Complete Guide: Passport Application in Maryville, TN

Getting a Passport in Maryville, TN

Maryville, in Blount County, Tennessee, sits near the Great Smoky Mountains and Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), making it a hub for residents planning international trips. Tennessee sees frequent international travel for business—especially manufacturing and healthcare sectors—and tourism to Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Seasonal peaks hit hard in spring and summer for vacations, winter breaks for holidays, and around university schedules due to nearby students and exchange programs at institutions like the University of Tennessee. Last-minute trips for family emergencies or sudden business needs are common, but high demand at acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments.[1]

This guide walks you through every step for first-time applicants, renewals, replacements, and more. It draws from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you avoid pitfalls like photo rejections from glare or shadows, incomplete forms for minors, or using the wrong renewal form. Processing times vary—standard is 6-8 weeks, expedited 2-3 weeks—but avoid relying on last-minute service during peaks, as it's not guaranteed.[2]

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Start here to pick the right path. Eligibility determines your form and process.

• First-Time Passport: Use if you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous one was issued before age 16, or more than 15 years ago. Requires in-person application at an acceptance facility.[3]

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you're over 16, and it's undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Most can mail it in using Form DS-82—faster and no appointment needed. If ineligible (e.g., name change without docs or passport received before 16), treat as first-time.[4]

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report it via Form DS-64 (free if stolen), then apply as new or renew depending on age/issue date. Damaged passports are invalid.[5]

• Urgent Travel (Within 14 Days): Life-or-death emergencies qualify for in-person expedited at a passport agency (nearest: Atlanta or New Orleans, 4+ hours drive). Business trips don't qualify—plan ahead.[6]

For name/gender changes or corrections, additional evidence like court orders or medical letters is needed.[7] Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm: Passport Application Wizard.[8]

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals—photocopies won't do. U.S. citizens only; non-citizens need other docs.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy): Birth certificate (TN vital records if born here), naturalization certificate, or prior undamaged passport. For TN births, order from Tennessee Vital Records ($15+ rush).[9]

• Proof of Identity (original + photocopy): Driver's license, military ID, or government-issued photo ID. TN driver's licenses work; get enhanced if near borders.[10]

• Form DS-11 (First-Time/Minors/Replacements): Fill out by hand—do not sign until instructed. Download from travel.state.gov.[11]

• Form DS-82 (Renewals by Mail): Eligible adults mail with old passport, photo, fee.[4]

• Photos: One 2x2-inch color photo, taken within 6 months. See photo section below.[12]

Fees (as of 2023; check for updates): $130 adult book (first-time), $30 execution fee at facilities. Expedited +$60. Pay execution by check/money order to "Blount County Clerk" if applicable; passport fees by check to "U.S. Department of State."[13] TN doesn't charge state passport fees.

For minors under 16: Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent (Form DS-3053).[14]

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25%+ rejections in busy areas like Blount County. Specs are strict: 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches, white/cream/off-white background, even lighting—no shadows, glare, uniforms, or selfies.[12]

• Where to Get Them: USPS Maryville (Maryville Main Post Office, 408 W Harper Ave), Walmart Vision Center (1817 W Broadway Ave), CVS (nearby Alcoa), or Walgreens. Many offer digital previews. Cost: $10-17.[15]

Common TN issues: Glare from indoor lights, shadows from Smoky Mountain sunlight, or hats/headwear (unless religious/medical). Glasses OK if eyes visible—no glare. Infants: Eyes open, no one holding visible.[12]

Print specs: Matte or glossy OK, recent (6 months).[16]

Where to Apply Near Maryville

Blount County has limited facilities—book early via USPS Locator or call.[17] High demand means weeks-out waits in peaks.

No passport agencies in TN—nearest for urgent: Atlanta (8 hrs drive).[6] Renewals: Mail to State Dept. (address on DS-82).[4]

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Maryville

In the Maryville area, passport services are handled through authorized acceptance facilities, which are designated locations approved by the U.S. Department of State to receive and process new passport applications, renewals, and related forms. These facilities do not issue passports themselves; instead, they verify your identity, witness your signature, collect fees, and forward your sealed application to a regional passport agency for final processing. Common types of acceptance facilities include post offices, county clerk offices, public libraries, and municipal buildings, often found throughout Maryville and in nearby communities such as those in surrounding counties.

To use these facilities, prepare in advance by completing the required DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on whether it's a new application or renewal), providing proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), a valid photo ID, and a passport photo meeting State Department specifications (2x2 inches, white background, recent). You'll also need to pay application fees by check or money order—cash is rarely accepted—and any optional expedited service fees. Expect a wait for staff assistance, as they review documents for completeness and may require corrections on-site. Children under 16 must apply in person with both parents or guardians present. Processing times typically range from 6-8 weeks standard or 2-3 weeks expedited, so plan months ahead for travel.

