Passport Guide: Lincolnia VA Facilities, Steps & Requirements

Getting a Passport in Lincolnia, VA

Lincolnia, an unincorporated area in Fairfax County, Virginia, benefits from its proximity to Washington, DC, and Dulles International Airport, fueling high passport demand among government contractors, tech workers, and families heading overseas. Peak seasons—spring breaks, summer vacations, and holidays—see surges from business travel to Europe/Asia and leisure trips to Mexico/Caribbean, often overwhelming nearby facilities. Local students on exchanges and urgent family trips add pressure, with appointments filling weeks ahead. Plan 3+ months early to avoid delays [1].

Important Disclaimer: All fees, hours, addresses, and availability listed here are subject to change. Verify the latest details directly via the U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov) and the Passport Acceptance Facility Locator (iafdb.travel.state.gov) before proceeding [7][9].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose the right form to avoid rejection— a top mistake causing 20%+ delays:

• First-Time/New (DS-11): In-person only. Use if no prior passport, previous issued before age 16, expired >15 years ago, damaged, lost/stolen, or major name change. Expect 30-45 minute facility visit: agent verifies docs, administers oath, seals envelope for mailing to State Dept.

• Renewal (DS-82): Mail-only if passport issued <15 years ago, undamaged, received after 16, and in your current name. Lincolnia residents love this for skipping lines—processing mirrors new apps but no execution fee.

• Lost/Stolen/Damaged: Report via DS-64 online first, then DS-11 in-person for replacement. If validity remains, request extra pages instead.

• Corrections/Name Changes: DS-5504 (free, within 1 year); otherwise, DS-11 or DS-82.

Use the State Dept wizard at travel.state.gov for confirmation [2]. Common error: Attempting DS-82 renewal when ineligible—forces restart with DS-11.

Key Requirements and Documentation

Core items: Original/citified U.S. citizenship proof, valid photo ID, 2x2 photo, fees, Form DS-11 (unsigned until in-person).

• Citizenship: Virginia birth certificate from Dept of Health Vital Records (online/mail, 2-4 weeks) [6]. Naturalized: Original Certificate of Naturalization.

• ID: VA driver's license or military ID; Fairfax DMV Select for enhanced if traveling land/sea to Canada/Mexico.

• Fees (verify current at [7]): Adult book $130 + $35 execution (facility); card $30 + $35. Expedited +$60

. Separate checks: one to "U.S. Department of State," one to facility. Minors cheaper.

Minors <16: Both parents/DS-3053 notarized consent; child present. Missing items = instant rejection—bring extras [5].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Pitfalls

Rejections hit 25-30% due to photos. Strict rules: 2x2 color, white/off-white background, head 1-1 3/8", recent (6 months), neutral face, no glasses/selfies/shadows [8].

Lincolnia tip: CVS/Walgreens ($15) common but prone to glare; opt for UPS Store or USPS booths versed in specs. Measure head size; print matte.

Top Nearby Passport Acceptance Facilities

Lincolnia has no dedicated agency—use these Fairfax County spots (within 10 miles, high-rated for volume). All handle DS-11 new apps; book appointments early via phone/online locator [9]. Expect 20-60 min visits: doc review, oath, no on-site processing.

1. Fairfax County Clerk of Circuit Court
   4110 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
   Phone: (703) 691-7320
   Appointments: iafdb.travel.state.gov (search "Fairfax Circuit Court") or county site.

2. Annandale Post Office
   7010 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
   Phone: (703) 256-7777
   Appointments: tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport

3. Falls Church Post Office
   40 E Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046
   Phone: (703) 533-2328
   Appointments: tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport

4. Mason District Post Office
   9842 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22031
   Phone: (703) 293-2958
   Appointments: tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport

5. George Mason Regional Library (select times)
   1001 Patrick Henry Dr, Arlington, VA (nearby edge)
   Phone: (703) 993-8470
   Appointments: iafdb.travel.state.gov

Pro Tip: Mid-week mornings best; peaks (Mon mid-day, summer) wait 1+ hr. Confirm via locator—no walk-ins often [9]. Urgent (travel <14 days)? DC Passport Agency (202-647-0518, 2-hr drive) by appointment only [10].

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or New Applications (DS-11)

1. Wizard-check eligibility [2]; gather citizenship proof [6], ID, SSN#.
2. Fill DS-11 online, print unsigned [11].
3. Get compliant photo [8].
4. Minors: Parents + DS-3053 [5].
5. Fees/checks ready [7].
6. Book appt [9]; arrive 15 min early.
7. In-person: Sign/oath/submit.
8. Track after 7-10 days [12].

Timelines: Routine 6-8 weeks (10+ peaks); expedited 2-3 weeks. Mail to Lincolnia: +1-2 weeks.

Step-by-Step Checklist fo

r Renewals (DS-82)

1. Confirm eligibility [3].
2. Fill DS-82 online [3].
3. Attach old passport, photo, check.
4. Mail per instructions (USPS tracked ideal).
5. Expedite: +$60 envelope.

Same timelines; avoid peaks.

Expedited vs. Urgent Travel: Key Differences

Expedited ($60): 2-3 weeks for any routine app. Urgent agency: <14 days departure (ticket proof), life/death <3 days [10]. NoVA demand risks denial—apply early.

Common Challenges and Tips for Lincolnia Residents

• Appt Crunch: Check daily for Fairfax cancellations [9].
• NoVA Surges: Govt/tech travel March-June/Dec books solid.
• Mistakes: Wrong form/photos/docs; order birth certs 1 month early [6].
• Facilities: Arrive organized—agents flag incompletes fast.
• Alternatives: Renewals mail; trusted traveler (Global Entry) backups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day possible? No locally; DC agency urgent only [10].
Summer delays? Routine 10+ weeks possible [1].
Book vs. card? Book worldwide; card land/sea cheaper [7].
USPS appt needed? Yes, most [9].
Lost first? DS-64 then DS-11 [4].
Expiring soon? Renew early if eligible [3].
VA birth cert? VDH online [6].
Renewal expedite? Yes, mail-in [3].

Final Advice

Lincolnia's DC-adjacent vibe means easy access but fierce competition—start now. Official sites only. Safe travels!

Sources

[1] Travel.State.Gov - Processing Times
[2] Travel.State.Gov - Apply in Person
[3] Travel.State.Gov - Renew by Mail
[4] Travel.State.Gov - Lost/Stolen
[5] Travel.State.Gov - Children
[6] Virginia Dept of Health - Vital Records
[7] Travel.State.Gov - Fees
[8] Travel.State.Gov - Photo Requirements
[9] Passport Acceptance Facility Locator
[10] Travel.State.Gov - Passport Agencies
[11] Passport Forms
[12] Passport Status
[13] USPS - Passports