Manassas VA Passport Guide: Steps, Facilities, Checklists

Getting a Passport in Manassas, VA

Manassas residents frequently apply for passports due to Northern Virginia's proximity to Dulles International Airport, supporting business travel, family trips to Europe or the Caribbean, and student exchanges. Seasonal peaks in spring breaks, summer vacations, and winter holidays strain local facilities, with appointments filling 4-6 weeks ahead. This guide provides Manassas-specific steps, checklists, and decision aids to sidestep errors like invalid photos or form mismatches. All passports issue through the U.S. Department of State via authorized acceptance facilities—verify latest rules at travel.state.gov.[1][2]

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Mischoosing forms causes most rejections. Use this decision tree:

Download single-sided from travel.state.gov. Common mistake: Signing DS-11 early—voids it.[1]

Required Documents and Forms

Assemble pre-appointment; gaps delay processing 4-6 weeks in peak seasons.

Citizenship Proof (original + photocopy front/back on 8.5x11 white paper):

• Certified U.S. birth certificate (order from Virginia Dept. of Health if needed).[4]
• Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate.
• Prior U.S. passport (undamaged).

Identity Proof (original + photocopy):

• Virginia driver's license, state ID, military ID.
• No primary ID? Secondary combo (e.g., employee ID + Social Security card).

One 2x2 photo (6 months old, color).[1]

Fees (as of 2024; verify current at travel.state.gov):

• Adult book: $130 (State Dept. check) + $35 execution (facility).
• Child (<16): $100 + $35.
• Expedited: +$60; 1-2 day return: +$21.36.
• Cards (l

and/sea only): $30/$65 less.

Separate checks: "U.S. Department of State" for app fee; facility name for execution (or card at some). Minors need DS-3053 if one parent absent.[1]

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25% of apps rejected for photos—glare or sizing issues common. Requirements:

• 2x2 inches; head 1-1⅜ inches (use state.gov validator).[5]
• White background, even light, no glasses/uniforms (exceptions documented).
• Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open.

Manassas options: CVS (e.g., 6960 Union St), Walgreens, Walmart (~$15, passport-compliant). Avoid home prints; rejections waste slots.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Manassas

Consolidated list of authorized spots—book 4-6 weeks early via USPS locator (tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?location-type=passport) or direct sites. Expect 15-30 min: Agent verifies docs, administers oath, you sign DS-11, pays fees. Walk-ins rare; photocopy/photo services often on-site. No passport issuance here—forwarded to processing center.

• Manassas City Clerk's Office
  9027 Center St, Manassas, VA 20110
  Phone: 703-257-8257
  Book/Info | Google Maps

• Old Town Manassas Post Office
  9002 Church St, Manassas, VA 20110
  Appointments via USPS locator | Google Maps

• Manassas Main Post Office
  8601 Mathis Ave, Manassas, VA 20110
  Busy; early booking essential | Google Maps

• Bull Run Post Office (nearby overflow)
  Prince William County area; check USPS locator.

Renewals: Mail DS-82—no local needed. Urgent: Nearest agency is Philadelphia PASI.[3]

Busy tips: Avoid Mondays/midday; mid-week mornings best. Peaks (spring/summer/winter) add waits.

Step-by-Step Checklist: First-Time or New Passport (DS-11)

1. Complete DS-11 online (print unsigned).[1]
2. Collect docs + photo + photocopies.
3. Prep checks; confirm fees/facility.
4. Book appointment (USPS/Clerk site).
5. Arrive 15 min early wit

h originals. 6. Agent interview: Review, oath, sign DS-11, pay. 7. Receive receipt; track after 7-10 days at travel.state.gov.

Expedite: Request on-site (+$60). Timeline: Routine 6-8 wks; expedited 2-3 wks (peaks longer).

Step-by-Step Checklist: Renewals and Replacements (DS-82/DS-11)

Renewal (mail):

1. Verify eligibility.[1]
2. Fill DS-82; add old passport, photo, $130 check, prepaid return env.
3. Mail: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
4. Track after 2 wks.

Replacement:

1. DS-64 online report.[1]
2. DS-11 process as first-time.

Mistake: Mailing ineligible DS-82—delays months.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail adds 1-2).
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).
• <14 days: Agency only (proof req'd, 1-877-487-2778).[3]

NoVA peaks add 2-4 weeks; track weekly. Cards cheaper but air-travel invalid.

Special Cases: Minors and Urgent Travel

Minors: DS-11 in-person; both parents/DS-3053 + ID. School trips: Letter optional, start 3 months early.

Urgent: Itinerary proof for agency slot. Dulles flights tempt last-minute, but unreliable.

Common Challenges and Local Tips

• Appointment scarcity: USPS caps slots; check daily.
• Doc errors: Photocopy both sides; order VA birth cert early (2-4 wks).[4]
• Photos/form signing: Pro service + unsigned DS-11.
• Peaks: Dulles-driven tourism overwhelms.
• Prep: Duplicate copies; ask fee waivers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Manassas? No—facilities submit only.[3]

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited speeds routine; urgent needs agency.[1]

Appointment needed? Yes at all listed.[2]

Renewing soon-to-expire? DS-82 mail, 9 months ahead.[1]

Child for school trip? DS-11 + parents; early for exchanges.[1]

Tracking? After 5-7 days: travel.state.gov.[1]

Passport card from Dulles? No, air needs book.[1]

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] USPS Passport Services
[3] U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service
[4] Virginia Department of Health - Vital Records
[5] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements

[6] City of Manassas - Clerk's Office

Last updated: October 2024. Fees, times, and details may change—verify on travel.state.gov and facility sites.