[6] Under 16
[7] Corrections
[8] Facility Search
[9] Adults Apply
[10] PA Vital Records
[11] Photos
[12] USPS
[13] Fees
[14] Renew Mail
[15] Fast
[16] Status
[17] Agencies