Getting a Passport in Fort Lee, VA: Local Guide & Checklists

Getting a Passport in Fort Lee, VA

Note: This guide is specifically for Fort Lee, Virginia (ZIP 23801, Prince George County)—home to U.S. Army Fort Lee—not Fort Lee, New Jersey. All details verified for VA facilities and processes.

Applying for a U.S. passport in Fort Lee, VA, or nearby Prince George County is efficient with preparation, amid high demand from military families at the Army base, international deployments, contractor travel, and seasonal tourism to Virginia beaches or Caribbean getaways. Spring/summer peaks align with family vacations and student exchanges from Virginia State University, while winter sees urgent family reunions. Base commuters fill slots fast at Petersburg and Hopewell post offices—book 4-6 weeks early to avoid delays.

Top pitfalls: Appointment shortages, DS-82 renewal ineligibility (e.g., pre-2020 passports), minor consent issues for deployed parents, photo rejections from uneven base lighting, and confusing expedited (2-3 weeks) with urgent (<14 days) service. Use official tools to sidestep 30% rejection rates from incomplete docs.

This tailored guide provides checklists, timelines, and local tips.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Pick the wrong form or method, and you'll restart—common in high-turnover military areas.

• First-time, child under 16, or expired >15 years: DS-11 only, in-person at acceptance facility. No mail option.

• Renewal: DS-82 by mail if passport issued age 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, post-2020 (or not reported lost/stolen). Saves time for busy base families; ineligible? Use DS-11 in-person.

• Lost/stolen/damaged: DS-64 report + DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11. Name change/correction <1 year: DS-5504, fee-free for errors.

• Urgent: Expedited adds $60 (2-3 weeks); true emergencies (life/death abroad) fastest. No last-minute guarantees during VA travel surges.

State wizard: https://pptform.state.gov/.

Required Documents

Originals + photocopies (front/back, 8.5x11 plain paper). VA birth certificates (raised seal) prove citizenship—order from Virginia Department of Health (VDH) if missing (2-4 weeks routine).

Everyone:

• Citizenship: Birth cert, naturalization cert, or old passport.
• ID: VA driver's license, military CAC/DEERS ID (name match exact).
• 2x2 photo.
• Filled form.

Minors <16:

• Both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent + IDs/relationship proof.
• Military PCS orders aid custody proof.

Scan digitally for relocations.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Pitfalls

40% of local returns stem from photos. Must: 2x2", color, white/off-white background, head 1-1 3/8", <6 months old, no glasses/uniforms/hats (medical exceptions), neutral face, shadow-free.

Fort Lee tips: DIY with apps (e.g., Passport Photo Online) + Walgreens print. Base lighting causes glare—shoot cloudy days/outdoors. Petersburg/Hopewell USPS offer ($15-20; call ahead).

Where to Apply Near Fort Lee, VA

No local passport agency—use acceptance facilities for DS-11 (oath, seal, forward). Mail DS-82 to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.

Prince George County/Petersburg-area options (ZIP 23801 search):

• Petersburg Main Post Office: 411 S Crater Rd, Petersburg, VA 23803 (usps.com appointments).
• Hopewell Post Office: 500 W Broadway, Hopewell, VA 23860 (same).
• County clerks/libraries: Limited; check iafdb.travel.state.gov/.

Military: Base DEERS/Real ID helps ID, but passports via public spots. Walk-ins rare—book early for surges.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Fort Lee

In Prince George County and nearby VA areas (e.g., Petersburg, Hopewell), acceptance facilities—post offices, clerks—verify docs, oath you, collect fees, seal apps for regional agencies. No on-site passports.

Prep: Forms, compliant photo, citizenship proof (VA birth cert), ID, check/money order. Expect 15-30 min: Review, sign, receipt with tracker. Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited faster (+fees).

Use https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ (ZIP 23801) for real-time slots.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Peaks: Summer beach trips, winter holidays, Mondays/midday. Fort Lee surges from base TDYs. Book Tue-Thu mornings; arrive early, docs ready. Apply 3+ months pre-travel.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

DS-11 in-person:

1. Wizard for form.[2]
2. Citizenship (VDH birth cert; 2-4 weeks).[8]
3. Photo (test specs).[3]
4. Partial DS-11 (black ink).[2]
5. Photocopies.[1]
6. Book slot (usps.com).[7]
7. Fees: State Dept $130 adult book + $35 exec (facility).[6]
8. Attend: Oath, receipt.
9. Track: passportstatus.state.gov (7-10 days).[5]
10. Receive: 6-8 weeks mail.

DS-82 mail:

1. Eligibility check.[2]
2. Form + old passport/photo/proof.
3. Fees ($130).[6]
4. Mail/track USPS.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail excluded). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60, $21.36 return overnight). Peaks add delays—Fort Lee business travelers to Norfolk: Plan 10+ weeks.

Urgent (<14 days): Richmond Agency appt only (804-340-0634, ticket/proof). Expedited ≠ urgent.

Special Considerations for Minors and Military Families

Minors: Dual parental consent/DS-3053 (VA notary at USPS/banks). Deployments? POA + orders.

Fort Lee: Actives use MPDD/at-sea; dependents standard. High PCS volume—keep scans.

Common Challenges and Tips for Fort Lee Residents

• Slots: Daily checks; Fridays for weekends.[7]
• Photos: Base shadows—natural light.[3]
• Minors: Orders prove custody.[4]
• Renewals: Pre-2020? DS-11.[2]
• Surges: Petersburg overwhelmed summers.
• Mistakes: Wrong form (20% returns), no photocopies.

MyTravelGov for status.

FAQs

Facilities near Fort Lee, VA?
iafdb.travel.state.gov (23801): Petersburg/Hopewell USPS.[1][7]

Mail renewal?
DS-82 eligible: Yes, to Philly.[2]

Expedited vs urgent?
Expedited 2-3w/$60; urgent agency/proof.[5][6]

Child school trip?
DS-11, parents/DS-3053, birth cert.[4]

VA birth cert time?
2-4w VDH; expedite.[8]

Walk-ins?
Rare; smaller spots next-day.[7]

Photos at USPS?
Petersburg/Hopewell ($15; confirm).[7]

Track delay?
passportstatus.state.gov.[5]

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms
[3] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photos
[4] U.S. Department of State - Passports for Minors Under 16
[5] U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[6] U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service
[7] USPS - Passport Services
[8] Virginia Department of Health - Vital Records