How to Get a US Passport in Swoyersville, PA: Full Guide

Getting a U.S. Passport in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania

Swoyersville residents in Luzerne County frequently seek passports for international flights from nearby Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP), just 12 miles away—popular for trips to Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, or Asia. Local college students from Wilkes University or King's College often apply for study abroad, while families plan spring break escapes or winter getaways. Peaks in March-June and November-December strain facilities, so apply 3-6 months ahead. Processing is federal via the U.S. Department of State, but local post offices handle submissions.[1]

This guide cuts through confusion with tailored steps for first-timers, renewals, minors, and replacements, including decision tools, checklists, and pitfalls drawn from official sources.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick DS-11 (in-person) or DS-82 (mail) to avoid rejections—wrong forms cause 20% of returns.[2] Eligibility hinges on your passport history.

Quick Decision Table:

Renewal Eligibility Check: All must apply—age 16+ at issue, <15 years old, undamaged, in your possession. No? Use DS-11. Test online at travel.state.gov.[1] For Swoyersville travelers, mail renewals suit busy schedules, skipping facility visits amid AVP flight rushes.

Passport Photo Requirements

Rejections hit 25-30% from poor photos—glare, size, or shadows.[4] Strict rules:

• 2x2 inches, color print, white/cream background.
• Head 1-1⅜ inches (chin to top), taken <6 months ago.
• Neutral face, eyes open, full front view; no smiles, hats (except religious/medical), uniforms, or glare on glasses.

Checklist:

• Pro photo at CVS/Walgreens/UPS Store ($15-17; locations on Wyoming Ave in Kingston).
• Measure head; even lighting, no home setups.
• Physical print only.

Verify samples at travel.state.gov.[4]

Find a Passport Acceptance Facility Near Swoyersville

No passport agency here (nearest: Philadelphia or Pittsburgh for emergencies).[5] Use post offices/clerk offices for DS-11—they verify docs, witness oaths, seal apps, issue receipts (no on-site printing).

Local Options (Verify via usps.com or iafdb.travel.state.gov—hours/appointments change):

• Swoyersville Post Office, 675 Owen St, Swoyersville, PA 18704 (~0 miles).[6]
• Kingston Post Office, 299 Wyoming Ave, Kingston, PA 18704 (~5 miles).[6]
• Wilkes-Barre Main Post Office, 27 N River St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 (~4 miles).[6]
• Luzerne County Courthouse Clerk (select locations; call ahead).[5]

Book via usps.com (slots fill weeks out near AVP peaks). Expect 15-30 min visits: Present organized docs, pay fees (check/money order; cash varies), sign on-site. Weekday mornings best; avoid Mondays/noon rushes.

Step-by-Step Application Guides and Checklists

Download fresh forms from travel.state.gov.[2] Fees (current 2024; confirm calculator): Adult book $130 + $35 execution; minor $100 + $35. Expedite +$60; 1-2 day delivery +$21.36. Separate payments: App fee to "U.S. Dept of State"; execution to facility.[1]

DS-11: First-Time, Minors, Ineligible Renewals (In-Person)

What to Expect: Agent reviews originals, photocopies front/back (bring your own), administers oath, seals app. No photos taken there.

Checklist:

1. DS-11: Fill online, print unsigned.[2]
2. Citizenship (original + photocopy): PA birth cert (order from health.pa.gov if needed[3]), naturalization cert, prior passport.[1]
3. ID (original + photocopy): PA driver's license, military ID (name match or legal proof).[1]
4. Photos: 2 identical 2x2" (one submitted).[4]
5. Minors <16: Both parents/IDs or DS-3053 notarized + absent parent's ID copy.[1]
6. Fees: Exact amounts, check/money order (verify cash).[1]
7. Book appt, attend early, organize in folder. Sign on-site.
8. Get receipt; track at passportstatus.state.gov.

Pitfalls: Signed early, no photocopies, mismatched names (bring marriage cert), parental absence.

DS-82: Eligible Renewals (Mail)

What to Expect: Self-mail old passport; no facility visit.

Checklist:

1. Confirm eligibility online.[1]
2. DS-82: Complete, sign per instructions.[2]
3. Include: Old passport, 1 new photo, fees ($130 adult book).[1]
4. Mail trackable to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.[2]
5. Track USPS + passportstatus.state.gov.

Pitfalls: Ineligible use, stapled photo, cash/personal check, PO Box issues.

Replacements

• Lost/stolen: DS-64 online/police report + DS-82/DS-11.[2]
• Damaged <1yr: DS-5504 + old passport.[1]

Universal Doc Table:

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Standard: 6-8 weeks (mail from Philly center).[1] Door-to-door 10-13 weeks peaks. Track weekly after 1-2 weeks.

• Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks.[1]
• Urgent <14 days: Agencies only, life/death proof (e.g., obit).[1]
• No same-day routine.

PA travelers: Expedite for AVP connections.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Both parents required for <16; DS-3053 if absent (notarized, recent ID copy).[1] PA birth cert delays common—rush order ($20+).[3] College students: Apply as adults if 16+.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Swoyersville? No; Philly agency for urgents (215-597-0326).[1]
PA renewal mail time? 6-8 weeks to Philly center.[1]
Birth cert delay? Rush PA Health ($20+, 1-7 days).[3]
Swoyersville PO appt? Yes; usps.com.[6]
Expiring soon? Renew up to 9 months early if eligible.[2]
Passport card? $30 adult, land/sea only.[1]
Lost abroad? DS-64 + embassy.[2]

Sources

[1] U.S. Passports & International Travel
[2] Passport Forms
[3] Pennsylvania Birth Certificates
[4] Passport Photo Requirements
[5] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[6] USPS Passport Services