How to Apply for a Passport in North Myrtle Beach, SC: Full Guide

Getting a Passport in North Myrtle Beach, SC

North Myrtle Beach, located in Horry County, South Carolina, is a popular coastal destination that sees significant international travel, especially during peak seasons like spring break, summer vacations, and winter getaways. Residents and visitors frequently travel abroad for business meetings in Europe or the Caribbean, family tourism to Mexico or Canada, and educational exchange programs involving students from nearby Coastal Carolina University. Last-minute trips, such as spontaneous cruises from nearby ports or urgent family emergencies, are common but can complicate the process due to high demand at local acceptance facilities.[1] This guide provides a user-focused overview of obtaining a passport here, addressing common hurdles like appointment shortages, photo rejections, and documentation errors, while drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Before starting, determine your specific need to use the correct form and process. Misapplying—such as submitting a first-time application for a renewal—leads to delays and extra fees.

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or if your previous one was issued before age 16, more than 15 years ago, or in your previous name without legal documentation.[2] Use Form DS-11; must apply in person.

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were 16 or older at issuance, and it's undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing name.[3] In North Myrtle Beach, many mail renewals via USPS.

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Report it via Form DS-64 (free declaration), then apply using DS-11 (in-person) or DS-82 (mail if eligible). Expedited options apply.

• New Passport Book/Card or Both: Books for worldwide travel; cards for land/sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean. Multiple valid passports can't be open simultaneously.

• For Children Under 16: Always DS-11 in person; both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent.[4]

• Urgent Travel (Within 14 Days): Life-or-death emergencies or immediate travel qualify for in-person expedited at a regional agency, not local facilities.[5]

Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm: travel.state.gov > "Apply in Person" or "Renew by Mail."[1]

Passport Requirements and Documentation

All applications require proof of U.S. citizenship (original + photocopy), ID (original + photocopy), photo, and fees. Originals are returned after processing.

Citizenship Evidence (original required):

• U.S. birth certificate (raised seal, state-issued; hospital certificates invalid).[6] Order from South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Vital Records if needed—processing up to 10 days, longer in peaks.[7]
• Naturalization Certificate (Form N-550/570).
• Previous undamaged passport (5+ years old).

Photo ID:

• Driver's license, military ID, or government employee ID. South Carolina REAL ID compliant DLs work well locally.[8]

Fees (as of 2023; check for updates):

• Book (adult first-time): $130 application + $35 execution + $30 optional card.[9]
• Renewals: $130 book by mail.
• Expedited: +$60; 1-2 day delivery +$21.36.
• Pay execution fee by check/money order to "Postmaster" or facility; application fee by check to "U.S. Department of State."

Common pitfall: Incomplete minor docs. For kids, include parents' IDs, consent form DS-3053 if one parent absent, or court order.[4] Seasonal rushes in Horry County amplify delays—plan 8-11 weeks standard, 2-3 expedited.[1] Avoid relying on last-minute processing during spring/summer or holidays.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos account for 25% of rejections locally.[1] Specs: 2x2 inches, color, white/cream/off-white background, head 1-1 3/8 inches, taken <6 months ago, neutral expression, eyes open.[10]

Local Options in North Myrtle Beach:

• CVS/Walgreens: $15, digital preview.
• USPS locations: Some offer ($15).
• Avoid selfies/home prints—glare/shadows common issues.

Pro tips:

• Natural light, no glare from glasses (remove if possible).
• Even lighting—no head-only shadows.
• Plain shirt, no uniforms/hats (religious/medical exceptions need statement).

Print specs exact; State Dept rejects dimension errors frequently in high-volume areas like Horry County.[10]

Where to Apply in North Myrtle Beach and Horry County

No passport agencies in North Myrtle Beach—use acceptance facilities for DS-11. Book appointments online; slots fill fast seasonally.

Key Local Facilities:

• North Myrtle Beach Main Post Office (2910 Highway 17 S): Mon-Fri 9am-2pm by appointment. Phone: 843-249-3572.[11]
• North Myrtle Beach City Hall (1015 2nd Ave N): Limited passport services; confirm via city site.
• Myrtle Beach Post Office (Tabor Plaza, 1209 N Kings Hwy): Nearby, high-volume; appts via usps.com.[11]
• Horry County Clerk of Court (Conway or Georgetown offices): Handles some; call 843-915-5370.[12]
• Loris Post Office (3815 Martin Luther King Jr Ave): Smaller, fewer crowds.

Use USPS locator for real-time availability: tools.usps.com/find-location.htm.[11] For mail renewals, any USPS blue mailbox or counter. Nearest regional agency for urgent: Atlanta Passport Agency (by appt only, 770-260-5115).[13]

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around North Myrtle Beach

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to review, witness, and forward passport applications. These are not processing centers but official submission points where trained staff verify your documents, administer the required oath, and mail your application to a regional passport agency. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerks' offices, and some municipal or courthouse locations. They handle new passports, renewals, child applications, and replacements, but eligibility rules apply—such as in-person requirements for first-time applicants or those under 16.

