Passport Guide South Congaree SC: Facilities, Steps, Tips

Getting Your Passport in South Congaree, SC

South Congaree residents in Lexington County, SC, benefit from proximity to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) for flights to Europe, Latin America, Florida, and the Caribbean. University of South Carolina (USC) students frequently apply for study abroad, while locals manage family emergencies, cruises, or job relocations. Demand peaks March-June (vacation season aligning with USC's calendar) and December (holidays), booking facilities weeks out. Avoid pitfalls like unconfirmed facility hours, photo rejections (90% from glare, smiles, or non-2x2 specs), missing child consents, or ineligible mail renewals (e.g., passports over 15 years old). Book 4-6 weeks ahead at travel.state.gov, use USCIS photo tools, and pre-check docs. This guide offers Lexington County-tailored steps, timelines, and tips [1].

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Match your needs to the service using U.S. Department of State guidelines [1]. Wrong choice means resubmission delays.

Decision Questions:

• First-time, lost/stolen/damaged, or child under 16? In-person (DS-11).
• Eligible adult renewal (issued at/after 16, <15 years old, undamaged, current name)? Mail (DS-82).
• Travel in 14 days? In-person expedited ($60+) with itinerary; life-or-death emergencies allow agency walk-ins.
• Need second book? Mail if eligible.

Service Comparison Table:

Confirm at travel.state.gov/forms; call National Passport Info Center if unsure.

First-Time or Ineligible Renewal (DS-11, In-Person)

Required for first passports, those issued before 16, name changes without docs, or damaged/lost. Swear oath before agent; no mail option. Plan 8-11 weeks total; expedite for urgency.

Renewal (DS-82, Mail)

Only if passport issued at/after 16, <15 years ago, undamaged, current name. Faster/cheaper for non-urgent South Congaree applicants.

Replacement (Lost/Stolen/Damaged)

Report via DS-64. Use DS-82 if renewable; otherwise DS-11 in-person. Include police report for lost/stolen.

Quick Decision Tree:

• 15 years old or issued <16? → DS-11 in-person.

• Lost but renewable? → DS-82 mail + report.
• Urgent <14 days? → Agency with proof.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities Near South Congaree

No facility in South Congaree—use Lexington County sites. Search real-time at iafdb.travel.state.gov [3]. Book 4-6 weeks early; no reliable walk-ins. Expect 10-15 minute appointments: agent reviews docs, you sign DS-11, pay fees, submit. Bring originals; photocopies for records. Peak crowds Mondays/midday; try early weekdays.

Key Options (Drive Times from South Congaree):

• Lexington Post Office (109 W Main St, Lexington, SC 29072): 10 min. Routine/expedited. (803) 359-4111 [4].
• West Columbia Post Office (825 12th St, West Columbia, SC 29169): 15 min. High Columbia traffic.
• Lexington County Clerk of Court (205 E Main St #401, Lexington, SC 29072): DS-11 focus; verify hours.
• Columbia Main Post Office (1601 Assembly St, Columbia, SC 29201): 20 min. For urgents; agency nearby.

Emergencies (<14 days, death abroad): Columbia Passport Agency appt. only, (877) 487-2778 [5]. View facilities map: Google Maps - Passport Facilities near South Congaree.

Required Documents Checklist

Complete sets prevent rejections, common for rushed USC families or business travelers.

Universal (Original + Photocopy on 8.5x11):

1. Citizenship Proof: Certified birth cert (SC DHEC long-form ideal [6]; hospital copies invalid), naturalization cert, or old passport.
2. ID Proof: SC driver's license, military/govt ID. Name change? Marriage/divorce/court docs.
3. Photo: 2x2 color (<6 months), white background, no glasses/glare/smiles/uniforms, head 1-1⅜ inches. CVS/Walgreens (~$15); rejections frequent in SC sun/humidity [7].
4. Form: DS-11 (unsigned till in-person) or signed DS-82.
5. Fees (two payments: State Dept check; postmaster cash/check/card):

   Type	Application	Execution	Expedited	1-2 Day Delivery
   Adult Book	$130	$35	+$60	+$21.36
   Minor Book	$100	$35	+$60	+$21.36
   Renewal	$130	N/A	+$60	+$21.36

Minors <16: Both parents/IDs or DS-3053 notarized consent + relationship proof.

Urgent: Itinerary (not standalone proof).

Step-by-Step Application Process

In-Person (DS-11):

1. Use travel.state.gov wizard; print single-sided.
2. Book facility appt. (phone/USPS site).
3. Prep checklist/photos.
4. Arrive 15 min early: Oath, sign, pay, submit.
5. Track at travel.state.gov (starts ~2 weeks).

Mail Renewal (DS-82):

1. Confirm eligibility.
2. Include old passport, photo, $130 check.
3. Mail to: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
4. Expedite: +$60, overnight return.

Routine: 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 (peaks add 2-4). Track weekly; no facility updates [1].

Common Challenges and Tips for South Carolinians

• Seasonal Demand: Book early for March-June/Dec; USC breaks amplify.
• Photos/Birth Certs: Humidity causes glare—indoor only. DHEC certs: 1-2 weeks routine, 24-72 expedited [6].
• Minors: Strict consents delay exchange students; start 10 weeks out (5-year validity).
• Urgent Mix-Ups: Expedited ≠ agency; <14 days needs proof/agency.
• Lost/Stolen: Lexington PD report + DS-64.
• What to Expect: Facilities verify, not process; no advice/expedites. Prep avoids 4+ week returns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in South Congaree? No. Columbia agency for <14-day urgents with proof.

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited: 2-3 weeks/$60. Urgent: Agency/itinerary [1].

Lexington Post Office appointment? Required; call ahead for seasons.

Renew at South Congaree PO? No facility; mail DS-82 if eligible.

Photo rejection? Retake exact specs at Walgreens [7].

Birth certificate? SC DHEC online/mail/Columbia [6].

Passport card for air travel? No; books only [1].

Lost abroad? U.S. Embassy for emergency doc [5].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Apply for a Passport
[2] U.S. Department of State - Renew a Passport
[3] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[4] USPS Location Finder
[5] Passport Agencies
[6] SC DHEC Vital Records
[7] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements