Passport Application Guide for Georgetown, SC Residents

Obtaining a Passport in Georgetown, South Carolina

Georgetown, SC—a historic port city in Georgetown County—sees steady passport demand from coastal residents heading to international cruises, fishing charters, or family visits abroad. Proximity to the Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach amplifies this, with peaks during spring break, summer beach season, and winter snowbird migrations. Local students from Coastal Carolina University often need passports for study abroad, while urgent trips for business or emergencies strain limited slots at acceptance facilities. This guide streamlines the process, tackling pitfalls like photo rejections, form errors, and seasonal backlogs, with tailored tips for Georgetown applicants 1.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Select the correct form upfront to avoid returns. Decision guide: First-time, child under 16, or ineligible for mail renewal? Use DS-11 in person. Eligible prior passport (issued at 16+, <15 years old, undamaged)? DS-82 by mail saves time unless changing name/gender or adding pages 1.

• First-Time or New Passport (DS-11): In person only at acceptance facility.
• Renewal (DS-82): Mail if eligible; otherwise DS-11.
• Lost/Stolen/Damaged (DS-64 + DS-82/DS-11): Report first; police report strengthens theft claims.
• Child Under 16 (DS-11): Parents/guardians required or notarized consent.
• Updates (Name/Gender/Pages): Mail if current passport qualifies.

Urgent (<14 days)? Expedite in person—no mail renewals 1.

Required Documents by Application Type

Originals + photocopies (black/white ink, single-sided 8.5x11). Top rejection: missing/invalid birth certificates, especially short forms for SC births.

DS-11 (First-Time/Child):

• U.S. citizenship proof: Long-form birth certificate (SC DHEC 2), naturalization cert, or prior passport.
• Photo ID + photocopy (e.g., SC driver's license).
• 2 passport photos.
• Minor consent: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized.
• Fees (2 checks: State Dept + facility).

DS-82 (Renewal):

• Old passport.
• Photos, name change docs (e.g., Georgetown Probate marriage cert 3).
• Fees.

Lost/Stolen:

• DS-64 + evidence.

Passport Photos: Avoiding Rejections

25-30% of rejections stem from photos 1. Strict rules: 2x2", recent color, plain background, head size 1-1 3/8", neutral face, no glasses/selfies.

Georgetown pitfalls: Coastal glare/humidity warps home shots; use pharmacies. Get at CVS/Walgreens/USPS (~$15); call Georgetown Post Office ahead 4.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Georgetown, SC

Small-town Georgetown (pop. ~9,000) has few spots—demand from locals + Myrtle Beach overflow fills them fast. Verify via locator 5 or USPS 6; check daily for cancellations. No passport agencies here (nearest: Charleston, 1.5 hrs for life/death urgents only) 1.

Key Facilities:

• Georgetown Post Office (1000 N Fraser St, Georgetown, SC 29440): Appointments Mon-Fri; photos/expedites available. Call 843-546-3502 6.
• Georgetown County Probate Court (405 Cleland St, Georgetown, SC 29440): DS-11 apps; call 843-545-3055 for details 3.
• Nearby Backups (15-30 min): Andrews Post Office, Pawleys Island 6.

What to Expect: 15-30 min visit. Agent verifies docs, administers oath, witnesses DS-11 signature (don't sign early). Facilities forward apps—they don't issue passports.

Prep Checklist:

• Unsigned DS-11, 2 photos, ID + copy, fees (checks only), expedite proof.
• Arrive early; bring extras.

Busy Times & Tips: Peaks (summer tourism, spring/winter breaks) overwhelm mornings/Mondays/lunch hours. Book 4-6 weeks ahead; aim for early/late weekdays. Walk-ins rare—use online tools [5](https://iafdb.travel.sta

te.gov/).

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Routine (4-6 weeks):

1. Pick form 1.
2. Gather docs/photos 2.
3. Fees: $130/$100 book + $35 execution (+$60 expedite).
4. Book: e.g., PO 843-546-3502.
5. Attend/sign.
6. Track online 1.

Expedited/Urgent:

1. Routine steps + $60 fee/"EXPEDITE" envelope.
2. <14 days: Call 1-877-487-2778 for agency (travel proof req'd).
3. Prepaid return envelope essential.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 4-6 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent: 3 days agency (+fees). Coastal caveat: Add 2-4 weeks for Georgetown peaks; plan 8-10 weeks. Track weekly 1.

Special Considerations for Minors and Frequent Travelers

Minors: Dual parental presence or DS-3053 + ID copy. Notarize at banks (~$5); top local error 1.

Frequent/Coastal Travelers: Add visa pages (free). Passport card ($30 child/$65 adult) for Caribbean cruises/land-sea from Charleston—cheaper/faster 1.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Georgetown

• Wrong form (DS-82 if ineligible).
• Short birth certs/no dual consent 2.
• Photo glare from humidity 4.
• No appointment in peaks—facilities book out 5.
• Forgetting prepaid return or exact fees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Renew at Georgetown Post Office? No—DS-82 mail only 1.
Birth cert? Long-form via DHEC 2.
10-day travel? Expedite + State Dept call; Charleston agency 1.
Probate photos? No—pharmacies/USPS [3](https://ww

Birth Certificate: For Georgetown County residents, request from the Georgetown County Probate Court (www.georgetowncountysc.org/government/departments/probate-court).
Practical Tips: Order a certified long-form copy (raised seal required); short-form or abstract versions are often rejected. Common mistake: Submitting hospital-issued "souvenir" certificates—they're not valid. Allow 7-14 days for mail requests; call ahead for rush options if born 75+ years ago (may need DHEC cross-reference). Decision guidance: If born outside county but resident, confirm with Probate Court; hospital records alone won't work.

Child 15? Yes, for minors under 16 (including 15-year-olds), both parents/guardians must appear in person with the child, or absent parent provides notarized DS-3053 consent form.
Practical Tips & Common Mistakes: Parental consent is strictly enforced—single parent travel without it leads to delays/denials. Both parents' IDs required. Decision guidance: If sole custody, bring court order/divorce decree; remarried? Include stepparent docs if applicable 1.

Summer apply? Expect 8-12 weeks standard processing (longer in peak summer).
Practical Tips & Common Mistakes: Don't wait—apply 3+ months early. Expedited (2-3 weeks, extra $60) or urgent travel service available. Common mistake: Assuming post office speed; use 5 for nearest passport agency if <2 weeks needed. Decision guidance: Closed-loop cruise only? Consider passport card (faster/cheaper).

Track? Online tracking available after 7-10 days via email/text signup 1.
Practical Tips: Check status weekly; no news isn't "lost"—delays common. Common mistake: Calling too early (pre-week 1).

Card for cruises? Yes, U.S. passport card valid for closed-loop cruises (U.S. departure/return, no foreign ports disembark).
Practical Tips: Cheaper ($30 child/$65 adult) and card-sized, but not for air/international land. Common mistake: Using for Mexico/Bermuda non-loop trips—needs book. Decision guidance: Cruises only + land border? Card saves money/space 1.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[2] SC DHEC - Vital Records
[3] Georgetown County - Probate Court
[4] U.S. Department of State - Photos
[5] Passport Facility Search
[6] USPS Passport Locator