Passport Guide for Union, SC: Facilities, Steps & Tips

Getting a Passport in Union, SC

Union, South Carolina (Union County pop. ~27,600), offers limited local passport options compared to larger Upstate hubs like Spartanburg or Greenville. Note: There is no dedicated "Passport Union, SC" office—applications must go through authorized acceptance facilities like post offices or county courts. High seasonal demand from manufacturing workers, retirees heading to Florida/Caribbean, and I-26 corridor travelers means slots book fast in spring/summer and holidays. Plan 4-6 weeks ahead; use official locators for real-time info: State Dept Facility Search or USPS Passport Services.

Choose the Right Passport Service

Determine your needs first to avoid errors—many Union applicants mix up DS-11 (in-person) vs. DS-82 (mail renewal).

• First-Time: No prior passport or expired >15 years/issued before age 16. In-person only.
• Renewal: Old passport undamaged, issued <15 years ago at age 16+, current name. Mail it.
• Replacement: Lost/stolen/damaged. Report via DS-64 online, then DS-11 (in-person) or DS-82 (mail if eligible).
• Pages/Name Change: Call 1-877-487-2778; no new application.

Use State Dept eligibility checker: travel.state.gov. SC surges amplify mistakes like trying in-person renewals.

Required Documents and Eligibility

Prove U.S. citizenship:

• Birth Cert: Certified original (SC long-form from DHEC or Union County Register of Deeds; short-forms often rejected). Order: SC DHEC Vital Records ($12+ rush).
• Naturalized: Cert of Naturalization.
• ID: SC driver's license/REAL ID, passport, military ID.
• Name Proof: Marriage cert, court order.

Minors: Both parents' IDs + consent. Forms: State Dept Downloads. Fees: Check/money order (app fee to State Dept; exec to facility). Total adult book: $165+.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Strict rules cause 25%+ returns: 2x2", color, white/off-white background, head 1-1 3/8", even light, no glasses/hats/selfies unless exempt. SC humidity causes sweat/frizz—dry hair, indoor lighting. Validate: Photo Tool. Local spots: CVS/Walgreens/USPS (~$15); print extras.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Union, SC

These State Dept.-authorized sites handle DS-11 executions (not renewals/issuance). Expect 15-30 min: staff verifies docs, you sign under oath, envelope sealed, receipt issued. Bring all items; errors = reschedule. Appointments required (book via phone/online where available); walk-ins rare amid demand. Busy: Mondays, 11am-2pm, peaks. Go early weekday mornings/late afternoons. Cash often not accepted.

Local Facilities (call to confirm passport services, hours, appointments):

Nearby Alternatives (full list/search: State Dept Locator):

• Gaffney Post Offices (~18 miles north, 25 min): Multiple USPS options.
• Blacksburg/Cowpens Post Offices (~13-15 miles north, 20 min).
• Spartanburg Facilities (~25 miles west, 30 min): USPS, Clerk of Court; faster processing.
• Clinton Post Office (~14 miles south, 20 min).
• Greenville (~50 miles northwest, 50 min): High-volume hubs.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Adult First-Time/Replacement (DS-11, In-Person)

1. Citizenship proof (certified birth cert).
2. Photo ID.
3. 2x2 photos.
4. Unsigned DS-11 (+DS-5504 if name change).
5. Fees (2 checks).
6. Appointment.
7. Attend: Sign on-site, get receipt.
8. Track online.

Renewal (DS-82, Mail-Eligible)

Quick Eligibility Check: Use this only if your passport was issued at age 16+, within the last 15 years, undamaged/not reported lost/stolen, name matches (or include docs for legal change), and you're not applying from abroad. If any don't apply, switch to DS-11 for in-person renewal at a local facility—common mistake is mailing ineligible apps, causing 4-6 week delays/rejections. Download DS-82 from travel.state.gov and use their eligibility tool for confirmation.

1. Old passport: Submit your most recent valid passport book and/or card (they'll be cancelled by punching holes and mailed back).
   Tip: Photocopy pages before sending.
   Common mistake: Omitting it entirely or sending a damaged/lost one—app rejected.

2. 1 photo: Exactly one 2x2-inch color photo (white/light background, head 1-1⅜ inches, taken <6 months ago, neutral expression, no glasses/headwear unless religious/medical).
   Tip: Get professionally taken at local pharmacies, Walmart photo centers, or UPS Stores—avoid selfies/home prints. Check travel.state.gov photo tool.
   Common mistake: Wrong size, smiling, busy background, or digital edits—90% of rejections.

3. Signed DS-82: Complete the form fully (print single-sided), sign in black ink across the signature line—do not sign early or use the self-mailer version incorrectly.
   Tip: Use latest version from travel.state.gov; include any name change evidence (e.g., marriage cert).
   Common mistake: Unsigned, incomplete fields, or double-sided printing—immediate return.

4. Fee check: Personal check/money order (no cash/credit cards) payable to "U.S. Department of State"—check travel.state.gov for exact amount (routine adult book: $130; card cheaper; expedited +$60).
   Tip: Write app details in memo line; include $19 execution fee? No, mail renewals skip it.
   Common mistake: Wrong payee ("Passport Agency"), cash, or outdated fee—held 2+ weeks.

5. Mail securely: Use USPS Priority Mail Express (flat-rate envelope ideal for tracking/insurance) to the address printed on your DS-82. Add prepaid return envelope for faster passport return.
   Tip: Track online; expect 6-8 weeks routine (expedite: 2-3 weeks + fee). For Union-area folks, drop at any post office.
   Common mistake: Regular mail (no tracking) or wrong address—lost apps common. Status at travel.state.gov.

Minors <16 (DS-11, In-Person)

1. Child's birth cert.
2. Both parents' IDs.
3. Child's photo.
4. Unsigned DS-11 + DS-3053 (notarized if one absent).
5. Fees.
6. All present.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedite: 2-3 weeks (+$60; overnight return +$21). Urgent (<14 days, life/death abroad): Atlanta Agency (2+ hr drive) with proof. Apply 9+ weeks early—SC peaks add delays. Track: travel.state.gov.

Common Challenges and Tips for Union Residents

• Bookings: Slots gone in peaks; use locators early.
• Photos: SC sun/humidity shadows—neutral indoor.
• Docs: Rush birth certs (DHEC 1-2 wks); minors miss consent.
• Mistakes: Ineligible renewals waste trips.
• Urgent: Atlanta only with itinerary; no local rush. Students: Check Wofford/USC Upstate advisors for group apps. Buffer 2 weeks.

Special Notes for Minors and Families

Both parents required or notarized DS-3053 ($5-10 at USPS/bank). Schools aid exchange letters, but citizenship proof mandatory.

FAQs

How far ahead for Union, SC? 9-13 weeks; peaks longer.

Renew at Union PO? No, mail DS-82 if eligible.

Lost birth cert? SC DHEC Rush.

Photos at facilities? Some USPS/CVS; verify compliance.

Expedite vs. urgent? Expedite speeds processing; urgent needs agency + proof.

Track status? travel.state.gov after 2 weeks.

Appointments needed? Yes; call/locators.

Lost abroad? DS-64 online, replace on return.

Sources

[1] U.S. Dept of State - Passports
[2] Passport Forms
[3] Passport Photos
[4] Processing Times
[5] USPS Passports
[6] SC DHEC Vital Records
[7] Facility Locator