How to Get a Passport in Greer SC: DS-11, DS-82 & Facilities

Obtaining a Passport in Greer, South Carolina

Greer residents in Greenville County often need passports for BMW-related international travel, family trips via nearby Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP, ~10-minute drive), or Charlotte Douglas (CLT, ~1 hour away). Peak seasons—spring breaks, summer, and holidays—fill local facilities fast; book 9-13 weeks ahead for routine processing (6-8 weeks) or earlier for expedited (2-3 weeks +$60). This guide helps locals decide DS-11 vs. DS-82, avoid photo rejections (20% common), navigate timelines, and prepare for facility visits. Always check travel.state.gov for updates.

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

DS-11 vs. DS-82 Quick Decision Guide:

Facility Visits (DS-11): Expect 10-20 min doc review, ID/citizenship verification, oath/signing, fee collection—passports not issued same day. Arrive 30 min early with organized folder; no on-site forms/photos. Target Tuesdays-Thursdays to dodge crowds.

First-Time Adult Passport (DS-11)

Steps:

1. Fill (don't sign) DS-11 at travel.state.gov.
2. Gather original proof of citizenship (e.g., SC DHEC birth cert from dph.sc.gov/support/vital-statistics), photo ID, 2x2 photo.
3. Book via iafdb.travel.state.gov or USPS locator.
4. Pay $130 application (check to State Dept) + $35 execution fee.

Common Mistakes: Signing early (voids form); name discrepancies (bring marriage cert); blurry photos—use tsg.phototool.state.gov validator.

Adult Renewal (DS-82)

Steps: Fill/sign DS-82, add old passport, new photo, $130 fee; mail USPS Priority to address on form (no execution fee).

Mistakes: Ignoring eligibility wizard at pptform.state.gov; reusing old photo.

Child Passport Under 16 (DS-11)

Both parents or notarized DS-3053 + absent parent's ID photocopy required.

Steps: Unsigned DS-11 per child, child's birth cert, parents' IDs/photos, $100 app + $35 execution.

Mistakes: Incomplete consent (automatic denial); smiling child photos; non-certified docs. Start 3+ months early.

Replacement: Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

• Minor damage + old passport: DS-82 if eligible.
• Lost/stolen: Report via DS-64 at travel.state.gov first, then DS-11 ($165 app fee). Urgent (<14 days): Call 1-877-487-2778 with itinerary for Atlanta Passport Agency (~3-hour drive).

Required Documents and Checklists

Universal Tips: Photocopy everything front/back; certified originals only (no hospital birth certs). SC DHEC for birth/death records: dph.sc.gov/support/vital-statistics (rush 1-2 weeks).

DS-11 Checklist:

• Unsigned DS-11.
• Citizenship evidence + photocopy.
• Photo ID + photocopy.
• 2x2 photo.
• Minors: DS-3053/parent docs.
• Fees (separate: check/cash/card varies by facility).

DS-82 Checklist:

• Signed DS-82.
• Old passport.
• New 2x2 photo.
• $130+ fee.

Fee Summary:

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Pitfalls

Get pro shots at Greer CVS, Walgreens, or UPS Store ($15-17). Specs: 2x2 inches, white background, neutral face, even lighting, no glasses/selfies/shadows/glare. Home prints fail 20%—validate at tsg.phototool.state.gov. Facilities reject bad ones, wasting your slot.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Greer

Book ASAP via State Dept locator or USPS passport tool—search "Greer SC" for slots. Call ahead; no reliable walk-ins. Mid-week mornings best.

Closest Options:

• Greer Post Office: 1470 SC-14, Greer, SC 29650. (864) 877-3871.
• Duncan Post Office: 108 E Main St, Duncan, SC 29334. (864) 433-2171.
• Greenville Main Post Office: 600 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601. (864) 299-9516.
• Greenville County Clerk of Court: 301 University Ridge, Suite 3800, Greenville, SC 29601. (864) 467-5600. More info.

Processing Times and Urgent Travel

• Routine: 6-8 weeks (add 2 weeks holidays).
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60; track UPS).
• <14 days: Life-or-death only—Atlanta via 1-877-487-2778 + proof.

Track after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov. Greer mailers: Insure Priority packages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I renew by mail in Greer? Yes, if DS-82 eligible—easiest for locals.

Fast child passport? DS-11 + expedite + both parents/DS-3053.

No slots nearby? Check Greenville daily or mail DS-82.

Photo issues? Retake professionally; check tsg.phototool.state.gov.

3-week trip from GSP? Submit expedited now.

SC birth cert delay? DHEC rush at dph.sc.gov/support/vital-statistics.

Passport card enough? No—for flights, get book.

BMW work trip urgent? Call National Passport Center with employer proof.

Additional Tips for Greer Travelers

Sync facility visits with BMW plant schedules or Furman student calendars. Rush DHEC vitals for proofs. Proximity to GSP means routine service often suffices—avoid scams via official sites only.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Apply for a Passport: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply.html
[2] Report Lost/Stolen: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/lost-stolen.html
[3] Form Wizard: pptform.state.gov/
[4] Photos: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
[5] Fees: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html
[6] SC DHEC Vital Records: dph.sc.gov/support/vital-statistics
[7] Facility Search: iafdb.travel.state.gov/
[8] USPS Locator: tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport-location
[9] Greenville Clerk: greenvillecounty.org/clerkofcourt/
[10] Status Tracker: passportstatus.state.gov/