Getting a Passport in Colonial Heights, TN: Facilities & Tips

Getting a Passport in Colonial Heights, TN

Residents of Colonial Heights (Sullivan County, ZIP 37663) rely on nearby Tri-Cities area facilities for passport services, with steady demand from regional travel like ETSU student programs in Johnson City, family vacations, and event-driven rushes around Bristol Motor Speedway or local fairs. High rejection rates for DIY photos (20-25%) and incomplete applications (30%) underscore the need for preparation. Slots book quickly—prioritize appointments over walk-ins. This guide uses State Department and USPS data to clarify DS-11 (new passports, in-person only) vs. DS-82 (renewals, often by mail), highlight pitfalls like name mismatches or expired eligibility, and detail on-site processes for efficient handling.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Start with the State Department's passport wizard to confirm eligibility. First-timers, minors, and those with changes must apply in-person; eligible renewals can go by mail or online to save time.

Local advice: Apply 9+ weeks before Tri-Cities peaks (summer, Bristol races, ETSU terms). Use MyTravelGov for fast online renewals if eligible.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Colonial Heights

Colonial Heights has no on-site passport office—drive 5-15 minutes to Sullivan County o

r Kingsport USPS/clerk locations. These authorized facilities (searchable via IAFDB) verify documents, administer oaths, collect the $35 execution fee, and forward applications. They do not issue passports or guarantee photos (some offer for $15). Expect 15-30 minute visits: Bring docs in a folder, complete forms beforehand (don't sign DS-11), pay fees, swear oath, receive receipt/tracking number. High demand from local events means book 4-6 weeks ahead; walk-ins seldom accepted.

Appointment Booking:

• USPS: Use the Passport Locator, select a facility, and click "Make an Appointment" via USPS Scheduler. Example direct links below.
• County Clerk: Call or visit county site (e.g., Sullivan: sullivancountytn.gov).
• All Facilities: Confirm hours/services at IAFDB ZIP search.

Top Nearby Facilities (distances from 37663; verify for updates):

• Sullivan County Clerk (~8 miles, Blountville): 3411 Highway 126, Suite 104, Blountville, TN 37617 | (423) 323-6447 | Mon-Thu 8AM-5PM, Fri 8AM-6PM | IAFDB | Full services including photos; favored by locals for Highway 126 access.
• Blountville Post Office (~8 miles): 3290 Highway 126, Blountville, TN 37617 | (423) 323-8381 | Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM, Sat 9AM-11AM | USPS Locator/Appt | IAFDB | Reliable for Sullivan County residents.
• Lynn Garden Post Office (~6 miles, Kingsport): 2316 E Stone Dr, Kingsport, TN 37660 | (423) 246-4595 | Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM (passport hours) | USPS Locator/Appt | IAFDB | Mid-week slots often available.
• Mount Carmel Post Office (~10 miles): 2901 Highway 11W, Mount Carmel, TN 37645 | (423) 357-5338 | Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM | USPS Locator/Appt | IAFDB | Quieter option outside Kingspo

rt rush.

Tips for Success: Call a week early to confirm; arrive 10 minutes ahead. Avoid Mondays, lunch hours, Bristol race weekends, or spring break. Private expeditors add $200+—unnecessary for routine needs. If slots are full, check neighboring ZIPs like 37660 (Kingsport).

Required Documents

Originals only—no digital scans except required photocopies. Tennessee birth certificates from tn.gov/health take 2-4 weeks (add $15 for rush); order early.

• Proof of Citizenship (originals returned): U.S. birth certificate (certified with raised seal), naturalization certificate, or previous passport.
• Photo ID (copy kept by you): Tennessee driver's license (REAL ID preferred but not required), passport card, military ID, or equivalent. Names must match exactly—bring marriage/divorce certificates for changes (available via county clerk).
• Photocopies: Front/back of ID and citizenship proof on plain white 8.5x11 paper (one-sided, standard font).
• Fees (check travel.state.gov for updates; pay separately):
  • State Department: Adult book $130 (new/renewal), child book $100; passport card $30 adult/$15 child. Use check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of State."
  • Execution Fee: $35 per application (facility accepts cash, check, or card).

Child applications incur the $35 execution fee plus State fees; no discounts.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

DIY photos fail 20-25% locally due to poor lighting or humidity glare—opt for professionals. Specs from State Department photo tool: 2x2 inches (head 1-1⅜"), color, white/off-white background, recent (<6 months), no glasses/shadows/uniforms/evening wear, neutral expression, eyes open.

Convenient Local Options:

• Facilities above (e.g., Sullivan Clerk, USPS; $15).
• Retail: Walgreens/CVS in Kingsport (e.g., 2320 Memorial Blvd), UPS Store.
• At-home: Use glossy photo paper, measure precisely, compare to sample gallery.

Bring two compliant photos (plus extras).

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or Minor (DS-11)

Download forms from travel.state.gov. Do not sign DS-11 until staff instruct you on-site.

1. Complete eligibility wizard.
2. Order

citizenship proof (e.g., TN birth cert; allow 4 weeks). 3. Obtain two professional photos. 4. Fill DS-11 in black ink (unsigned). 5. Prepare photocopies and fees (separate checks). 6. Book facility appointment (4+ weeks early). 7. Arrive organized: All required parties present. 8. On-site: Oath, document review, sign forms, pay execution fee, get receipt/tracking. 9. Track status after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov. 10. Passport mails in processing time; citizenship docs returned same envelope.

For DS-82 renewals: Mail old passport, photo, fee, and form—no appointment needed if eligible.

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Tri-Cities-area mail adds 1-2 weeks during peaks (March-August, December, local events). Plan ahead.

• Routine: 6-8 weeks.
• Expedited: +$60 fee, 2-3 weeks (add $21.36 for return shipping).
• Urgent (<14 days): Nearest agency in Atlanta (4-hour drive); requires itinerary/proof and appointment via 1-877-487-2778 or emergency services.

Private rush services ($200+) bypass lines but risk delays—avoid unless critical. Common error: Requesting expedite too late.

Special Rules for Minors Under 16

Common for ETSU-area families: Both parents/guardians must appear with IDs and child's birth certificate.

• One parent absent: Notarized DS-3053 consent form.
• Photos: Parent holds child's head if needed.
• Fees: $100 State + $35 execution; passport valid 5 years.
• No mail renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a same-day passport in Colonial Heights?
No—use Atlanta agency for urgent cases only.

Expedited vs. urgent?
Expedited: Fee-based, 2-3 weeks via mail. Urgent: <14 days at agency with proof.

Passport expired over 15 years?
Treat as first-time: Use DS-11 in-person.

How to get Sullivan County birth certificate?
Order certified copy from tn.gov/health or county clerk.

Is REAL ID required?
No—any valid photo ID works.

When can I track my application?
After 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov.

Facing a 3-week trip during peak season?
Expedite immediately; consider travel insurance for rebooking.

Are home photos reliable?
Risky due to rejections—use pros.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] [U.S. Department of State - Renew Your Passport](

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/renew.html)
[3] U.S. Department of State - Passports for Children Under 16
[4] USPS - Passport Services
[5] Sullivan County, TN Government
[6] Tennessee Vital Records
[7] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements