Getting a U.S. Passport in Myrtle Beach, SC: Steps & Facilities

Getting a U.S. Passport in Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach, located in Horry County, South Carolina, sees heavy passport demand due to its status as a top tourist destination and gateway for international travel. Residents and visitors often apply for passports for business trips to Europe or Asia, family vacations to the Caribbean, or last-minute getaways during spring break, summer peaks, or winter holidays. Students from nearby Coastal Carolina University frequently need passports for study abroad programs or exchange visits. However, high seasonal volumes—especially March through August and December—can lead to limited appointments at local facilities, making early planning essential [1].

Common hurdles include securing timely slots amid high demand, distinguishing between expedited processing (for travel in 2-3 weeks) and urgent services (only for trips within 14 days via a passport agency), photo rejections from poor lighting like beach glare or shadows, missing birth certificates for minors, and errors in form selection for renewals. Always verify requirements directly from official sources, as processing times can stretch 6-8 weeks or longer during peaks without guarantees [2]. This guide provides clear steps tailored to Myrtle Beach applicants, focusing on first-time, renewal, and replacement needs.

Determine Your Passport Service Type

Before gathering documents, identify your situation to use the correct form and process. Most Myrtle Beach residents apply in person at acceptance facilities like post offices or the Horry County Clerk of Court, but eligibility varies.

If unsure, use the State Department's online wizard [1]. For minors, additional consent rules apply—never assume parental rights suffice without documentation.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities in Myrtle Beach and Horry County

Horry County has several U.S. Post Offices and county offices acting as acceptance facilities. Appointments are often required; book via the facility's phone or online scheduler. Peak seasons fill slots weeks ahead.

• Myrtle Beach Main Post Office: 110 Myrtle Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. Phone: (843) 448-4323. Offers photo service [7].
• Horry County Clerk of Court: 1301 2nd Ave, Conway, SC 29526 (serves Myrtle Beach area). Phone: (843) 915-5370. Handles first-time and minors [8].
• North Myrtle Beach Post Office: 3855 Highway 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. Phone: (843) 249-4984.
• Surfside Beach Post Office: 116 S Ocean Blvd, Surfside Beach, SC 29575. Phone: (843) 238-3431.

For urgent travel within 14 days, contact the Atlanta Passport Agency (covers SC) at 1-877-487-2778, but proof of travel is mandatory—no walk-ins [9]. Vital records for birth certificates are at SC DHEC: order online or visit Columbia office [10].

Step-by-Step Checklist: First-Time or New Passport (DS-11)

Follow this checklist precisely to avoid rejections. Applications must be executed in person.

1. Fill out Form DS-11: Download from travel.state.gov; do not sign until instructed [3]. Use black ink.
2. Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (SC issues via DHEC [10]), naturalization certificate, or prior passport. Photocopy front/back.
3. Provide ID: Driver's license, military ID, or government-issued photo ID. Photocopy.
4. Get Passport Photos: 2x2 inches, white background, no glare/shadows (common beach photo fail). USPS locations offer for ~$15 [7]. Specs: head 1-1.375 inches, neutral expression [11].
5. Pay Fees: $130 adult/$100 minor execution (to facility) + $130 book fee (check/money order to State Dept). Expedite: +$60 [2].
6. Book Appointment: Call facility 4-6 weeks early for seasonal travel.
7. Appear in Person: Bring all originals. For minors under 16: both parents or notarized consent from absent parent [12].
8. Track Status: After submission, use online tracker [13]. Expect 6-8 weeks routine; 2-3 expedited.

Pro Tip: Incomplete docs (e.g., no birth cert) cause 30% rejections. Order SC birth records early via scdmh.net or DHEC [10].

Step-by-Step Checklist: Renewal by Mail (DS-82)

Eligible renewals skip in-person visits—ideal for Myrtle Beach snowbirds planning winter escapes.

1. Confirm Eligibility: Passport <15 years old, issued at 16+, signature matches [4].
2. Complete DS-82: Download, sign in black ink [4].
3. Include Old Passport: Send undamaged book.
4. Photos and Fees: 2x2 photo; $130 check to State Dept (adult book). Expedite: +$60 + 1-way postage.
5. Mail To: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [2].
6. Track: Online after 7-10 days [13].

