Getting a Passport in Covington, VA: Steps, Forms, Facilities

Getting a Passport in Covington, VA

Covington, Virginia (ZIP 24426), residents often apply for passports ahead of trips to Europe, the Caribbean, or family visits abroad, with peaks in spring/summer vacations and winter holidays. Urgent needs arise for job relocations or emergencies. Local facilities see high demand, so plan 4-6 weeks early. This guide uses U.S. Department of State data to help avoid pitfalls like incorrect forms (DS-11 vs. DS-82), photo failures (25% of rejections), and missing citizenship proof [1].

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Start here to prevent delays—wrong form means starting over.

Decision Tips: Check your old passport's issue date and condition. If eligible for DS-82 mail renewal, skip facilities—saves time for Covington locals. Virginia drivers often use REAL ID for ID proof [1].

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

Apply in person only. Expect 15-30 minutes at facilities; agents review docs, witness signature/oath.

1. Form DS-11: Download from travel.state.gov/forms; fill by hand (black ink), don't sign yet [1].
2. Citizenship Proof: Original birth certificate (Virginia long-form preferred), naturalization cert, or old passport + photocopy [1].
3. Photo ID: VA driver's license/REAL ID (photocopy both sides) [1].
4. Photos: 2x2-inch, <6 months old (details below) [3].
5. Fees: $130 to "U.S. Department of State" (check/money order) + $35 execution (to facility). Expedite: +$60 [4].
6. Book Appointment: Use facility tools (links below).
7. Submit: Bring originals/copies; sign in front of agent.
8. Track: passportstatus.state.gov [5].

Common mistake: Signing DS-11 early—forces re-do.

Common Documentation Challenges and Tips

Co

vington applicants face rejections from:

• Short-Form Birth Certs: Get long-form from VDH Vital Records (1-2 weeks, $12) [6].
• Name Mismatches: Bridge with marriage license/court order.
• Minors: Notarized DS-3053 if one parent absent; include custody docs [2].
• Photocopies: Plain paper, both sides; extras recommended—facilities charge $0.50/page.

Pro Tip: Scan/upload docs to phone as backup. Timelines: Order replacements 8+ weeks pre-travel.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25-30% of apps fail here [3]. Measure head (1-1⅜ inches from chin to crown).

Local Options: Covington Post Office (~$15), CVS/Walgreens/UPS in Clifton Forge (10-min drive). Confirm via tools.usps.com [7]. No self-prints if rejected.

Where to Apply in Covington, VA

No passport agency here—use acceptance facilities for DS-11 execution (not processing). Search all via iafdb.travel.state.gov (ZIP 24426) [8]. Book appointments to beat lines.

• Covington Post Office (428 S Lexington Ave, Covington, VA 24426): DS-11/execution, photos available. Call (540) 965-5383 or book at tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?address=24426 [9].
• Alleghany County Clerk of Circuit Court (266 W Main St, Covington, VA 24426): Passport services (verify directly). Call (540) 965-1730; site alleghanycounty.us/173/Circuit-Court-Clerk [10].

What to Expect: 15-45 min wait; agent checks docs, oaths you. No walk-ins during peaks (Mon mid-day). Nearby: Clifton Forge Post Office (5 miles).

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Peaks add 2 weeks. Urgent? Prove travel; call 1-877-487-2778 after local try [11]. Track: [passportstatus.state.g

ov](https://passportstatus.state.gov/) [5][12].

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Under-16s always DS-11 in-person:

• Both parents + child IDs.
• Absent parent: Notarized DS-3053.
• Photos: No visible piercings [2].

Covington families: Align with school breaks; VDH birth certs for kids.

Virginia-Specific Travel Context

Drive to Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional (ROA, 1.5 hrs) or Dulles (IAD, 3 hrs) for flights. Alleghany County surges with DC commuters. Renew DS-82 early for stability [13].

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals (DS-82 by Mail)

1. Confirm eligibility [1].
2. Fill DS-82 (forms link) [1].
3. Add old passport, 2 photos, fees ($130 to State Dept).
4. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [14].
5. Track online [5].

Use Priority Mail ($30+ insurance).

FAQs

How soon for Covington apps? 10-13 weeks pre-travel [12].
Post Office photos? Yes, ~$15; book via USPS tool [7].
Expedited vs. Urgent? Expedited anytime (+$60, 2-3w); urgent needs proof/agency [11].
Appointments needed? Yes, book online/phone [8].
Lost in VA? DS-64 online + DS-11; police report speeds it [1].
Minor renewals? No, always in-person [2].
VA Birth Cert? VDH site, 1-2w [6].
REAL ID for ID? Yes [1].

Final Tips

Use official sites only—scams target locals. Prep docs night before. Flexibility for small-town waits.

Sources

[1] U.S. Dept of State - Forms
[2] Children Under 16
[3] Photo Requirements
[4] Fees
[5] Status Check
[6] VA Dept of Health - Vital Records
[7] USPS Passports
[8] Facility Search
[9] USPS Finder
[10] Alleghany County Clerk (Verify services)
[11] [Expedited](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/pas

[12] Passport Processing Times
Processing Times
Check these official times before applying in Covington—routine service typically takes 6-8 weeks (longer during peak seasons like summer). For urgent travel within 2-3 weeks, opt for expedited service (+$60, 2-3 weeks) or urgent service (+$219 + overnight fees, 1-2 days via agency). Common mistake: Underestimating holidays or backlogs in rural VA areas; apply 3+ months early if possible. Decision tip: Use the estimator tool—if your trip is international, prioritize expedited to avoid stress.

[13] Virginia Tourism Resources
VA Tourism
Great for planning post-passport trips from Covington, like beach getaways or D.C. visits. Explore itineraries to decide if you need a passport for international spots (e.g., Canada drives from western VA). Pro tip: Pair with passport status checks to time your adventures.

[14] Passport Mailing Addresses
Mailing Addresses
Select the right PO Box based on your payment method and form type (e.g., check vs. money order). For Covington (ZIPs starting 24426), use VA-specific guidance—double-check to avoid delays. Common mistake: Using the wrong address for renewals vs. first-time apps. Decision guidance: Mail only complete apps with photos; track via USPS for rural routes prone to slower delivery.