Reston VA Passport Guide: First-Time, Renewal, Replacement

Obtaining a Passport in Reston, VA

Reston, located in Fairfax County, Virginia, sits in a region with robust international travel patterns. Residents frequently travel abroad for business, tourism, and family visits, with peaks in spring and summer vacations, winter breaks, and student exchange programs. Proximity to Dulles International Airport amplifies demand, especially for last-minute trips due to urgent work or family emergencies. However, high demand at local acceptance facilities often leads to limited appointments, making early planning essential. This guide covers the full process, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you navigate first-time applications, renewals, replacements, and more [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before starting, identify your situation to select the correct form and process. Mischoosing can delay your application.

First-Time Passport

Use Form DS-11 if you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous one was issued before age 16, or it was issued more than 15 years ago. Decision guidance: Check the issue date on your old passport (not expiration)—if it's outside these windows, renew with Form DS-82 instead for faster processing by mail. You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility [2].

Reston, VA specifics: Local options include USPS post offices, public libraries, and county clerk offices—search "passport acceptance facility Reston VA" on travel.state.gov or usps.com to confirm hours, appointments (often required), and wait times. Aim for weekdays to avoid crowds.

Practical steps:

1. Complete Form DS-11 but do not sign until instructed.
2. Gather: Original U.S. birth certificate (or naturalization certificate), valid photo ID (driver's license + secondary like Social Security card), one 2x2" passport photo (many pharmacies offer this), and fees (checkbook or exact cash/card; no personal checks at some spots).
3. Book ahead online if possible—walk-ins may be limited.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Forgetting originals (photocopies won't suffice).
• Using an expired ID (must be current).
• Bringing a photo that's too old, worn, or non-compliant (white background, no glasses/selfies).
• Assuming all facilities process expedited service (ask first for 2-3 week needs).

Plan for 4-6 weeks standard processing; track status online post-application.

Renewal

Eligible passports can be renewed by mail using Form DS-82 if:

• Your passport was issued when you were age 16 or older.
• It was issued within the last 15 years.
• It is undamaged and in your possession.
• You are not changing your name, gender, date/place of birth, or appearance significantly.

If ineligible, use DS-11 in person [2].

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

Step 1: Report the incident immediately. Submit Form DS-64 (free U.S. Department of State Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport) online at travel.state.gov or by mail. This generates a confirmation number you'll need for your replacement application. Common mistake: Skipping this step delays processing and may require resubmission.

Step 2: Prepare your replacement application. Gather:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., original birth certificate, naturalization certificate; photocopies accepted for renewals).
• Valid photo ID (e.g., driver's license; Virginia IDs work well if current and not expired).
• Two identical 2x2-inch color passport photos (white background, taken within 6 months; common mistake: using selfies, old photos, or incorrect size—many pharmacies or UPS stores offer this service affordably).
• Your damaged passport (if applicable; mutilated ones go with DS-11 only).
• Form DS-64 confirmation.

Step 3: Choose your application method.

• DS-82 (mail renewal, no execution fee): Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, undamaged (lost/stolen OK), and you're mailing from the U.S. Mail to the address on the form. Decision guidance: Ideal for Reston-area residents with standard timelines (6-8 weeks); saves a trip but no in-person verification.
• DS-11 (in person): Required if ineligible for DS-82, first-time applicant, or damaged/mutilated passport. Visit a passport acceptance facility (e.g., post office or clerk of court; search travel.state.gov by ZIP code for nearby options in the 20190-20194 range). Do not sign until instructed. Includes $35 execution fee. Common mistake: Going to non-acceptance locations like banks or assuming all post offices qualify—confirm via website.

Fees and timing: $60 application fee if replacing within one year of issuance; otherwise, standard $130 adult book fee applies (plus execution/expedite). Add $60 for expedited service (2-3 weeks) or $21.36 1-2 day delivery if needed. Decision guidance: For Reston-area travel within 6 weeks, prioritize in-person + expedite; check processing times at travel.state.gov as Virginia facilities often handle high volume efficiently but book appointments early to avoid waits. Track status online post-submission. [3]

Name Change, Correction, or Multiple Passports

For corrections (e.g., data errors), use DS-5504 within one year of issuance (no fee, by mail). Otherwise, DS-11 or DS-82. Request a second passport (e.g., for frequent travelers) alongside your primary one using DS-82 [1].

For minors under 16, always use DS-11 in person with both parents/guardians present or consenting [4].

Use the State Department's interactive tool to confirm: https://pptform.state.gov/ [2].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Reston

Reston residents apply in person (for DS-11) at authorized facilities. Fairfax County's high travel volume means booking appointments 4-6 weeks ahead, especially during peak seasons like spring/summer and holidays. Use the official locator: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ [5].

Key local options:

• Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk's Office (4110 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030): Handles first-time, minors, and replacements. Appointments required via phone (703-691-7320) or online. Open weekdays [6].
• Reston Post Office (1111 Reston Ave, Reston, VA 20190): Offers passport services; call (703-860-2189) for availability [7].
• Herndon Post Office (810 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170, nearby): Frequent appointments; verify via USPS locator [7].
• Hunter Mill Regional Library (8025 Sheridan Dr, Vienna, VA 22180): Seasonal or limited hours; check locator [5].

Northern Virginia facilities fill quickly due to Dulles traffic and business travel. Arrive early with all documents; no walk-ins at most sites.

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

Follow this checklist meticulously. Incomplete applications are rejected, common in high-demand areas like Fairfax.

