Getting a Passport in Arlington, TN: Facilities & Steps

Getting a Passport in Arlington, TN

Arlington, Tennessee, in Shelby County, sits near Memphis, a hub for frequent international business travel, tourism, and family visits abroad. Residents often travel seasonally during spring and summer vacations or winter breaks, with students participating in exchange programs adding to demand. Urgent trips, like last-minute business deals or family emergencies, are common but challenging due to high volumes at acceptance facilities. Peak seasons strain appointment availability, so planning ahead is key. This guide covers everything from determining your needs to submitting your application, drawing on official U.S. Department of State guidelines [1].

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before starting, identify your situation to select the correct process. Mischoosing leads to delays or rejections.

• First-Time Applicants: If you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous passport was issued before age 16, more than 15 years ago, or was lost/stolen/damaged, apply in person using Form DS-11. This applies to most new travelers in Arlington [2].

• Renewals: Eligible if your passport is undamaged, issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, and you were 16+ at issuance. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing name/gender [3]. In Tennessee, many renew by mail to avoid local facility crowds.

• Replacements: For lost, stolen, or damaged passports, use DS-64 to report (free), then DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (mail if eligible) for a new one. Urgent cases may qualify for expedited service.

• Corrections or Name Changes: Use DS-5504 within one year of issuance (free, by mail); otherwise, treat as replacement.

For minors under 16, always apply in person with both parents/guardians using DS-11—renewals aren't by mail [4]. Use the State Department's online wizard at travel.state.gov to confirm [1].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Arlington, TN

Arlington lacks a dedicated passport agency, so use acceptance facilities for in-person applications (DS-11). Book appointments early—high demand from Memphis-area business travelers fills slots quickly, especially spring/summer.

• Arlington Post Office: 7835 Airline Rd, Arlington, TN 38002. Offers passport services by appointment. Call (901) 867-4527 to schedule [5].

• Nearby Options in Shelby County:

  Facility	Address	Phone	Notes
  Collierville Post Office	264 E Mulberry St, Collierville, TN 38017	(901) 853-7080	Frequent appointments; popular for Arlington residents [5]
  Germantown Post Office	7730 Poplar Ave, Germantown, TN 38138	(901) 737-9613	High volume; book 4-6 weeks ahead in peak seasons [5]
  Shelby County Clerk - Germantown Office	1930 Exeter Rd, Germantown, TN 38138	(901) 222-1300	Accepts passports; serves Shelby County [6]
  Lakeland Post Office	4400 Toronto Rd, Lakeland, TN 38002	(901) 382-9417	Closer alternative; limited hours [5]

For urgent travel (within 14 days), contact the Memphis Passport Agency at (877) 487-2778—but only legitimate emergencies qualify, and proof is required. It's 30+ miles from Arlington; appointments are rare [7]. Avoid last-minute reliance during holidays or summer peaks.

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals—no photocopies unless specified. Incomplete docs cause 30% of rejections [1].

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy):

  • U.S. birth certificate (long-form preferred; order from Tennessee Vital Records if needed) [8].
  • Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
  • Previous U.S. passport.

• Proof of Identity (original + photocopy): Driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Tennessee Real ID-compliant DL works [1].

• Photos: One 2x2-inch color photo (details below).

• Forms:

  Service	Form	Where to Get
  First-time/Replacement/Minor	DS-11	Download from travel.state.gov or at facility [2]
  Renewal (eligible)	DS-82	Mail with old passport [3]
  Lost/Stolen Report	DS-64	Online or mail [1]

For minors: Both parents' IDs/presence (or notarized consent Form DS-3053). Tennessee requires vital records for birth certs via mail/online [8].

Photocopy all docs on plain white 8.5x11 paper, single-sided.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos fail 25% of applications due to glare, shadows, or wrong size—exacerbated by home printers [9]. Specs [9]:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• Color, plain white/light background.
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No glasses (unless medical), hats (unless religious), uniforms.
• Taken within 6 months.

Where to get: Walmart (Arlington: 6921 Memphis Arlington Rd), CVS, or USPS facilities ($15-17). No selfies—professionals ensure compliance.

Fees and Payment

Pay separately: acceptance fee to facility (check/money order), application fee to State Dept (check/money order). No credit cards at most post offices [1].

Execution fee may apply at clerks. Track payments; refunds rare [1]. Expedited doesn't guarantee times—routine: 6-8 weeks; expedited: 2-3 weeks (longer in peaks) [7].

Step-by-Step Checklist: First-Time or In-Person Application

Use this checklist for DS-11 submissions. Complete before arriving.

