Complete Guide to Passport Services in Colonial Beach, VA

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Colonial Beach, VA
Complete Guide to Passport Services in Colonial Beach, VA

Passport Services in Colonial Beach, VA

Colonial Beach's Potomac River location fuels travel dreams—from Dulles (IAD) flights to Europe for business, family trips to Latin America, or quick Caribbean/Mexico beach escapes. Spring/summer peaks strain local slots with regional demand from King George and Northumberland counties, plus high school exchanges and emergencies. Rural access means planning ahead: book 4-6 weeks early during highs. This State Department-sourced guide covers new, renewal, replacement, and child passports with checklists, pitfalls (e.g., humidity-glared photos, DS-11/DS-82 errors), timelines, and Colonial Beach tweaks like fresh prints for muggy air.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Start with the Passport Wizard for eligibility: travel.state.gov/passport-wizard. Mail-in renewals (DS-82) save time for qualifying adults; everything else requires in-person DS-11.

Scenario Form Method Routine Timeline Key Notes
First-time (16+), issued <16, or expired >15 years DS-11 In-person 6-8 weeks No mail option
Adult renewal (16+ at issue, <15 years expired, undamaged, in hand) DS-82 Mail 6-8 weeks No major name/gender changes
Lost/stolen/damaged (passport unavailable) DS-11 In-person 6-8 weeks File DS-64; police report boosts approval
Child <16 DS-11 In-person 6-8 weeks Both parents or consent; 5-year validity
Urgent (<14 days out, or <28 with visa) DS-11 Local + agency 1-13 days Trip proof; DC Agency ~1.5-2 hr drive via Rt 3/301

Pitfalls: Mailing DS-82 for lost/ineligible cases triggers 4+ week rejections. Local tip: Test forms in pencil first—VA humidity fades ink.

Gather Required Documents and Forms

Apps return unprocessed without originals + front/back photocopies (8.5x11 white paper). Use pptform.state.gov to fill/print.

Category Items Pitfalls & Tips
Citizenship Original birth/naturalization cert or prior U.S. passport Hospital "keepsakes" or copies rejected; VA births via VDH ($12/copy, vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records; VitalChek for 2-3 day rush +$40). Pre-1912: County clerk.
ID Valid driver's license/military ID (name match) + photocopy Expired IDs fail; bring VA DL backup.
Photo One 2x2" color (<6 months, white bg, 1-1⅜" head, neutral expression) 25-51% rejections from glare/shadows—use CVS/Walgreens/AAA ($12-15); validate travel.state.gov/photos. Humidity tip: Pro shoots only.
Form DS-11 (unsigned till oath) or DS-82 (signed) Print single-sided fresh; no signing DS-11 early.
Fees App fee to State ($130 adult book); execution ($35 to facility) Cash/check; split payments. Full travel.state.gov/fees.
Extras Name change: Decree + copy; lost: DS-64/police; child: DS-3053 notarized. Sole custody: Court order/death cert.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Strict rules cause most returns: No glasses, smiles, hats, uneven lighting. Colonial Beach sun/Potomac glare distorts—pros fix it. Free validator: travel.state.gov/photos.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Colonial Beach

No local passport agency—urgent/life-or-death to DC Passport Agency (202-647-0516, ~1.5-2 hr north via Rt 3/301 to I-95; proof required). Check real-time availability/book:

Expect 15-45 min visits: Oath, review, seal, receipt (no passports/photos issued). Early weekdays; peaks book 4+ weeks out. Walk-ins rare—call ahead.

Verified nearby (drive from center; confirm hours/acceptance):

  • Colonial Beach Post Office: 215 McKinney Blvd, 22443. (804) 224-7111. ~5 min.
  • Westmoreland County Clerk: 111 Polk St, Montross, 22520. (804) 493-8627. ~15 min.
  • Montross Post Office: 28746 Mary Ball Rd, 22520. (804) 493-8134. ~15 min.
  • Fredericksburg Main PO: 1200 Princess Anne St, 22401. (540) 373-3431. ~45 min (busy).

Step-by-Step Checklists

Reference "Gather Documents" above. Track at passportstatus.state.gov or 1-877-487-2778.

In-Person (DS-11: First-Time, Child, Lost/Stolen/Damaged, Ineligible Renewals)

  1. Fill DS-11 online (travel.state.gov), print unsigned (single-sided).
  2. Gather all docs/photo/fees; book appt via tools above (rural slots fill fast).
  3. Drive early (factor bridges/traffic; 45-60+ min to farther spots); arrive 20-30 min ahead with folder/snacks.
  4. Oath, sign, pay—agent seals; get receipt (barcode for tracking). Rejections rare if prepped.
  5. Wait 6-8 weeks (expedite +$60 for 2-3); kids need both parents/child present or DS-3053.

Expect: Quick doc scan (longer w/kids); no passport that day—mailed later. Mistake: No ID copies.

Mail Renewal (DS-82: Eligible Adults Only)

  1. Confirm via wizard.
  2. Fill/sign DS-82; attach old passport, photo, fees, ID/citizenship photocopies.
  3. Mail Priority (trackable) from PO to address on form.
  4. Track online (6-8 weeks).

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Level Extra Fee Time Access
Routine None 6-8 weeks All
Expedited +$60 2-3 weeks Facility/mail
Urgent (<14 days) +$60 + delivery 1-13 days DC Agency post-local
Life-or-Death +fees + overnight Days Call DC w/proof

Peaks (Mar-Jun/Sep-Dec) delay 20%; apply 9+ weeks early. Details: travel.state.gov/get-fast.

Special Rules for Minors Under 16

DS-11 in-person w/child; both parents/guardians or notarized DS-3053 (from absent). $100 book/$35 exec; valid 5 years. Sole parent: Custody docs. Common error: Missing consent.

Common Challenges and FAQs

Challenges:

  • Seasonal slot scarcity—book via tools now.
  • Wrong form (DS-82 for lost)—delays months.
  • Photo/doc rejections (humidity/shadows).
  • No local same-day; DC for urgents (90 miles).

FAQs:

  • Renewal expired 15+ years? DS-11 only.
  • Passport book vs card? Book for air; card for Canada/Mexico land/sea.
  • Travel in 3 weeks? Expedite; <14 days to DC.
  • Rush VA birth cert? VitalChek ($40+, 2-3 days).
  • Non-parent pickup? No—parents/guardian only.
  • Jewelry/glasses? OK if no glare/shadows.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[2] Renew Adult Passport
[3] Children Under 16
[4] Get Fast
[5] Photo Requirements
[6] VA Vital Records
[7] Facility Search
[8] USPS Passports
[9] Westmoreland Clerk
[10] Status Check

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations