Getting a U.S. Passport in Andrews, SC: Local Steps & Facilities

Getting a Passport in Andrews, SC

In Andrews, South Carolina—a quiet Georgetown County town near coastal hotspots—securing a U.S. passport opens doors to international escapes like Caribbean cruises from Charleston or European family trips. Local demand spikes with spring beach tourism, summer vacations, and winter getaways, straining limited slots at nearby facilities. Common pitfalls include photo rejections from glare in humid weather, mismatched forms (DS-11 vs. DS-82), and delays for minors on family outings. This guide cuts through confusion with tailored steps, local drive times, and tips drawn from U.S. Department of State resources [1].

Andrews has no full-service agency, so plan drives: 20 minutes to Georgetown or 45 to Myrtle Beach. Book early amid coastal travel rushes [2].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick the wrong path, and you'll restart. Use this decision tree:

• Never had a passport? Or prior one issued <16 years old, >15 years ago, lost/damaged/stolen? File DS-11 in person at an acceptance facility.
• Current passport issued at 16+, undamaged, <15 years old? Renew by mail with DS-82—skips lines, ideal for Andrews folks avoiding drives.
• Lost/stolen/damaged but eligible for renewal? Report via DS-64, then mail DS-82.
• Under 16? Always DS-11 in person with parents.
• Name/data correction? DS-5504 by mail if <1 year post-issue; else new DS-11.

Local tip: Many skip the renewal check, driving unnecessarily to Georgetown. Run the State Department's wizard first [5]. Mistake to avoid: Signing DS-11 early—it voids the form.

Gather Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Rejections hit 20-30% from missing items, especially for kids on beach trips. Prep like this:

1. Form: DS-11 (unsigned for in-person) or DS-82. Fill online, print single-sided [1][3].
2. Citizenship Proof (original + photocopy): Long-form birth certificate (SC DHEC [6]; Georgetown County Register if born local [7]), naturalization cert, or old passport.
3. ID Proof (original + photocopy): SC driver's license tops the list.
4. Photo: One compliant 2x2 (details below) [8].
5. Minors: Both parents present or notarized DS-3053 + ID copies [4].
6. Extras: DS-64 (lost), marriage decree (name change), itinerary (urgent).

Photocopy everything front/back on 8.5x11. Pro tip: Andrews-area Vital Records delays mean order certificates 4-6 weeks early.

Passport Photo Requirements and Common Pitfalls

2

5% of apps bounce on photos. Specs are non-negotiable [8]:

• Size: 2x2 inches square; head 1-1⅜ inches chin-to-crown.
• Setup: White/off-white background, neutral face (eyes open, no smile), even lighting, no shadows/glare/glasses/hats.
• Print: Color, matte/glossy, recent (6 months), pro quality.

Pitfalls for locals: Coastal sun causes glare; pharmacy lights cast shadows. Skip selfies/Walmart kiosks—hit CVS/Walgreens/AAA in Georgetown/Myrtle Beach ($15). Take 4-5 extras. View samples online [8].

Find a Passport Acceptance Facility Near Andrews

Verify via official tools before driving—no assumptions [9]. Per USPS locator, Andrews Post Office offers passport services (call 843-264-5506 to confirm current status/slots) [10]. Key options:

• Andrews Post Office (101 S Morgan Ave): Limited; best for simple drops or mailing renewals.
• Georgetown Main Post Office (1362 N Fraser St): 20-min drive, full services, appointments advised.
• Myrtle Beach Post Office (3019 Howard Ave): 45-min drive, handles volume/urgents.
• Georgetown County Probate Court (129 Screven St): Verify passport role [11].

Busy locally mid-mornings, Mondays, and peaks (Mar-Jun beach rush, Nov-Dec cruises). Book 4-6 weeks out; few walk-ins [2][9].

