Getting a Passport in Loris SC: Facilities Steps & Local Tips

Getting a Passport in Loris, SC

Loris residents in Horry County turn to passports for trips via Myrtle Beach International Airport to Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Spring break, summer vacations, winter escapes, and Coastal Carolina University student exchanges drive demand, especially during holiday rushes when facilities overflow—plan 8-10 weeks ahead to avoid delays.[1]

This guide tailors U.S. Department of State steps to local realities, like ordering birth certificates from SC DHEC amid backlogs, dodging photo rejections from coastal lighting, and navigating renewal errors during tourism spikes. Always cross-check official sources.[1]

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Match your situation to the correct form and process:[2]

• First-Time or Ineligible for Mail Renewal: No passport, expired >15 years, issued before age 16, lost/stolen/damaged. File DS-11 in person only.[2]
• Renewal: Issued at 16+, <15 years old, undamaged/signature undamaged. File DS-82 by mail or in person.[3]
• Replacement: Report loss/stolen online first; use DS-11 or DS-82 per eligibility.[4]

Quick Decision Table:

Forms at travel.state.gov. Locals often misjudge renewals—check eligibility to avoid wasted trips.[1]

Required Documents

Bring originals + photocopies (front/back):[2]

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Birth certificate (raised seal preferred), naturalization certificate, or prior passport. Loris/Horry births? Request from SC DHEC Vital Records online for faster processing (avoids 2-4 week delays).[5]
• Photo ID: Valid SC driver's license (name must match exactly), military ID, or government ID.
• Passport Photo: One 2x2-inch color photo (<6 months old).
• For Minors Under 16: Both parents/guardians present, or DS-3053 notarized consent form + proof of relationship.[6]
• Fees: Two separate payments—application fee to State Department (chec

k/money order), execution fee (~$35) to facility.[7]

Pro tip: 30% of Horry rejections involve missing photocopies during peak seasons.[1]

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Humidity, beach glare, and shadows cause frequent failures. Specs: 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches high, white/off-white background, neutral expression, eyes open, no glare:[8]

• No eyeglasses (unless medically necessary, no glare), hats (except religious/medical), uniforms, or selfies.
• Head coverings OK if face fully visible.

Get them at CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart near Loris or North Myrtle Beach (~$15). Some facilities offer on-site; digital uploads accepted for mailed DS-82 renewals.[8]

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Loris

Loris lacks a passport agency (closest: Charleston). Approved post offices and county offices handle DS-11/DS-82: review documents, witness signature/oath (5-15 minutes typical), collect fees, and mail—no passports issued same day (6-8 weeks processing).[7]

Tourism peaks overload Myrtle Beach-area spots—book appointments early via USPS or facility sites; few walk-ins. Expect staff to verify docs, administer oath, and provide mailing receipt.

Top 5 Closest Facilities (distances from Loris center; confirm services via locators):

ation.htm?locationType=po&address=1012%2038th%20Ave%20N%2C%20Myrtle%20Beach%20SC) | Appt Scheduler | Maps | | Murrells Inlet Area Offices | See Horry County site | ~25 miles SE | Clerk/probate options. State Locator | Horry County | USPS Horry Finder | | North Myrtle Beach Post Office| 3810 Highway 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 | ~30 miles E | Beach proximity. State Locator | USPS Page | Appt Scheduler | Maps |

Full Search Tools: State Dept Locator, USPS Passport Locations for Loris, or 1-800-ASK-USPS.

Pro Tip: Avoid peaks (spring/summer/winter), Mondays, lunch hours. Target early weekday mornings; monitor slots daily.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

DS-11 (In-Person); mail DS-82 for eligible renewals.[2]

1. Determine form/ID needs (see table above); complete form but do not sign.
2. Collect documents, photo, fees + all photocopies.
3. Schedule appointment 8-10 weeks pre-travel via USPS/facility links.[7]
4. Arrive early: Staff reviews docs, you sign under oath.
5. Pay fees (adult book example):

   Service	Fee	Payable To
   Application (book)	$130	State Dept
   Execution	$35	Facility
   Expedite	+$60	State Dept
   1-2 Day Delivery	+$21.36	USPS

6. Track online after receipt: passportstatus.state.gov.[12]
7. Passport mails back (timelines below).

Minors: Child + both parents present, or DS-3053 notarized.[6]

Processing Times and Expedited Services

• Routine: 6-8 weeks (add 2 weeks peaks).
• Expedite (+$60): 2-3

weeks.

• Urgent (<14 days): Life-or-death emergency only; apply at Atlanta/Charleston agencies with proof (not local facilities).[10]

Common Challenges and Tips for Loris Residents

• Booking Slots: USPS refreshes daily; try Tabor City, NC if Horry full.
• Photos: Coastal humidity creases paper—use professional services.
• Form Errors: Confirm DS-11 vs. DS-82 eligibility; lost passports need police report.
• Vital Records: DHEC peaks slow certs—order early online.[5]
• ID Issues: Visit SCDMV Horry locations for license updates.
• What to Expect: 10-15 min appt; bring organized folder. Rejections rare if prepped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew by mail from Loris? Yes for eligible DS-82—any post office drop-off.[3]

Need it in 3 weeks? Expedite usually suffices; agency for true emergencies (<14 days).[10]

Birth certificate source? SC DHEC online or Horry Health Dept walk-in.[5]

Child passport rules? Both parents or DS-3053 consent.[6]

Lost abroad? Report immediately, apply DS-11 with police report.[4]

Cruise only? Passport card ($30) OK for closed-loop from U.S. ports.[14]

Status check? Online after 5-7 days.[12]

Events? Passport fairs via locator.[9]

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Apply in Person (DS-11)
[3] Renew by Mail (DS-82)
[4] Lost/Stolen
[5] SC DHEC Vital Records
[6] Children Under 16
[7] USPS Passports
[8] Photo Requirements
[9] Facility Locator
[10] Urgent Service
[11] Fees
[12] Status Check
[13] Expedited
[14] [Passport Card](https://travel.state.gov/con

Passport Card

The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized, lower-cost option ideal for residents of Loris, SC, who frequently travel by land (driving/walking) to Canada or Mexico, or by sea on closed-loop cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, or Bermuda that start and end at the same U.S. port (like those from nearby South Carolina ports).

Key Benefits and Practical Details

• Size and convenience: Fits in your wallet like a driver's license; laminated and durable for everyday carry.
• Cost savings: First-time adult fee is about $30 application + $35 execution (vs. $130 + $35 for a passport book).
• Validity: 10 years for adults, 5 years for children under 16.
• What it covers: Only land/sea border crossings and specific cruises—no international flights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Air travel confusion: It cannot be used for flying anywhere internationally—stick to a full passport book if planes are involved.
• Overlooking cruise rules: Some cruise lines or itineraries (even closed-loop) require a passport book; always verify with your cruise operator.
• Expiration surprises: Kids' cards expire faster—plan renewals around school/family trips.
• Combo applications: Don't apply separately if you might need both; apply for both card + book together to save execution fees (one fee covers both).

Decision Guidance: Card vs. Book for Loris Travelers

Pro Tip: If cruising from the Southeast coast, confirm port-specific rules early. Apply 4-6 weeks ahead for routine service to avoid rush fees. Always pair with REAL ID-compliant SC driver's license for domestic travel.