Complete Guide to Getting a Passport in Lexington, SC

Getting a Passport in Lexington, SC

Lexington, SC residents often need passports for USC Gamecocks game trips abroad, family escapes to Europe or Latin America amid local manufacturing travel, or winter flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport to sunnier spots. Demand spikes March-May (spring break, graduations) and December-January, stretching routine processing to 6-8 weeks with limited slots—start 3-6 months early. Last-minute rushes from emergencies or deals lead to errors like unappointed walk-ins (only for life-or-death cases) or flawed photos (rejecting 30% of apps). This guide cuts through with tailored steps, DS-11 vs. DS-82 decision tools, local tips, and State Department links for error-free processing.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Match your situation to the right form and method to dodge delays and extra fees. First-timers, kids under 16, or lost/stolen cases use DS-11 in person. Eligible adults renew via DS-82 by mail.

Confirm via travel.state.gov wizard. Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks +$60. Track at passportstatus.state.gov.

Quick Decision Tree:

• Valid adult passport <15 years old, undamaged? → DS-82 mail.
• Else (first/child/lost)? → DS-11 in person.
• <14 days away? → Nearest agency (Columbia qualifies some).

Gather Required Documents and Forms

Prep fully to skip 20-30% rejection rates from incompletes. Download single-sided from travel.state.gov.

DS-11 (First-Time/In-Person):

• Original citizenship proof (SC long-form birth cert from dph.sc.gov/vital-records; photocopy too).
• Valid photo ID (SC driver's license).
• 2x2 photo (specs below).
• Minors: DS-3053 if one parent absent.

DS-82 (Renewal by Mail):

• Current p

assport.

• New 2x2 photo.
• No ID/citizenship proof needed if eligible.

Fees (verify at travel.state.gov/fees):

• Application: $130 adult/$100 child (check to "U.S. Department of State").
• Execution (DS-11 only): $35 to facility.
• Expedited: +$60.
• 1-2 day delivery: +$21.36.

Pitfalls: Stapled payments, signed DS-11 early, uncertified SC docs. Mail DS-82 certified; DS-11 at facility (15-30 min process: review, oath, seal).

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Flawed photos reject 25% of apps—glare from SC's bright sun is local culprit.

• 2x2 inches; head 1-1⅜ inches.
• White background, even light, no glasses/selfies/hats, neutral face, <6 months old. Test at tsg.phototool.state.gov. Local spots: CVS/Walgreens/UPS (confirm on-site); some USPS.

Where to Apply in Lexington, SC

Use iafdb.travel.state.gov (ZIP 29072) for bookings—embed links where available. Expect 15-30 min: agent verifies, oaths, seals. Mon-Fri peaks mid-mornings (9-11 AM) mid-week; aim early/late or Tue/Thu afternoons. No universal walk-ins; post-COVID slots essential.

• Lexington Post Office: 109 N Lake Dr, Lexington, SC 29072. (803) 359-4111. USPS Locator. Photos often available.
• Lexington County Clerk of Court: 205 E Main St #309, Lexington, SC 29072. (803) 785-8165. County Site.
• Nearby: West Columbia PO or Columbia if full (search iafdb).

Urgent (<14 days): Columbia agency if eligible (1-877-487-2778, proof needed). Facilities forward to agencies; don't control speed.

Facilities List (Static Backup):

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Prep (1-2 Weeks Early):

• Pick form/service via table above.
• Collect docs/photo/fees.
• Book slot at iafdb.travel.state.gov.
• Minors: Both parents/DS-3053.

At Facility:

• Arrive early, unsigned DS-11.
• Agent processes (oath, seal).
• Receipt for tracking.

Post-Submit:

• 6-8 weeks routine; expedite for 2-3.
• Track online.

Lost/stolen: DS-64 report first; police report for theft (Lexington PD).

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (peaks longer). Exp

edited: 2-3 weeks (+$60, Priority Express). Urgent: Agencies only (<14 days, proof). USC students: 3+ months for visas. Lowcountry humidity? Protect docs in plastic.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Disney/cruise common—5-year validity under 16. Both parents or court order/DS-3053. No toys in photos; plain expressions.

Tracking and Common Pitfalls

Track: passportstatus.state.gov. Avoid:

• Wrong form (DS-82 ineligible? DS-11).
• Sun-glared photos.
• No appointment (4+ week waits).
• Short SC birth certs—order long-form early.
• Assuming expedited = urgent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Appointment needed in Lexington? Most yes—book via iafdb or USPS tool.

Child passport timeline? 6-8 weeks; parents essential.

Expedited vs. urgent? 2-3 weeks mail vs. agency days.

Lost passport domestic travel? OK, but report DS-64.

SC birth cert? dph.sc.gov/vital-records (Columbia office/mail).

Name change? Certified marriage decree.

Charleston cruise? Passport card for closed-loop; book safer.

Sources

[1] Passports - Travel.State.Gov
[2] How to Apply - Travel.State.Gov
[3] Renew by Mail (DS-82) - Travel.State.Gov
[4] Lost/Stolen Passport (DS-64) - Travel.State.Gov
[5] Passports for Children Under 16 - Travel.State.Gov
[6] Name Changes - Travel.State.Gov
[7] SC Vital Records - DPH.SC.Gov
[8] Passport Fees - Travel.State.Gov
[9] Get Fast - Travel.State.Gov
[10] Passport Photo Tool - Travel.State.Gov
[11] Passport Photo Requirements - Travel.State.Gov
[12] Passport Acceptance Facility Search - Travel.State.Gov
[13] USPS Passports - USPS.com
[14] Lexington County Clerk of Court
[15] Expedited Service - Travel.State.Gov
[16] Check Application Status - Travel.State.Gov