How to Get a Passport in Easley SC: Forms Fees Facilities

Getting a Passport in Easley, South Carolina

Easley residents in Pickens County frequently apply for passports to catch flights from nearby Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), join family vacations to Europe or the Caribbean amid spring break rushes, support Upstate business travel in tech and manufacturing sectors, or handle overseas emergencies. Local college students and exchange programs spike demand around holidays. Routine processing takes 8-11 weeks; expedited runs 2-3 weeks—factor in Upstate backlogs to avoid delays. This guide details eligibility, forms (DS-11 vs. DS-82), steps, local facilities, checklists, fees, timelines, common pitfalls, and State Department rules with SC-specific advice.

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Needs

Start with the Passport Wizard at travel.state.gov/passportwizard to match your scenario—form errors cause 30%+ rejections. Key decision table:

Print form drafts and backups.

Passport Fees

Fees update periodically—verify exact current amounts and payment methods at travel.state.gov/how-apply/fees.html before applying. Application fees go to "U.S. Department of State" (check/money order only); execution fees to the facility (cash/check varies).

| Service Type | Application Fee (Passpor

t Book, Adult) | Execution Fee (Typical USPS/Clerk) | Expedite Fee | 1-2 Day Delivery | Example Total (Routine Adult Book) | |--------------|----------------------------------------|------------------------------------|--------------|------------------|------------------------------------| | New/DS-11 (first-time, child, ineligible renewal) | $130 ($100 child <16) | $35 | $60 | $21.36 | $165 adult / $135 child | | Eligible Renewal/DS-82 | $130 ($100 child) | None | $60 | $21.36 | $130 adult | | Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacement | Same as new/renewal | $35 if in-person | $60 | $21.36 | See above | | Passport Card Add-On | +$30 adult / +$15 child | N/A | N/A | N/A | +$30 |

Notes: Book+card combo +$60/$30. No personal checks for federal fees. Facilities charge extra for photos (~$15).

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Easley

These locations handle DS-11 execution (verification, signing, sealing)—not full processing. Search iafdb.travel.state.gov or USPS locator (zip 29642) to confirm current status, hours, photos, walk-ins (rare), and minor rules. Upstate demand peaks Mondays, midweek, and summers—book 4-6 weeks ahead via phone or online; check daily for cancellations. Expect 30-60 minute visits: Staff review docs, witness your signature, collect fees, and mail the app (no on-site passports).

First-Time Applicants

Use DS-11 in-person at an acceptance facility (see above). No mail option.

**Required Items (Origin

als + Photocopies):**

• Completed DS-11 (fill online, sign on-site).
• Proof of U.S. citizenship: SC DHEC certified birth certificate (order at dph.sc.gov/diseases-conditions/vital-records; hospital copies invalid—allow 2-4 weeks).
• Primary photo ID: SC driver's license or equivalent.
• One 2x2 passport photo (specs below).
• Fees (separate payments).

Easley/Upstate Pitfalls: Uncertified birth records, missing photocopies, no appointment (slots fill fast near GSP travel season).

Renewals

Eligible? Mail DS-82 if passport was issued age 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, signed, and in your possession (no name changes).

Checklist:

1. Complete DS-82.
2. Include old passport.
3. Add new 2x2 photo.
4. Name change proof (if applicable: marriage/divorce decree).
5. Fee to State Dept.
6. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
7. Track after 7-10 days at travel.state.gov.

Pitfall: In-person if mail-eligible (adds unnecessary $35 fee).

Replacements for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports

Report lost/stolen first via DS-64 at travel.state.gov (print confirmation—mandatory).

Decision Tree:

• Urgent (<14 days to travel): DS-11 in-person for limited-validity passport; consider Atlanta Passport Agency.
• Non-Urgent:
  • Mail-eligible (per renewal rules)? DS-82.
  • Otherwise: DS-11.
• Damaged: Always DS-11 + damage explanation.

Checklist (All Scenarios):

• DS-64 printout.
• Citizenship proof (birth cert, expired passport OK secondary).
• Two IDs (SC DL primary + secondary like voter card).
• 2x2 photo.
• Fees.
• Minors: Both parents/DS-3053.

Upstate Tips: Appointments via travel.state.gov; track online (7-10 weeks routine). Pitfalls: No DS-64 (50% delay cause), wrong-size photos, assuming damaged qualifies for DS-82.

Additional Passports or Name Changes

Minor errors (<1 year): DS-5504 no fee. Other changes: Wizard or DS-11/DS-82. Proof required (court order, etc.).

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Applications (DS-11)

1. Pre-fill DS-11 online (don't sign).
2. Gather citizenship proof + photocopy (SC DHEC original).
3. Photo ID + photocopy.
4. 2x2 photo.
5. Fees ready (separate).
6. Minors: DS-3053/ID if needed.
7. Book facility appointment.
8. Attend: Sign form, pay execution, get receipt.
9. Track status.

Prep 2-4 hours; photocopy all.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Strict specs: 2x2 inches, color, white background, head 1-1 3/8", even lighting, neutra

l expression, no glasses/selfies/uniforms (full details at travel.state.gov/photos). SC rejection rate ~25% from home prints.

Local options: Easley PO ($15), Walmart/CVS ($17)—preview before buying.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Apply 3-6 months early for GSP trips. Track at travel.state.gov; call 1-877-487-2778 for issues.

Special Rules for Minors Under 16

Always DS-11 in-person with both parents' presence/IDs or notarized DS-3053 + absent parent's ID copy. Valid 5 years. SC pitfall: Forgetting DHEC consent processing time.

Common Challenges and Pro Tips for Easley Residents

• Scarce Appointments: Book early; Greenville as backup.
• DHEC Delays: Order birth certs 4+ weeks ahead.
• Form/Photo Mix-Ups: Use wizard; pro photos only.
• Backlogs: Upstate manufacturing travel surges—monitor weekly.
• What to Expect: Facilities verify (not issue) passports; bring extras (water, docs folder).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Appointments required at Easley PO? Yes, call (864) 306-2113.
Current SC processing times? Routine 10-13+ weeks; check travel.state.gov.
Expedite vs. urgent? $60 speed-up vs. agency visit/proof for <14 days.
Renewal needs birth cert? No, unless changes.
Single parent for child? DS-3053 notarized + ID.
SC birth certificates? DHEC only (dph.sc.gov).
Lost passport abroad? Contact U.S. embassy for emergency doc.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] How to Apply - Forms
[3] Lost/Stolen Passports
[4] Passport Wizard
[5] Acceptance Facility Search
[6] USPS Locator
[7] Pickens County Clerk
[8] SC DHEC Vital Records
[9] Photo Requirements
[10] Fees
[11] Children Under 16
[12] Renew by Mail
[13] USPS Photos
[14] Processing Times

(Full links: travel.state.gov; dph.sc.gov; iafdb.travel.state.gov)