Getting a Passport in Herndon, VA: Applications, Renewals, Facilities

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Herndon, VA
Getting a Passport in Herndon, VA: Applications, Renewals, Facilities

Getting a Passport in Herndon, VA

Herndon, VA residents in Fairfax County frequently need passports for international business amid the area's tech hubs or leisure trips via nearby Dulles International Airport (IAD). Demand peaks in spring/summer vacations, winter breaks, and for George Mason University student programs. Last-minute needs arise for emergencies or urgent deals, but facilities book up fast—plan 3-6 months ahead.

This guide details first-time applications, renewals, replacements, and more, using U.S. Department of State guidelines to sidestep issues like photo rejections (shadows, glare, dimensions), missing minor docs, or renewal mix-ups[2].

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Select the correct form to avoid delays. Use this decision tree:

  • DS-11 (In-Person, New/First-Time): Never had a passport, prior one issued before age 16, child under 16, ineligible renewal (damaged/lost passport, name change sans docs), or adding card to book[3].

  • DS-82 (Mail Renewal): Passport issued within 15 years, you were 16+, undamaged/not lost/stolen. Saves a Herndon trip for most adults[4]. Ineligible? Switch to DS-11.

  • Lost/Stolen/Damaged: Report via DS-64 (free); replace with DS-11 + police report if stolen[5].

  • Book vs. Card: Book for all travel ($130 adult routine); card cheaper ($30) but land/sea only to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean/Bermuda[6].

  • Minors: Always DS-11 in-person; both parents required[7].

Confirm via State Dept. wizard: https://pptform.state.gov/[1].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Herndon and Fairfax County

No Herndon passport agency (urgent only, <14 days travel[8]). Use appointment-based acceptance facilities—book via USPS locator or site; slots vanish in peaks[9]. Expect 15-30 minutes: staff verify ID/citizenship, check forms/photos, witness DS-11 oath/signature, collect fees (two checks), issue receipt. No walk-ins; photocopy help often on-site. Verify services/hours before visiting.

  • Herndon Post Office: 815 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170. Routine service; (703) 435-4106 or online[10].

  • Fairfax County Clerk of Circuit Court: Joseph V. Gartlan Jr. Judicial Center, 4110 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (~10 miles). First-time/minors/renewals; appointments needed[11].

  • Other Nearby: Vienna Post Office (9803 Cissna Park Dr, Vienna, VA); Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Dr, Reston, VA)[9].

Dulles Passport Agency (2930 International Dr, Dulles, VA) for urgent only (1-877-487-2778; travel proof required)[8].

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

For DS-11 in-person (gather pre-appointment):

Preparation

  1. DS-11: Fill online/print (black ink, single-sided); don't sign yet[3].
  2. Citizenship Proof: Original + photocopy (birth cert from VA Vital Records, naturalization cert, old passport)[13].
  3. ID Proof: Driver's license/govt ID + photocopy (VA REAL ID ok)[14].
  4. Photo: 2x2" color, <6 months old, white background, 1-1⅜" head, no glare/shadows/glasses (unless medical note). Herndon CVS/Walgreens (250 Elden St) work; use State tool to check[15].
  5. Minors: DS-3053 if one parent absent; both present or court order[7].
  6. Fees: Check to "U.S. Department of State" (app fee); check/money order to facility ($35 execution). Expedite +$60[12].
Type Routine Expedited
Adult Book $130 $190
Child Book $100 $160
Adult Card $30 $90
Child Card $15 $75
  1. Name Change: Marriage/court docs[4].

Application Day

  1. Arrive 15 min early.
  2. Staff reviews/signs DS-11.
  3. Pay; get receipt.
  4. Track: https://passportstatus.state.gov/ (7-10 days in)[16].

DS-82 mail: Old passport + photo + fees via Priority Mail from Herndon PO[4].

Processing Times and Urgent Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60; +$21.36 1-2 day return). Peaks delay; no guarantees[17].

Urgent (<14 days): Dulles agency appt only (travel itinerary + emergency proof; business rarely qualifies)[8]. IAD proximity aids quick access.

Abroad lost: U.S. embassy[18].

Common Challenges and Tips

  • Bookings: Fairfax spots fill weeks ahead; check daily for cancels. Try multiple sites[9].
  • Photos: 25% rejected—pro service or State app beats DIY[15].
  • Minors: 40% fail on parental docs; get affidavits early[7].
  • Renewals: >15 years old or <16 at issue? DS-11 only[4].
  • VA Birth Certs: 2-4 weeks from VDH/Fairfax Health; order now[13].
  • Busy Times: Avoid Mondays/midday peaks (11am-2pm); early AM/Fridays best in spring/summer/holidays.

Keep copies; verify official sites (no affiliation).

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day passport in Herndon? No; agencies for <14-day urgent only[8].

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited: faster routine. Urgent: agency for imminent need[17].

Herndon PO appointment? Yes; online/call, no walk-ins[10].

Ineligible mail renewal? DS-11 at Clerk/PO[4].

Single parent minor? Notarized DS-3053 or custody proof[7].

VA REAL ID for ID? Yes + copy[14].

Validity? 10yr adults, 5yr kids[6].

VA birth cert? VDH online or Fairfax[13].

Sources

[1] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport.html
[3] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/apply-in-person.html
[4] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/renew.html
[5] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/lost-stolen.html
[6] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/book-or-card.html
[7] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/children.html
[8] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/agencies.html
[9] https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
[10] https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm
[11] https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/clerk/passports
[12] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html
[13] https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/
[14] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/identification.html
[15] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
[16] https://passportstatus.state.gov/
[17] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html
[18] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/lost-stolen-passport-abroad.html

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