While specific locations vary, searching the official State Department website or using their locator tool with "Maryville" as the city will show nearby options. Facilities in larger nearby towns may offer additional services like on-site photos.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities around Maryville tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring break, and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays are often the busiest weekdays due to weekend backlog, and mid-day hours (10 AM to 2 PM) typically draw crowds from locals running errands. To minimize waits, aim for early mornings, late afternoons, or less busy weekdays like Tuesdays through Thursdays. Check for appointment systems where available, as walk-ins can face long lines. Always confirm requirements online beforehand to avoid return trips, and consider off-peak seasons for smoother experiences.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Use this for first-time/minor/replacement (DS-11). Renewals skip to mailing.

1. Determine Eligibility: Use wizard.[8] Gather citizenship proof, ID, photocopies (front/back, 3.5x5 paper).

2. Fill Forms: DS-11 unsigned. DS-3053 if minor solo parent. Online autofill, print black ink.

3. Get Photo: Compliant 2x2. Staple? No—submit loose.

4. Book Appointment: Call/email facility. Bring all docs.

5. Appear in Person: Both parents for minors. Sign DS-11 on-site. Pay fees (two checks).

6. Track Status: Online at State Dept Tracker after 1-2 weeks.[19]

7. Receive Passport: Mailed 6-8 weeks (standard). Sign immediately.

Expedited Checklist Add-On:

• Add $60 fee at acceptance.
• For <14 days: Agency appt via 1-877-487-2778 + proof (itinerary).[6]
• 1-2 day urgent: Extra $21.36 + overnight return.[20]

Renewal by Mail Checklist:

1. DS-82 (signed).
2. Old passport.
3. Photo.
4. Check ($130 adult).
5. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.[4]

Processing Times and Expedited Options

No guarantees—State Dept warns peaks (spring/summer) add delays. Standard: 6-8 weeks door-to-door. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent <14 days: Agency only.[2]

TN travel surges: Summer Smoky tourism feeds TYS flights; winter to Florida/Caribbean. Students rush pre-fall. Track via email/text alerts when applying.[19]

Special Cases: Minors and Urgent Travel

Minors under 16 expire 5 years; both parents must consent. Incomplete DS-3053 rejects 20%+ apps. Notarized by TN notary (banks, UPS stores).[14]

Urgent: Airlines require passports 3+ months valid. Last-minute? Regional agencies booked solid—drive to Atlanta with itinerary, citizenship proof.[6]

Lost abroad? Contact U.S. Embassy; temporary passport possible.[21]

Common Challenges in Blount County

• Appointment Shortages: Facilities book 4-6 weeks out in summer. Check daily; walk-ins rare.
• Expedited Confusion: Expedited ≠ urgent. <14 days needs agency.
• Photo Fails: Shadows from car selfies, wrong size (TN DMV photos invalid).
• Docs: Missing birth cert certifies (TN requires raised seal).[9]
• Renewal Errors: Using DS-11 if eligible for DS-82 wastes time/fees.
• Peak Risks: Don't bank on 2-week expedited in March—plan 3 months ahead.[2]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for my child's passport without the other parent?
No, unless sole custody or notarized DS-3053. Both must appear or consent.[14]

How long before my trip should I apply?
3-6 months ideal. 6-8 weeks standard minimum; peaks longer.[2]

Is my TN REAL ID enough for everything?
REAL ID proves identity but not citizenship—need birth cert too.[10]

What if my passport is expiring soon but valid?
Renew early if mailing; many countries require 6 months validity.[22]

Can I track my application immediately?
No, wait 1-2 weeks for number. Use tracker.[19]

Does Blount County offer walk-ins?
Limited—USPS/Post Office requires appts; call ahead.[17]

My photo was rejected—what now?
Get new one; reapply with it. Common: glare/shadows.[12]

Can I renew in person if ineligible for mail?
Yes, as new applicant at facility.[4]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[3]U.S. Department of State - First-Time
[4]U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[5]U.S. Department of State - Lost/Stolen
[6]U.S. Department of State - Urgent Travel
[7]U.S. Department of State - Changes
[8]U.S. Department of State - Wizard
[9]Tennessee Vital Records
[10]U.S. Department of State - ID Requirements
[11]Form DS-11
[12]U.S. Department of State - Photos
[13]U.S. Department of State - Fees
[14]U.S. Department of State - Minors
[15]USPS Passport Photos
[16]State Dept Photo Tool
[17]USPS Location Finder
[18]Blount County Clerk
[19]Passport Status Check
[20]State Dept Expedited
[21]State Dept Emergencies
[22]State Dept Validity