Portsmouth, VA Passport Guide: Forms, Facilities, Checklists

Getting a Passport in Portsmouth, VA

Portsmouth, VA residents face high passport demand from Norfolk International Airport's international flights, Naval Shipyard military deployments, Old Dominion University study abroad programs, and seasonal Caribbean tourism amid humid coastal weather. Spring/summer peaks and winter escapes create appointment shortages—plan 4-6 weeks ahead for facilities strained by urgent military orders or family emergencies [1].

This guide provides Portsmouth-tailored steps, forms decisions (DS-11 in-person vs. DS-82 mail), timelines (6-8 weeks routine), checklists, and pitfalls like photo glare from Virginia humidity or expired child passports needing full reapplication. Use the State Department's wizard for your scenario [4].

Choose the Right Passport Service

Select DS-11 (in-person) or DS-82 (mail) to avoid rejections—missteps delay by weeks.

First-Time Applicants

Use DS-11 in person if no prior passport in current name, prior issued before 16 and expired over 5 years ago, under 16, name changes without docs, or passport card only (land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean/Bermuda—no air travel).

Pitfalls: Expired child passports aren't "renewals"; facilities reject incomplete apps (no citizenship proof, photo, fees). Portsmouth sites require appointments—no walk-ins.

Tips: Download DS-11 from travel.state.gov (don't sign until sworn). Fees: $130 adult book/$100 child + $35 execution. Expedite +$60 for 2-3 weeks.

Renewals

Mail DS-82 if issued <15 years ago (from issue date), you were 16+ at issuance, undamaged/not lost, in current name (docs for changes OK).

Checklist:

• Issue date <15 years ago
• Issued at 16+
• Undamaged, signed, not lost/stolen

Include old passport, 1 photo, fees (check to State Dept.). Ideal for shipyard workers avoiding traffic.

Pitfalls: Wrong form for changes (use docs for DS-82); unsigned form; selfies (use CVS). Renew 9 months early for overlap.

If ineligible: DS-11 in-person.

Replacements for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

First: File DS-64 online (travel.state.gov)—delays otherwise [3].

Include damaged book/police report. Military: Use base MPO [16].

Required Documents and Forms

Originals only (no photocopies except ID). Virginia birth certificates from VDH ($12, 1-2 weeks) common [5].

• Citizenship: Certified birth cert (raised seal), naturalization cert, prior passport.
• ID: VA driver's license, military ID—exact name match.
• ID Photocopy: Front/back, white paper.
• Photos: 1-2 (2x2", specs below).
• Minors: DS-3053 consent from both parents/notary.
• Fees: Check to "U.S. Department of State" ($130+); $35 execution to facility [6].
• Changes: Marriage/divorce from Portsmouth Circuit Court [7].

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25% rejections from poor specs: 2x2", color, 6 months recent, 1-1⅜" head, white background, neutral face, no glasses/uniforms/shadows/glare [8].

Portsmouth Tips: Humidity curls prints; overhead lights cause shadows. Use USPS/AAA booths or Walgreens ($15). Test vs. State examples [8]. Rejections add 6+ weeks.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Portsmouth, VA

Limited sites—book ASAP via links below. Confirm details/hours/availability at sources; no walk-ins.

Current Wait Times & Appointments: Check real-time slots/wait times via State Dept Locator (enter "Portsmouth, VA"—shows availability) or USPS tool. Peaks (spring/summer): Book 4 weeks early; check daily for cancellations. Nearby Norfolk if full.

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

1. Fill DS-11 (black ink, unsigned) [1].
2. Gather: Citizenship proof + copy, ID + copy, 2 photos, minor docs/fees.
3. Book appointment via facility links above.
4. Attend: Sign/sworn, pay $35 execution.
5. Agent seals; track after 5-7 days [13].

DS-82 Renewal Checklist:

1. Confirm eligibility.
2. Fill/sign DS-82, add old passport/1 photo/docs/fees.
3. Mail Priority (address on form).
4. Track [13].

Lost: DS-64 first [3].

Processing Times and Expediting Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks from receipt (4-6 in-person).
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60)—no guarantee in VA peaks.
• Urgent (14 days): Life-or-death only at Richmond Agency (appt: 804-340-0634) [12,14].

Plan 3 months ahead. Private services ($100+) via BBB-verified [15].

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Under 16: Both parents/notary (DS-3053; Portsmouth banks/USPS). Valid 5 years. Military families: Base IDs/MPO [16]. ODU students: Add I-20.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day in Portsmouth? No; Richmond for emergencies [12].

Book vs. Card? Book: air worldwide; Card: land/sea limited [1].

Post Office appointment? Yes, via USPS link [9].

Expiring soon? Renew DS-82 early [2].

Unsealed birth cert? Get certified from VDH [5].

Track early? After 5 days [13].

Expedited summer guarantee? No [2].

Renewal photos? Yes, 1 new [2].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[2] Renew
[3] Lost/Stolen
[4] Wizard
[5] VA Vital Records
[6] Fees
[7] Portsmouth Circuit Court
[8] Photos
[9] USPS Portsmouth
[10] Treasurer
[11] Facility Search
[12] Agencies
[13] Status
[14] Expedited
[15] BBB
[16] Navy Passports