What to Expect: 15-45 min wait; agent scrutinizes docs (bring extras). They seal, collect fees, issue receipt—no on-site passports. Patience pays—reworks eat time.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prep Form: Online PDF; don't sign DS-11 yet [1].
2. Book Slot: Facility site/phone [9].
3. Go Early: All docs/fees ready.
4. Submit: Agent verifies, you sign DS-11, they seal.
5. Renewals: Mail DS-82 kit [3].
6. Track: passportstatus.state.gov after 7 days [12].

Mistakes to dodge: Wrong form, signed early, no photocopies. Expedite (+$60) at submit; true urgent (<14 days, proven) heads to Charleston agency (1.5hr) [13].

Fees and Payment

Separate checks: execution to facility, app to State Dept. Cards sometimes at USPS [15].

     | +$60     | +$22+ |

| Adult Renewal | - (mail) | $130 | +$60 | N/A | | Child (5-yr) | $35 | $100 | +$60 | +$22+ |

~ $165+ adult routine.

Processing Times and Realistic Expectations

Routine: 6-8 weeks total. Expedite: 2-3 weeks. Peaks add 2-4 weeks (tourism volume). No refunds/delays common—plan 10+ weeks for Andrews trips [14]. Track obsessively.

Special Considerations for Minors and Urgent Travel

Kids: Dual parent consent mandatory for coastal family sails [4]. Absent parent? Notarize DS-3053 ahead.

Urgent: Proof (tickets) unlocks agencies; e-visas no substitute. Charleston cruises? Passport advised [16].

Frequently Asked Questions

Andrews Post Office for renewals? Mail DS-82 eligible; use for first-time if confirmed [3][10].

3-week trip doable? Expedite possible; <14 days needs agency/proof [13].

Photo reject? Retake pro—glare/shadows common locally [8].

Birth cert source? DHEC online/vitalchek; Georgetown Register local [6][7].

Expedite vs. urgent? Expedite shortens routine; urgent for emergencies only [1].

No appointment? Unlikely at busy spots [9].

Lost abroad? Embassy DS-64/11 [1].

Charleston cruises? Passport required/recommended [16].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Apply in Person
[3] U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[4] U.S. Department of State - Children
[5] U.S. Department of State - Passport Wizard
[6] SC DHEC - Vital Records
[7] Georgetown County Register of Deeds
[8] U.S. Department of State - Photos
[9] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[10] USPS Location Finder
[11] Georgetown County Probate Court
[12] [Passport Status Check](https://passportst

[13] U.S. Department of State - Urgent Travel (link)
For true emergencies like a close family member's life-or-death situation abroad, request expedited service at a passport agency (must book appointment). Practical tip for Andrews, SC area: Confirm your qualifying emergency first—common mistake is applying without proof (e.g., doctor's letter), leading to denial and delays. Decision guide: Only use if travel is within 14 days; otherwise, opt for standard expedited ($60 extra fee).

[14] U.S. Department of State - Processing Times (link)
Routine: 6-8 weeks; Expedited: 2-3 weeks (add $60). Clarity for SC residents: Times are from receipt date, not application—plan 10+ weeks ahead for holidays. Common mistake: Mailing without tracking, causing lost apps. Decision: Choose expedited if under 6 weeks needed; track status online post-submission.

[15] U.S. Department of State - Fees (link)
Key costs: Adult book ($130 execution + $130 app fee); child under 16 ($100 execution + $100 app). Helpful breakdown: Pay execution fee by check/money order to post office/clerk; app fee by check to State Dept. Common pitfalls in rural areas like Andrews: Forgetting $35 optional expedite or using cash (not accepted federally). Decision: Add card for convenience ($35 fee); waive book for card-only if no visa needed.

[16] U.S. Department of State - Cruises (link)
Closed-loop cruises (roundtrip US ports, e.g., Caribbean) allow birth cert + ID for US citizens—no passport needed. Local guidance: Popular from nearby SC ports; verify itinerary. Mistake: Assuming all cruises are closed-loop (foreign ports require passport). Decision: Get passport anyway for flexibility—use if cruise changes or for pre/post ports.