Getting a Passport in Bailey's Crossroads, VA: Complete Guide

Getting a Passport in Bailey's Crossroads, VA

Bailey's Crossroads (ZIP 22041), Fairfax County, is a quick hop from D.C., driving high passport demand from diplomats, tourists, students, and families bound for Europe or Asia. Expect surges in spring/summer vacations, holidays, and fall study-abroad rushes—appointments book out weeks ahead. Factor in 30-60 minute delays on Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) or Seminary Road; target Tuesday/Wednesday mornings, Metro Yellow Line stations, or rideshares to skip parking hassles. Grab compliant photos at CVS/Walgreens near Wilson Blvd for $15 en route. Plan 6-9 months ahead for routine service; emergencies mean $200+ expedites or a 1-hour D.C. agency drive.

This guide streamlines with tailored decision trees, checklists, tables, and Fairfax hacks. Always cross-check travel.state.gov—requirements evolve (e.g., photo rules).

Choose the Right Passport Service

Pick wrong? Rejection and delays. Use this decision tree:

Do you need a passport?
├── First-time, child <16, lost/stolen/damaged, >15 years expired, or major changes? → DS-11 (in-person only)
│   ├── Travel <14 days (28 w/visa)? → Expedite + itinerary → Nearest agency (e.g., D.C., 1-hr drive)
│   └── Routine? → Acceptance facility appointment
├── Eligible renewal (issued <15 yrs ago, you were 16+, undamaged, name matches)? → DS-82 (mail-in)
└── Name/gender correction? → DS-82 if eligible, else DS-11

Key Differences:

• DS-11: New issuance or invalid renewal. In-person oath required. No mail option.
• DS-82: Adult renewals only if passport meets criteria (recent, undamaged). Mail from home.
• Common Mistake: Guessing eligibility—check issue date/age first. Download forms single-sided, black ink at travel.state.gov. Never sign DS-11 beforehand.

Timelines (add 2 weeks buffer near D.C.): Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60). Track after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov.

Situation	Form	In-Person?	Common Pitfall
First-time/child/invalid renewal	DS-11	Yes	Forgetting both parents' presence/docs for kids
Eligible adult renewal	DS-82	Mail	Old passport >15 years old
Lost/stolen	DS-11 + DS-64 report	Preferred	No police report (helps fraud protection)
Minor damage	DS-82 if eligible	Mail	Assuming all damage needs DS-11
Name change	DS-82/DS-11	Eligibility-based	Missing original marriage/divorce decree

[Official Form Wizard

](https://pptform.state.gov/) | Downloadable Checklist PDF

Gather Required Documents

Docs cause 40% rejections—photocopy everything (front/back) on plain white 8.5x11" paper. No laminates.

Category	Must-Haves	Fairfax/VA Tips
Citizenship Proof	Original birth certificate (raised-seal from VDH), naturalization cert, or old passport	Order from vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records ($12+; 1-2 weeks mail). Avoid hospital abstracts.
Photo ID	VA driver's license (REAL ID fine), passport card, military ID	Copy both sides precisely.
Photos	Two 2x2" compliant (details below)	Local CVS/Walgreens guarantee specs.
Children <16	Parents' docs + DS-3053 (notarized if one absent)	Court order for sole custody; consent expires in 90 days.
Renewals/Reissues	Old passport + name change originals (marriage/divorce decree + copy)	File DS-64 online for lost first.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25% fail here. Strict specs: 2x2", 1-1⅜" head size, white/off-white background, <6 months old, neutral expression, no glasses/hats/uniforms/selfies, even lighting.

Pro Fixes:

• Eyes fill 50-69% of frame; head straight.
• Dodge VA store fluorescent glare/shadows.
• Measure before trimming—wrong size = auto-reject.

Bailey's go-tos: CVS/Walgreens ($15, quick). Confirm "State Department compliant."

Where to Apply Near Bailey's Crossroads

No passport agencies in 22041—use acceptance facilities for DS-11 (new apps/expedites). Mail DS-82 to Philadelphia P.O. Box 90155-0155. D.C. proximity spikes demand; book early.

What to Expect (15-45 min): Oath, document review, envelope seal. Bring organized folder. Agents often multilingual; no passports issued on-site.

Consolidated facilities (verify hours/phones/appts real-time—no static data reliable):

Facility	Address	Verify Details
Annandale Post Office	6916 Braddock Rd, Annandale, VA 22003	State Locator or USPS site
Falls Church Post Office	810 S Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046	Enter ZIP 22041 for pre-filtered list
Fairfax County Clerk of Circuit Court	4110 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030	DS-11 accepted; locator confirms
Arlington/Fairfax Libraries/Clerks	Various branches	Locator filters by service/availability

[Pr

e-Filtered State Dept Locator (ZIP 22041)](https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/) | USPS Locator

Fees: Application to "U.S. Dept of State" ($130 adult book); execution ~$35 (cash/card) to facility.

*(Fallback: [Google Maps Search](https://www.google.com/maps/search/passport+acceptance+facility+near+22041))*

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

DS-11 In-Person Prep (1-2 Weeks Early):

1. Run decision tree; download/sign-free form.
2. Gather/photocopy docs/photos.
3. Confirm fees (table below).
4. Book via locator/phone.

During Visit:

1. Arrive 15-30 min early (traffic!).
2. Present in DS-11 sequence; agent reviews privately.
3. Sign when prompted (black ink).
4. Pay separate checks; select routine/expedited.
5. Receive receipt—track online.

DS-82 Mail: USPS Priority (prepaid return envelope). Include old passport.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Service	Time (D.C. Area Buffer)	Requirements
Routine	6-8 weeks	Standard
Expedited	2-3 weeks	+$60; itinerary optional
Urgent Agency	1-3 days (<14 days travel)	Proof + fees; D.C. drive

Peaks extend 2x. No local same-day.

Costs Breakdown

Item	Routine (Adult Book)	Expedited	+1-2 Day Return
Book	$130 + $35 exec	$190 + $35	+$21.36
Card	$30 + $35	$90 + $35	+$21.36
Child Book	$100 + $35	$160 + $35	N/A

Common Pitfalls and Virginia-Specific Tips

• Scheduling: Book 4-6 weeks early; avoid Route 7 rush.
• VA Certs: VDH for births (1-2 weeks); Fairfax Clerk for marriages (faster/local).
• Photos/Docs: Glare or old pics trigger returns.
• Kids: DS-3053 needs full contact info; no shortcuts.
• Renew Trap: >15 years old? DS-11 only—don't mail DS-82.
• Phishing: Stick to .gov; ignore ads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day? No—agencies for true emergencies only.
DS-11 or DS-82? Decision tree above.
Appointment required? Locator confirms per facility.
VA Birth Cert? vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records (certified, recent).
Tracking? passportstatus.state.gov after submission.
REAL ID as ID? Yes, valid.

Final Advice

Ou

tsmart D.C. demand with early flawless prep. Call 1-877-487-2778 for nuances. Bookmark .gov sites now—Fairfax locals: Leverage county clerks for quick VA vitals (originals only, <1 year old).

Sources

[1] U.S. Dept of State Passports](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html) – Forms, fees, timelines.
[2] How to Apply](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply.html) – Checklists.
[3] VA Vital Records](https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/) – Certified copies.
[4] Photo Specs](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html).
[5] Passport Agencies](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/agencies.html).
[6] USPS Locations](https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport).
[7] Fairfax Clerk](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/sites/circuit/files/Assets/documents/pdf/commissions-clerk/passport-acceptance-facility.pdf) – Local records/services.