Getting a Passport in Mantua, VA: Fairfax County Steps

Getting a Passport in Mantua, VA

Mantua, nestled in Fairfax County, Virginia, near Washington, D.C., sees heavy passport demand from business travelers using Dulles International Airport (IAD), tourists heading to Europe or the Caribbean, and George Mason University students on study abroad programs. Peaks hit in spring/summer vacations, winter holidays, and urgent business or family trips. Fairfax facilities fill quickly, so start early—especially with I-66 or Route 123 traffic adding commute time.

This guide provides Mantua-specific steps, from choosing forms to avoiding errors like photo rejections or wrong paperwork. Verify details on travel.state.gov, as rules evolve.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Select the right path to avoid restarts. Use the State Department's online quiz for confirmation.

• First-time (DS-11, in person): Never had a passport, minor's prior one expired at 16+, or adult's over 15 years old/damaged. Includes replacements, corrections after 1 year, or adding pages (request 52-page book).

• Renewal (DS-82, by mail): Adult passport issued at 16+, undamaged, within 15 years (even expired). Faster and fee-cheaper—no execution fee.

• Lost/stolen: Report via DS-64, then DS-11 (or DS-82 if eligible). Extra $60 fee if valid.

• Urgent (14 days or less): DS-11 in person at facility or agency; prove travel with tickets. Mail renewals ineligible.

Fairfax's DC proximity offers Regional Passport Agency access for life-or-death emergencies (72 hours abroad), but book via travel.state.gov.

Required Documents and Forms

Originals required (photocopies only for extras). U.S. citizens only.

Citizenship Proof (original returned post-processing):

• Certified birth certificate (state/county-issued; not hospital).
• Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate or Consular Birth Report.
• Old undamaged passport.

Identity Proof: Valid photo ID (VA driver's license ideal).

Minors under 16: Both parents appear or DS-3053 notarized consent + ID copy from absent one. Birth cert with both parents' names.

Photos: 2x2-inch color, <6 months old, plain white/light background. Head 1-1⅜ inches (chin to top), neutral expression, no glasses/uniforms unless documented medical need. Rejections common for glare, shadows, or size.

Print forms single-sided from travel.state.gov.

VA Tip: Get birth certs from Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Vital Records or Fairfax Circuit Court Clerk (2-4 weeks standard)

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Passport Photos in Mantua

Skip DIY or booths—use pros familiar with specs. Near Mantua (5-15 min drives):

• CVS Pharmacy locations (e.g., Fairfax area): ~$17, ready-to-go.
• UPS Store or FedEx Office spots.
• Search "passport photos Fairfax" for walk-ins.

Bring one printed photo; cost $10-17.

Where to Apply Near Mantua

No Mantua facility—use Fairfax County acceptance agents (post offices, clerks). They verify docs, witness signatures, seal, and forward to State Department (no on-site passports). Book via usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport or call [10].

Proven Nearby Options (10-25 min drives; confirm slots/hours):

• Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk (Fairfax): First-time/minors.
• USPS Fair Oaks or Fairlington (Fairfax/Arlington).
• Mason District Governmental Center (Annandale).

What to Expect: Arrive 15-30 min early with folder of docs/form/photos/fees. Agent reviews everything (expect questions on citizenship proof), you sign DS-11 on-site, pay, get receipt/tracking. 20-45 min typical; busy = longer.

Planning Tips: Slots scarce 4-6 weeks out (spring/summer peaks). Target early mornings/Tues-Thurs to dodge crowds/Mondays. Appointments preferred; walk-ins rare. Dulles flights? Pair with expedited. For maps, search "passport acceptance facility near Mantua, VA" on Google Maps.

Emergencies: Washington Passport Agency (D.C., ~30 min)—appointment/proof required [12].

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

1. Confirm need via travel.state.gov quiz [2].
2. Gather: Citizenship proof, ID, photo, fees (check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; facility takes personal checks).
3. Complete DS-11 (black ink, no sign yet).
4. Book appointment [10].
5. Attend in person (all applicants; parents for minors).
6. Sign before agent.
7. Pay and track at passportstatus.state.gov.

Current Fees (gov application + execution; verify [13]):

+$21.36 overnight return optional.

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

Eligible adults only (no minors, damaged, or >15 years).

1. Verify eligibility [3].
2. Complete DS-82 online/print.
3. Include: O

ld passport, photo, check to "U.S. Department of State" ($130 adult book routine). 4. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. 5. Track online.

No execution fee; expedited +$60.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).
• Urgent (<14 days): In-person + proof; DC agency for <5 days.

Northern VA delays spike in peaks—apply 10+ weeks early. Airlines (e.g., Dulles) enforce rules strictly [14].

Special Rules for Minors

• <16: Both parents or DS-3053 + ID copy.
• 16-17: One parent consent.
• Frequent rejection: Missing parent docs.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Slots/photos: Book early; get pro photos (test specs via State tool).
• Form errors: DS-82 ineligible? Restart as DS-11. Sign too early? Invalid.
• Docs: Hospital birth certs fail; get certified copy.
• Timing: Summer waits double; track weekly.
• Mantua tip: Factor 10-20% extra drive time for Fairfax traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport possible? No locally—DC agency for proven 72-hour emergencies [12].

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited anywhere (2-3 weeks); urgent needs proof/imminent travel [1].

Expired 16+ years? DS-11 as new [3].

USPS appointment needed? Yes, most Fairfax spots [10].

Lost passport? DS-64 report + DS-11/DS-82 +$60 [4].

Digital photos OK? No, printed only [7].

VA birth cert? VDH or Fairfax Clerk [8].

Study abroad? Apply 3 months early; attach enrollment for urgents.

Sources

[1] Passport Processing Times
[2] How to Apply
[3] Renew Adult Passport
[4] Lost/Stolen
[5] Citizenship Evidence
[6] Children Under 16
[7] Photo Requirements
[8] Virginia Vital Records
[9] CVS Passport Photos
[10] [US

PS Locations](https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport-office)
[11] Fairfax Circuit Passports
[12] Passport Agencies
[13] Passport Fees
[14] Airline Requirements