Jonesborough TN Passport Guide: Forms, Facilities, Timelines

Getting a Passport in Jonesborough, Tennessee

Jonesborough, Tennessee—Washington County's oldest town, known for its International Storytelling Festival, historic walking tours, and 20-minute drive to Tri-Cities Airport (TRI)—serves locals planning European business trips, Latin American family visits, Caribbean cruises, or Mexico getaways. Students from nearby Tusculum University often apply for study abroad, while retirees target winter escapes. Travel surges in spring (festival crowds), summer (beach season), and holidays (ski trips). Routine processing takes 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60)—peaks like March-May can stretch to 15 weeks. Last-minute rushes spike fees and stress; high local demand fills appointments fast, so book 4-6 weeks ahead and scout backups like Johnson City (30-minute drive).

Pitfalls abound: rejected photos (2x2 inches, white background, no selfies—test at pharmacies), unsigned forms, or missing originals (birth certificate, not copies). Facilities verify docs, witness oaths, and forward to the State Department—no passports issued onsite. This guide cuts through with tailored decision tools, timelines, and local tips for smooth applications.

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Needs

Wrong form causes most delays. Use this decision tree for Jonesborough applicants:

Unsure? Call 1-877-487-2778. Gather docs first, then book—photocopies help extras.

Application Types and What to Expect

Expect 15-30 minutes onsite for form review, oath, and fees (cash/check common; cards rare). Smaller facilities like post offices may lack photos—get them at CVS/Walgreens ($15+). Arrive organized; agents reject incompletes.

First-Time or Ineligible for Renewal (DS-11)

In-person required. Complete online at travel.state.gov (print/sign onsite). Bring originals: birth certificate, ID (TN DL + secondary), photo, fees ($130 adult/$100 child app + $35 execution).

Local Tip: Washington County spots book fast—confirm via locator; Johnson City handles overflow.

Timeline: Submit 9+ weeks pre-travel. Expedite onsite if needed.

Adult Renewal (DS-82)

Mail if eligible—no visit. Include old passport, photo, check ($130). Address: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. Add $19.53 for 1-2 day return.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged

Report your lost or stolen U.S. passport immediately using Form DS-64 online at travel.state.gov/passport to invalidate it and prevent misuse—do this first, even before applying for a replacement. Print and save the confirmation page.

To replace it, choose the right form based on your situation:

Decision guidance: Check DS-82 eligibility tool at travel.state.gov first. If your passport is damaged (e.g., water exposure, tears), always use DS-11—renewals are rejected for damage. For stolen cases, get a police report from local Jonesborough law enforcement ASAP; it's strongly recommended (often required) and speeds processing by weeks.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping DS-64—delays replacement and risks identity theft.
• Using DS-82 for ineligible cases (e.g., damaged passport or issued >15 years ago)—leads to return without processing.
• Poor photos (wrong size, taken at home)—use pharmacies or photo services; specs at travel.state.gov.
• Incomplete apps (missing original docs)—doubles processing time.

Pro tips: Track status online post-submission. Routine processing: 6-8 weeks; expedite ($60 extra) for 2-3 weeks. Have backups like birth certificate ready. For travel urgency, apply for expedited service or private expediter.

Child Under 16 (DS-11)

Both parents/child in-person or DS-3053 notarized consent (U.S. notary only). Valid 5 years. Fees: $100 app + $35. Renew every 5 years in-person.

Pitfall: Absent parent consent rejected if not original/notarized properly.

Name Change/Correction

Attach docs to current passport + DS-5504 (recent changes) or new app. TN: Get certified marriage/divorce from issuing county clerk.

Gather Required Documents and Fees

Start 3 months early. Verify latest at travel.state.gov.

Universal Checklist:

• DS-11/DS-82 completed (unsigned for DS-11).
• Proof of citizenship: Original birth cert (TN Vital Records, $15 expedited via vitalchek.com), naturalization cert + photocopy (8.5x11).
• ID: TN DL (Washington County Clerk), passport card, military ID + photocopy.
• 2x2 photo (recent, white background, 1-1⅜" head size, no glasses/smiles—extras wise).
• Fees: Adult $130 app + $35 exec; child $100 + $35. Check to "U.S. Department of State"; execution cash/check.
• Minors: Parents' IDs, DS-3053 if needed.

Current Fees/Options (travel.state.gov):

• Expedited: +$60 (2-3 weeks).
• 1-2 day delivery: +$21.36.
• Urgent agency: Proof of <14-day travel.

Pitfalls: Mismatched names, poor photos (20% rejections), no photocopies.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Jonesborough

Search iafdb.travel.state.gov or usps.com for authorized spots—statuses change. Book appointments; walk-ins rare.

• Jonesborough Post Office: 125 Depot St, Jonesborough, TN 37659. (423) 753-3318. Appointments required.
• Washington County Clerk: Verify exact office/location via locator (Blountville primary). Phones vary—call ahead.
• Backups (20-45 min): Johnson City USPS, Kingsport Clerk—higher volume, more slots.

Peak times: Mondays/mid-days. Early weekdays quieter. Factor TRI traffic.

Step-by-Step Application Process

In-Person (DS-11):

1. Fill DS-11 online/print.
2. Gather docs/photos/fees.
3. Book via phone/locator.
4. Arrive 15 min early.
5. Agent reviews/signs/oaths.
6. Pay/submit.
7. Track after 7 days at passportstatus.state.gov.

Mail Renewal (DS-82): As above + track.

Processing Times and Expediting

Peaks delay all—check travel.state.gov weekly. No local same-day.

Passport Photos: Get It Right First Try

Rejections from glare/shadows/size. Specs: travel.state.gov/photo. Local: Walgreens (Johnson City), post office ($15-17). Get 4-8 extras.

Common Challenges and Fixes

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day in Jonesborough? No—agencies only with proof.

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited speeds routine; urgent for proven imminent travel.

Child renewal? DS-11 in-person always.

Birth cert? TN Vital Records/vitalchek.com.

Track status? passportstatus.state.gov (after 7 days).

Appointment needed? Yes at Jonesborough PO—call ahead.

Lost abroad? U.S. embassy DS-64/new app.

Sources

[1] Passports - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] Renew by Mail - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/renew-online/renew-your-passport-by-mail.html
[3] Processing Times - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html
[4] TN Vital Records - tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/vital-records.html
[5] Washington County Clerk - washingtoncountyclerk.com
[6] Photo Requirements - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/photos/photo-composition-template.html
[7] Passport Agencies - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html
[8] Facility Search - iafdb.travel.state.gov
[9] USPS Passports - usps.com/international/passports.htm
[10] Status Check - passportstatus.state.gov