1. Determine Eligibility: Use State Dept wizard [1]. First-time/renewal ineligible/minor? Yes → DS-11.
2. Gather Documents: Citizenship proof (original + copy), ID (original + copy), photo, DS-11 (unsigned).
3. Fill Forms: DS-11 by hand/black ink; do not sign until instructed.
4. Book Appointment: Call facility (e.g., Arlington PO). Arrive 15 min early.
5. Pay Fees: Two checks/money orders. Note expedited/urgent if needed.
6. Sign in Presence: Agent witnesses signature.
7. Submit: Get receipt. Track at travel.state.gov (2 weeks post-submission).
8. Follow Up: If delayed > routine time, contact National Passport Info Center (1-877-487-2778).

For minors: Add parental consent/docs. Both parents or DS-3053 notarized.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Renewal by Mail

Simpler for eligible adults—ideal for busy Arlington professionals.

1. Confirm Eligibility: Passport <15 yrs old, issued at 16+, undamaged [3].
2. Complete DS-82: Online fillable, print single-sided.
3. Include: Old passport, photo, citizenship proof copy (if name change), fees (one check).
4. Mail To: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [3].
5. Expedite?: Add $60 fee, overnight return envelope.
6. Track: Online after 2 weeks.

Tennessee mail renewals spike in winter—use USPS Priority for security [5].

Expedited vs. Urgent Travel

Confusing for many: Expedited ($60) shaves weeks but needs 3+ weeks total. Urgent (within 14 days, +$21.36) for international flights only—call agency with itinerary/proof [7]. No guarantees in peaks; one traveler waited 10 days despite urgency. Plan 8+ weeks ahead.

Special Cases: Minors and Tennessee Vital Records

Minors' apps require both parents—common issue for divorced families. Get birth cert from Shelby County Health Dept (1271 Madison Ave, Memphis) or TN Vital Records (1-855-237-9711; tn.gov/health) [8]. Processing: 1-2 weeks standard.

Common Challenges and Tips

• Limited Appointments: Facilities book 4-6 weeks out in spring/summer. Use multiple locations.
• Peak Delays: Winter breaks overwhelm; apply September-October.
• Docs Issues: TN birth certs often short-form—get certified long-form [8].
• Photos: Shadows from Memphis lighting common—studio pros help.
• Students/Exchanges: Universities like Univ. of Memphis offer group sessions.

Track status online; respond to errors promptly [1].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Arlington

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to review and submit passport applications for processing. These include common public venues such as post offices, county clerk offices, public libraries, and municipal buildings. They do not produce passports on-site; instead, staff verify your identity, witness your signature, administer the oath of allegiance, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for issuance. Expect a straightforward process if your documents are complete, but delays can occur if forms are incomplete or additional verification is needed.

In and around Arlington, these facilities are conveniently scattered across neighborhoods and nearby jurisdictions like Fairfax County, Alexandria, and Falls Church. Urban post offices and government centers often host them, making them accessible via public transit or short drives. Surrounding areas expand options further, with suburban libraries and clerk offices providing alternatives during peak demand. Always verify current participation through official channels, as designations can change.

When visiting, bring a completed DS-11 form (for first-time applicants) or DS-82 (for renewals), two passport photos, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment—typically a mix of checks or money orders for application fees and execution fees. Minors under 16 require both parents' presence or notarized consent. Processing times start at 6-8 weeks for routine service, faster for expedited options paid at the facility.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities experience higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring breaks, and holidays, when vacation planning surges. Mondays often see backlogs from weekend accumulations, while mid-day hours (10 AM to 3 PM) tend to peak due to working professionals' schedules. Weekends and early mornings or late afternoons are generally quieter.

To plan effectively, book appointments where available to minimize waits—many facilities now require them online or by phone. Arrive early with all documents organized, and consider off-peak days like Tuesdays through Thursdays. Monitor seasonal trends cautiously, as unexpected events like holidays can amplify crowds. Patience and preparation ensure a smoother experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a passport from Arlington?
Routine processing is 6-8 weeks from receipt; expedited 2-3 weeks. Add mailing (1 week each way). No hard promises—peaks extend times [7].

Can I get a passport same-day in Arlington?
No local options. Memphis Agency requires appt/proof for <14 days travel only [7].

Where do I get a birth certificate in Shelby County?
TN Vital Records (mail/online) or local health dept. Certified copy needed [8].

My passport expired 16 years ago—can I renew?
No, use DS-11 in person [2].

Do both parents need to be present for a child's passport?
Yes, or submit DS-3053 notarized consent from absent parent [4].

What if my passport is lost?
Report via DS-64 online, then apply as new with DS-11 [1].

Can I use a passport card for international air travel?
No, book only for land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean [1].

How do I add visa pages?
Renew early; mention at acceptance [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Passports & International Travel
[2]Apply In Person for a Passport
[3]Renew an Adult Passport
[4]Children Under 16
[5]USPS Passport Services
[6]Shelby County Clerk Passport Services
[7]Expedited Passport Services
[8]Tennessee Vital Records
[9]Passport Photo Requirements