1. Complete Form DS-11: Fill out online at https://pptform.state.gov/ but do not sign until instructed at the facility. Print single-sided on white paper [2].
2. Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (Virginia vital records: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Photocopy front/back [1].
3. Provide Photo ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, etc. Photocopy [1].
4. Get Passport Photo: One 2x2 color photo taken within 6 months. See photo section below [8].
5. Pay Fees: Check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of State" for application fee ($130 adult/$100 child book). Execution fee ($35) to facility. Expedited extra [9].
6. Book Appointment: Via facility website/phone. Bring all items.
7. Attend Appointment: Present originals; sign DS-11 in front of agent. Receive receipt.
8. Track Status: Online at https://passportstatus.state.gov/ after 7-10 days [10].

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

1. Confirm Eligibility: See above [2].
2. Complete DS-82: Download from https://eforms.state.gov/ [2].
3. Include Old Passport: Place on top.
4. Photo: One compliant photo.
5. Fees: Check for application ($130 adult), optional expedited ($60 + overnight).
6. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [11].
7. Track: https://passportstatus.state.gov/ [10].

Passport Photo Requirements and Common Issues

Photos cause 25-30% of rejections in busy areas like Reston [8]. Specs:

• 2x2 inches (51x51mm).
• Color, white/cream/off-white background.
• Head 1-1 3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top.
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No glasses (unless medically necessary), hats, uniforms, shadows, glare, or filters [8].

Virginia Challenges: Local pharmacies (CVS/Walgreens) often produce glare from fluorescent lights or incorrect sizing. Use passport specialists like UPS Stores or Costco (verify compliance). Selfies/digital uploads fail due to dimensions [8].

Tip: Review samples at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html [8].

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Routine: 6-8 weeks (does not include mailing). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent (travel within 14 days): Life-or-death emergencies only qualify for in-person at agencies (not facilities) [12].

No guarantees: Peak seasons (spring/summer, winter) in Virginia add 2-4 weeks due to volume from Dulles travelers and students. Avoid relying on last-minute; plan 3+ months ahead [12]. Track at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html [12].

Private expeditors handle mail-ins but charge fees; State Department warns of scams [13].

Applications for Minors Under 16

Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized Form DS-3053 consent. Common Fairfax issue: Incomplete docs from separated parents. Virginia birth certificates from https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/VITAL_Records/ [4][14].

Checklist addition: DS-3053 if one parent absent.

Common Challenges and Tips for Reston Residents

• Limited Appointments: Book early; use multiple facilities if needed.
• Expedited Confusion: "Urgent travel" within 14 days ≠ expedited service. Call 1-877-487-2778 for emergencies [12].
• Seasonal Peaks: Spring break, summer, holidays overwhelm facilities.
• Documentation Gaps: Fairfax vital records office (12000 Government Center Pkwy) for birth certs; order expedited if needed [14].
• Photo Rejections: Shadows from Reston's lighting common; professional only.

Students/exchange programs: Universities like GMU assist but use official process.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Reston

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit your passport application. These include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings in Reston and surrounding Fairfax County areas. They play a key role in the initial application process but do not issue passports on-site; applications are forwarded to a regional passport agency for processing, which typically takes several weeks.

To locate these facilities, search the official State Department website using your ZIP code or check local government directories for Reston (ZIP codes starting with 20190–20191) and nearby communities like Herndon, Sterling, or Fairfax. Expect a straightforward process: arrive with a completed DS-11 form (for first-time applicants) or DS-82 (for renewals), two passport photos, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment (check or money order for the government fee; some accept cards for execution fees). Staff will review your documents, administer the oath, collect fees, and seal your application in an envelope. No appointments are always required, but some sites offer them—verify in advance. Children under 16 must apply in person with both parents or guardians.

Processing begins after submission, with standard service taking 6–8 weeks; expedited options add fees for faster turnaround. Track status online via the State Department's portal.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Facilities around Reston see higher traffic during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, as well as Mondays and mid-day periods when working professionals visit. Lines can form unexpectedly, so plan cautiously by arriving early in the day or later in the afternoon, avoiding weekends if possible. Always confirm availability through official channels, as walk-in capacities vary. Bring all documents organized to minimize wait times, and consider mailing renewals if eligible to bypass lines entirely. Patience is key—delays can occur due to high demand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for a passport without an appointment in Reston?
No, most Fairfax facilities require appointments. Check USPS or Clerk sites; walk-ins rare and risky during peaks [5][6].

How long does it take to get a passport in Virginia?
Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3. Peaks delay further—no hard promises [12].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited speeds processing (fee); urgent (within 14 days) for verified emergencies only, at passport agencies [12].

Do I need my birth certificate if renewing?
No for DS-82 if eligible, but yes for DS-11 [2].

Can a minor travel with one parent?
Needs consent form DS-3053 from absent parent; some countries require it [4].

Where do I get a Virginia birth certificate?
Virginia Department of Health Vital Records or Fairfax office [14].

Is Dulles Airport a passport acceptance facility?
No; use local post offices or clerks. Airport has renewal kiosks (limited) [7].

What if my passport is lost abroad?
Contact U.S. embassy; apply for replacement upon return [3].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]State Department - Passport Forms
[3]Lost or Stolen Passport
[4]Passports for Children
[5]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[6]Fairfax County Circuit Court - Passports
[7]USPS Passport Services
[8]Passport Photo Requirements
[9]Passport Fees
[10]Check Application Status
[11]Where to Mail DS-82
[12]Processing Times
[13]Passport Expediters
[14]Virginia Vital Records