Upland PA Passport Guide: Facilities, Checklists & Timelines

Getting a Passport in Upland, PA

Upland residents in Delaware County often seek passports for trips to Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Mexico, or family abroad—spurred by proximity to Philadelphia International Airport and nearby colleges. Demand peaks in spring/summer and holidays, causing appointment backlogs at local facilities. Routine processing: 6-8 weeks; expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Apply 3-6 months ahead for routine needs; use expedited or agencies for urgency.

Avoid these pitfalls: Last-minute applications (slots vanish fast), walk-ins (rare), wrong forms, or poor photos (25% rejection rate). This guide offers decision tools, checklists, and local tips to prevent delays.

Pro tip: Use the State Department's form wizard[^13] for personalized advice.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Match your needs:

• DS-11 (in person): First-time, child <16, name change sans docs, lost/stolen/damaged, or passport >15 years old (adults)/>5 (minors)[^2].
• DS-82 (mail): Eligible renewals—passport issued <15 years ago (adults)/<5 (minors), age 16+ at issue, undamaged, same name[^2].
• Urgent (<14 days): Expedited + itinerary proof at agency; life-or-death (<3 days) for qualifying deaths[^4].

Quick Decision Tree:

Last passport <15 yrs old & issued at 16+ & undamaged? 
├── Yes → DS-82 (mail if eligible)
└── No → DS-11 (in person)
    └── Minor? → DS-11 + both parents (or DS-3053 consent)[^11]

Common errors: DS-82 for first-timers (rejected), un-certified birth certs, expired ID, or selfies. Fees start at $130 adult book + $35 execution[^2].

First-Time or Replacement (DS-11)

In-person only; report lost/stolen online first (+$60 adult fee for replacement book)[^3].

Renewal (DS-82)

Mail-eligible avoids lines; ineligible? Use DS-11[^2].

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Upland

Upland has no passport agency (Philadelphia handles urgents by appt[^4]). Use nearby post offices/libraries/county sites for routine in-person apps. High Delaware County demand from travelers means book early via usps.com or phone.

🚨 Verify hours, appointments, and addresses via iafdb.travel.state.gov[^8] or usps.com[^6]—details change frequently.

Key options within ~10 miles:

• Brookhaven Post Office, 2809 Dutton Mill Rd, Brookhaven, PA 19015 (photo service available)[^6]
• Media Post Office, 4 W State St, Media, PA 19063; 610-566-2092[^6]
• Chester Post Office, 135 E 5th St, Chester, PA 19013[^6]
• Ridley Township Municipal Building, 105 Morton Ave, Folsom, PA 19033; delcopa.gov[^7]

What to expect: 15-30 min visit—agent verifies docs, you sign form/oath, surrender citizenship proof/old passport. No on-site passports; $35 execution fee. Arrive organized; peaks (Mon mid-day, seasons) mean waits.

Planning: Early mornings/weekday afternoons best; mail renewals to skip lines[^5].

Philadelphia Agency (1600 Callowhill St; 1-877-487-2778) for <14-day urgents only[^4].

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time/In-Person (DS-11)

1. Complete DS-11 online (print single-sided, don't sign)[^2].
2. Original citizenship proof + photocopy (PA birth cert via health.pa.gov[^9] or vitalchek; $20, 2-4 wks).
3. Photo ID + photocopy (name match or legal change proof)[^2].
4. 2 passport photos (specs below)[^10].
5. Fees: Check/money order for book ($130 adult/$100 child) + execution ($35); card separate[^2].
6. Book appt; arrive early.
7. At facility: Sign, interview, submit—minors need both parents/DS-3053[^11].
8. Track after 7-10 days: passportstatus.state.gov[^1].

Timelines: Routine 6-8 wks + mail; peaks add 2-4 wks. No tracking pre-submission.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

1. Confirm eligibility[^2].
2. Complete DS-82 online (single-sided)[^2].
3. Include old passport, photo, fees (check to State Dept)[^2].
4. Mail: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (expedited: 90955)[^12].
5. Track as above.

Lost old? DS-11 in person.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Pitfalls

20-30% rejections from glare/shadows/size issues. Requirements[^10]:

• 2x2 in (head 1-1⅜ in chin-top).
• White background, neutral face, even light, no glasses/unless medical.
• Matte photo paper; digital 600x600 px.

Local: CVS (500 Upland Ave), Walgreens Brookhaven—pros beat home prints[^10].

Expedited vs. Urgent Travel Services

• Expedited ($60): 2-3 wks at acceptance facility.
• Urgent agency (<14 days): Appt + flight itinerary (not vacations); life-or-death separate[^1][^4].
• Private expediters: Faster but $$$, no endorsement.

Peaks overwhelm—plan ahead.

Common Challenges in Delaware County

• Slots fill 4-6 wks out[^5].
• PA birth cert delays; minor apps need dual parental proof.
• Wrong form/formatting = weeks wasted.
• Peaks: Mar-Apr, Jun-Aug, holidays.

Fix: travel.state.gov wizard[^13]; order vitals early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Processing time from Upland? 6-8 wks routine; 2-3 expedited (+ mail)[^1].

Same-day possible? No; agencies only for proven emergencies[^4].

Traveling soon? Expedite + $21.36 return; risky in peaks[^1].

Appointments needed? Yes, most USPS; book fast[^6].

Lost passport? Report, then DS-82/DS-11 + fee[^3].

Child renewal? No, always DS-11[^11].

PA birth cert? health.pa.gov[^9] or county court.

Passport card? Land/sea only (Canada/Mexico/Caribbean)[^2].

Sources

[^1]: U.S. Department of State - Passports
[^2]: U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[^3]: U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passport
[^4]: U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies
[^5]: USPS - Passport Services
[^6]: USPS Location Finder
[^7]: Delaware County Government
[^8]: State Department Facility Locator
[^9]: PA Department of Health - Vital Records
[^10]: U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[^11]: U.S. Department of State - Children
[^12]: U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[^13]: U.S. Department of State - Forms Simulator