In and around North Myrtle Beach, these facilities are scattered across Horry County and nearby areas, including spots in Myrtle Beach, Little River, Conway, and other coastal communities. Proximity makes them convenient for locals and visitors alike, often reachable within a short drive along major routes like U.S. Highway 17 or Highway 9. While many post office branches participate, others like government offices may offer additional services such as notarization. Always confirm participation through the official State Department website or by calling ahead, as designations can change.

When visiting, come prepared with a completed application form (DS-11 for new passports or DS-82 for renewals), one passport photo meeting exact specifications (2x2 inches, white background, recent), original proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization papers), valid photo ID, and payment—typically a check or money order for government fees plus any execution fee. Expect a brief interview, document review for completeness, and execution in your presence. Applications are sealed and sent via mail, with standard processing taking 6-8 weeks; expedited service (2-3 weeks) costs extra and requires specific requests.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities experience peak crowds during high tourist seasons, such as summer months, spring break, and major holidays, when travel demand surges. Weekdays like Mondays often start with backlogs from weekend rushes, while mid-day hours (roughly 10 AM to 2 PM) tend to be the busiest due to overlapping schedules. To navigate this cautiously, aim for early mornings (before 9 AM) or late afternoons (after 3 PM), and prioritize weekdays over Fridays. Many locations recommend or require appointments—book online if available to skip lines. Travel light, double-check requirements beforehand, and have backups for documents. Monitor official updates for any seasonal adjustments, and consider applying well in advance of travel dates to account for delays.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications

Follow this sequentially to minimize errors:

1. Determine Need and Gather Forms: Use State Dept wizard. Download DS-11 (do not sign until instructed).[1]

2. Collect Documents:

   • Citizenship proof + photocopy on plain paper.
   • Photo ID + photocopy.
   • Minor extras if applicable.
   • Two 2x2 photos.

3. Fill Forms: Complete DS-11 in black ink; unsigned. Fees ready (two payments).

4. Book Appointment: Via facility site (USPS/Clerk). Arrive 15 min early; no walk-ins typically.

5. At Facility:

   • Present docs.
   • Sign DS-11 in front of agent.
   • Pay fees.
   • Receive receipt—track at travel.state.gov.

6. Choose Service Level:

   Service	Time	Extra Cost	Notes
   Routine	8-11 weeks	None	Standard
   Expedited	2-3 weeks	+$60	Request at acceptance
   Urgent (<14 days)	Varies	+$60 + agency visit	Life/death only[5]

7. Track and Receive: Online tracking after 1-2 weeks. Mail to secure address.

For renewals: Mail DS-82 + old passport + photo + fee to address on form.[3]

Word of Caution: Peak seasons (March-June, Dec) strain facilities—book 4-6 weeks ahead. Expedited ≠ guaranteed urgent; no hard timelines promised.[1]

Expedited and Urgent Services Explained

Confusion abounds: "Expedited" ($60 extra) shaves routine to 2-3 weeks via acceptance facilities. "Urgent" for travel <14 days requires regional agency appt + proof (itinerary, death cert).[5] No local urgent service in North Myrtle Beach—drive to Atlanta (5+ hours). Students on exchange or business travelers: Apply early; last-minute risks denial.

Additional Tips for Horry County Residents

• Birth Certificates: Order from DHEC (vitalrecords.sc.gov); expedited +$10, but peaks delay.[7] Horry County Register of Deeds (843-915-5060) for local records.[14]
• Name Changes: Marriage/divorce certs from SC DHEC or county probate.
• Travel Without Passport: Check Visa Waiver Program or cruise rules.[15]
• SC-Specific: High tourism means Myrtle Beach Airport sees international charters—passport must match ticket name exactly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in North Myrtle Beach?
No local same-day service. Nearest agency in Atlanta requires appt and qualifying emergency.[13]

What's the difference between expedited and urgent?
Expedited: Faster processing (2-3 weeks). Urgent: For <14-day travel, agency-only.[5]

My child has a passport; do we need a new one?
Yes, every child under 16 needs a new passport every 5 years—no renewals by mail.[4]

Photos were rejected—what now?
Retake per specs; common issues: shadows, wrong size. Use professional service.[10]

Can I renew if my passport expires soon?
Yes, up to 1 year before expiration if eligible for DS-82.[3]

How do I track my application?
After 5-7 days, use email/text from State Dept or online at travel.state.gov.[1]

What if I need it for a cruise?
Passport card suffices for closed-loop cruises; book full for international ports.[9]

Are appointments required at USPS?
Yes, book online; walk-ins rare, especially peaks.[11]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - How to Apply for a Passport
[2]U.S. Department of State - First-Time Passports
[3]U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[4]U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
[5]U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service
[6]U.S. Department of State - Birth Certificate Requirements
[7]SC DHEC - Vital Records
[8]DHS - REAL ID
[9]U.S. Department of State - Fees
[10]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[11]USPS - Passport Services
[12]Horry County Clerk of Court
[13]U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies
[14]Horry County Register of Deeds
[15]U.S. Department of State - International Travel