Getting a Passport in New Brighton, PA: Facilities & Process

Getting a Passport in New Brighton, Pennsylvania

New Brighton, a small borough in Beaver County along the Beaver River, lies 30 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. Local manufacturing and energy workers often need passports for international business trips, while families head to Europe, the Caribbean, or Canada during Pennsylvania's peak spring, summer, and holiday seasons. Students from nearby Geneva College or exchange programs boost demand, as do urgent needs like family emergencies or relocations. With Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) as the main hub, quick processing is key, but Beaver County facilities see high demand—book early to avoid delays [1].

No fully online option exists for most applicants; you'll need an authorized acceptance facility for DS-11 applications. This guide covers eligibility, documents, local options, and tips tailored to Beaver County, based on U.S. Department of State rules.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Pick the wrong form, and you'll face delays or extra trips. Key distinctions:

• First-Time or DS-11: Never had a passport? Or it's expired over 15 years, damaged, lost, or for kids under 16? Use DS-11 in person. Both parents must attend with minors; no mail option [2].

• Renewals (DS-82): Eligible if issued at 16+, within last 15 years, undamaged, and valid 10 years (adult) or 5 years (child). Mail it—no facility visit unless name/gender change or adding pages. Common mistake: Using DS-11 for eligible renewals, wasting time and $35 execution fee [2].

• Lost/Stolen/Damaged: Report via DS-64 (free), then DS-11/DS-82 to replace. Include police report for theft [3].

• Corrections: DS-5504 (free, within 1 year) or DS-82/DS-11 after [2].

• Urgent: Within 14 days? Life-or-death in 3 days? Head to Pittsburgh Passport Agency with proof [4].

Beaver County residents often overlook renewal rules—inspect your old passport first to save hassle.

Required Documents Checklist

Complete prep avoids 30% of reschedules. Tailor to your service:

DS-11 (First-Time/In-Person)

1. DS-11: Fill online but sign on-site [2].
2. Citizenship proof: Original/certified birth certificate (PA vital records, $20), naturalization cert, or old passport + photocopies [5].
3. ID: Driver's license/military ID matching citizenship name exactly + photocopy [1].
4. 2x2 photo (recent, white background) [6].
5. Fees: $130+ application, $35 execution (check/money order; cards sometimes OK) [1].
6. Minors: Both parents' IDs/consent (DS-3053 notarized if one absent) [7].

DS-82 (Renewal by Mail)

1. Signed DS-82 [2].
2. Old passport.
3. Photo.
4. $130 check to State Dept.
5. Name change docs if needed.
6. Mail: National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [2].

PA birth certs take 1-2 weeks rush [8]. Timelines: Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60). Add 2-4 weeks in PA peaks (March-August, holidays)—start 3 months early [4].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near New Brighton

New Brighton has no passport agency, so use these for DS-11. Confirm services by phone; book via USPS locator (tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport) [9]. Expect 20-45 minutes: Staff verify docs, witness DS-11 signature, collect fees, seal, and mail your app.

• New Brighton Post Office: 372 3rd Ave, New Brighton, PA 15066. (724) 846-1518. View on Maps [9].
• Rochester Post Office: 400 Adams St, Rochester, PA 15074. (724) 773-5761. View on Maps [9].
• Beaver Post Office: 1000 8th Ave, Beaver, PA 15009. (724) 728-1144. View on Maps [9].
• Beaver County Clerk of Courts: Prothonotary/Clerk office, Beaver, PA. Verify passport execution. (724) 770-4510. Website [10].

State locator: iafdb.travel.state.gov [11]. Urgent? Pittsburgh Agency (614 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222; appt only with itinerary) [4]. Slots fill fast near PIT travel surges.

The Application Process Step-by-Step

1. Assess needs/gather docs (1-2 weeks).
2. Photo at CVS/Walgreens/AAA in Beaver County ($15) [6].
3. Book appt 4-6 weeks ahead (call or online).
4. Arrive 15 min early: Present everything; staff guide signing/payment.
5. Get receipt; track after 7 days at passportstatus.state.gov [12].
6. Passport mails 6-8 weeks (routine); use Priority Mail for renewals.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25% of apps fail on photos [6]. Must-haves:

• 2x2 inches (head 1-1⅜ inches).
• Color, white background, no glasses/selfies/uniforms/shadows/glare.
• Neutral face, eyes open, even light.

PA indoor lighting often causes glare—go pro, not home setups. Full specs: travel.state.gov/passports/how-apply/photos [6].

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Geneva College families: Both parents required for under-16s. One missing? Notarized DS-3053 or court order. Missing consent delays 20% of apps [7].

Expedited and Urgent Services

• Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks.
• Urgent (14 days): Agency appt + proof.
• Life-or-death (3 days): Possible same-day [4].

PA peaks (spring break, summer, holidays) strain resources—no guarantees.

Common Challenges in Pennsylvania

• Appt Shortages: Beaver County books out; call multiples, try mornings.
• Form Mix-Ups: DS-11 for renewals? Rejected.
• Photo Fails: Glare/shadows common.
• Minor Docs: Forgotten consents.
• Delays: +2 weeks peaks; track obsessively [1].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Appointment needed in New Brighton? Most yes; walk-ins rare [9].
Summer timelines? 6-8+ weeks routine [12].
Lost PA birth cert? $20 rush from Health Dept [8].
SSN required? Yes on forms [1].
Renew at post office? No, mail DS-82 if eligible [2].
Travel in 10 days? Agency + proof [4].
Passport card for cruises? Yes closed-loop; full book for air [1].
Lost abroad? DS-64 or embassy [3].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Apply in Person
[2] U.S. Department of State - Forms
[3] U.S. Department of State - Lost/Stolen
[4] U.S. Department of State - Get Fast
[5] U.S. Department of State - Citizenship Evidence
[6] U.S. Department of State - Photos
[7] U.S. Department of State - Under 16
[8] Pennsylvania Department of Health - Vital Records
[9] USPS Passport Locator
[10] Beaver County Clerk of Courts
[11] State Department Facility Search
[12] Passport Status