McKeesport PA Passport Guide: Forms, Photos, Facilities

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: McKeesport, PA
McKeesport PA Passport Guide: Forms, Photos, Facilities

Getting a Passport in McKeesport, PA

McKeesport, in Allegheny County, sits in Pittsburgh's orbit, where PIT airport fuels frequent flights to Europe, Canada, and beyond. Spring study abroad rushes from Pitt and CMU students, summer family vacations, and holiday getaways spike demand, often overwhelming local slots amid PA's travel boom. This guide cuts through delays with tailored steps, checklists, and pitfalls—like picking DS-82 over DS-11 wrongly or photo fails—to get you processed efficiently.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose wrong, and you'll waste trips or mailings. Use the State Department's wizard (travel.state.gov) for confirmation.

Situation Form Method When to Use
First-Time DS-11 In-person Never had one, issued <16yo, or >15 years old.
Renewal (Eligible) DS-82 Mail Issued ≥16yo, <15 years ago, undamaged, in your name. Saves time—no facility visit.
Renewal (Ineligible) DS-11 In-person Damaged, name change sans docs, or mail-ineligible.
Lost/Stolen/Damaged DS-64 (report) + DS-11/82 Varies Report first online; explain in statement.
Child <16 DS-11 In-person Parents/guardians appear; consent if absent.
Name/Error Fix DS-11/82 Varies Add legal proof (marriage cert, court order).

Decision Tip: DS-82 if eligible—ideal for McKeesport's busy pros skipping lines. DS-11 otherwise; PIT proximity means facilities fill fast in peaks.

Required Documents

Rejections hit 20%+ from missing items. Prep photocopies (front/back, 8.5x11) of all.

  • Citizenship Proof (original/certified + copy): PA birth cert (from health.pa.gov, $20+; no hospital forms), naturalization cert, etc.
  • ID Proof (original + copy): PA license, military ID, expired passport <5 years.
  • Minors Extra: Both parents' docs, DS-3053 consent, court orders.
  • Photo: 2x2 color (specs below).
  • Fees: Two payments—State Dept ($130 adult book/$100 card/$30 child execution); facility fee separate. Checks OK at USPS.

Urgent (<14 days)? Flight itinerary. PA tip: Expedite birth cert (10 days).

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% of apps fail here. PA homes' dim fluorescents cause glare/shadows—don't DIY unless pro setup.

Strict Specs:

  • 2x2", head 1-1⅜", color photo paper, <6 months old.
  • White/off-white background, neutral face, eyes open, even light.
  • No glasses/hats/uniforms (med/religiou

s OK if no glare).

Checklist:

  1. Go pro: McKeesport USPS/CVS/Walgreens/AAA ($10-15).
  2. Attire: Solids, no white tops.
  3. Pose: Straight-on, no smile extremes.
  4. Validate: State Dept tool (travel.state.gov).
  5. Backup: Bring two.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near McKeesport

Prominent Disclaimer: Hours, appointments, and participation change frequently—especially with PIT surges. Always verify at iafdb.travel.state.gov before going. Do not rely on this list alone.

DS-11 needs in-person; staff oath, review, forward—no on-site passports. Expect 20-60min waits; book ahead (phone/online). Walk-ins rare.

Key Nearby Options:

  • McKeesport Post Office: 2015 Fifth Ave, McKeesport, PA 15132. Phone: (412) 672-3038.
  • Duquesne Post Office (close): 2 S 1st St, Duquesne, PA 15110.
  • Others: Clairton PO (10mi), Pittsburgh Main (20min) for backups.

Busy Times & Tips: Peaks (spring/summer/holidays) + Mondays/midday crush slots. Go early weekday mornings/late afternoons. Arrive 15min early, docs ready. High PIT traffic adds family rushes.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

DS-11 In-Person:

  1. Fill DS-11 online, print unsigned.
  2. Assemble: Docs/copies, photo, fees (two checks).
  3. Book slot (6-8wks early).
  4. Attend: Oath, sign, pay, receipt.
  5. Track: travel.state.gov (7-10 days in).

Prep Checklist:

  • Wizard eligibility check.
  • PA birth cert ordered/expedited.
  • Photos validated.
  • Fees calculated (+$60 expedite?).
  • Photocopies x2, itinerary if urgent.

DS-82 Mail: Old passport + DS-82/photo/fees to State Dept via tracked USPS ($21+). McKeesport PO for mailing/notary.

Common Mistakes: Signing early, no copies, wrong fees, expired ID. Double-check.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8wks mail/4-6wks facility (no mailing included). PIT peaks add 2-4wks—apply 9+wks early.

  • Expedite (+$60): 2-3wks, 1-2day return.
  • Urgent <14 Days: Life/death only—submit routine, call 1-877-487-2778 for Pittsburgh agency appt.
  • Private Services: For tight non-urgents; vet via BBB.

Track weekly; no guarantees in PA volume.

Special Considerations for Pennsylvania Residents

PA Birth Certs: Certified from health.pa.gov ($20+, 10-day expedite). No abstracts. Minors: Allegheny Family Court for custody docs; both parents or DS-3053. Students: Check Pitt/CMU sessions. Lost/Stolen: DS-64 immediate report. PIT Impact: Seasonal flights (e.g., Canada/Europe) clog facilities—plan buffers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead in McKeesport? 9+wks; peaks overload Allegheny spots.

Mail renewal OK? Yes for eligibles; track from local PO.

Photo rejected? Retake pro—shadows/glare killers. No app refund.

McKeesport PO appt? Required; fills fast near PIT rushes.

Child passport? DS-11, parents + docs; court if needed.

Adult book fees? $130 State + $35 facility + $60 expedite opt.

Expedite guaranteed? 2-3wk target; <14d urgent post-submit.

PA birth cert? health.pa.gov certified; expedite available.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Apply In Person
[3] U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passports
[4] Pennsylvania Department of Health - Birth Certificates
[5] USPS - Passport Services
[6] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[7] Passport Acceptance Facility Locator

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