If ineligible (e.g., damaged), use DS-11 in person. No renewals for kids' passports.

Additional Requirements for Minors and Special Cases

For children under 16: DS-11 only, both parents present or Form 3053 notarized [12]. Exchange students from Myrtle Beach schools often face rushes—plan 10 weeks ahead.

Lost/Stolen: File DS-64 online first [5], then apply as new. Name changes need court orders from Horry County Family Court [8].

Expedited vs. Urgent: Expedite shortens to 2-3 weeks but no peak guarantees. True emergencies (14 days) require agency appointment with itinerary [9]. Avoid "passport rush" scams—use only official channels.

Photo and Documentation Pitfalls to Avoid

Photos fail most: Use plain white/neutral background, even lighting (avoid ocean glare), recent (within 6 months), no uniforms/glasses [11]. Local pharmacies like CVS print compliant ones.

Docs: SC birth certificates must show raised seal; hospital souvenirs don't count [10]. For foreign-born, get FBI background if naturalized.

Processing Times and Seasonal Advice

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks. Peaks (spring/summer) add 2-4 weeks [2]. Myrtle Beach's tourism spikes overwhelm facilities—apply 9-13 weeks pre-travel. Track weekly; life-or-death emergencies qualify for agency expedite [9].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Myrtle Beach

Passport acceptance facilities are official sites authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit your passport application. These locations do not issue passports on-site; instead, they review your documents, administer the oath, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types include post offices, county clerks' offices, public libraries, and municipal buildings. In and around Myrtle Beach, you'll find such facilities scattered across Horry County and nearby areas, offering convenient options for residents and visitors alike.

When visiting a passport acceptance facility, come prepared with a completed DS-11 application form (for first-time applicants or renewals requiring in-person submission), a valid photo ID, a passport photo meeting State Department specifications, and the required fees payable by check or money order. Expect staff to verify your identity, ensure your photo meets standards, and collect your application—processing typically takes 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks for expedited, though actual times can vary. Some facilities handle minor children’s applications with additional parental consent forms. Walk-ins are often available, but confirming procedures in advance is wise.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities near Myrtle Beach tend to see higher volumes during peak tourist seasons like summer and spring break, when travel demand surges. Mondays are frequently the busiest weekdays due to weekend backlog, and mid-day hours often peak with local crowds. To minimize waits, aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, and consider off-peak seasons such as fall or winter. Always check for appointment requirements, as some sites prioritize scheduled visits. Arrive with all documents organized to streamline the process, and have backup plans like nearby alternatives if one location is overwhelmed. Planning ahead ensures a smoother experience amid fluctuating local traffic and tourism patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Myrtle Beach?
No local facilities offer same-day. Urgent service is only at agencies for travel within 14 days with proof [9].

Where do I get a birth certificate in Horry County?
Order from SC DHEC online, by mail, or in-person at vital records offices. Myrtle Beach doesn't issue them [10].

Is my expired passport from 20 years ago renewable?
No—treat as first-time with DS-11 [1].

Do I need an appointment at USPS Myrtle Beach?
Yes, call ahead; walk-ins limited during busy seasons [7].

How much for a child's passport?
$100 execution + $100 book (under 16); no execution fee 16-17 if signed by parent [2].

What if my travel is in 3 weeks?
Expedite + overnight delivery; still risky in peaks. No guarantees [2].

Can I use a passport card for international flights?
No—cards for land/sea only (Mexico/Canada/Caribbean) [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[3]U.S. Department of State - Form DS-11
[4]U.S. Department of State - Form DS-82
[5]U.S. Department of State - Lost/Stolen Passport
[6]U.S. Department of State - Change/Correct Passport
[7]USPS - Myrtle Beach Post Office
[8]Horry County Clerk of Court
[9]U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies
[10]SC DHEC - Vital Records
[11]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[12]U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
[13]U.S. Department of State - Application Status