Sandston VA Passport Guide: Steps, Facilities, Fees Near RIC

Getting a Passport in Sandston, VA

Sandston, in Henrico County, Virginia, offers easy access to passport services thanks to its location near Richmond International Airport (RIC, just 2 miles away) and Interstates 64/295, ideal for business travelers, tourists heading to Europe or the Caribbean, and families during UVA/VCU academic breaks. Henrico processes thousands of applications yearly amid high demand from airport proximity and seasonal surges—plan 8-12 weeks ahead to avoid appointment shortages. Watch for pitfalls like passport photo glare from Virginia's humid climate, missing photocopies of IDs, or using DS-82 when ineligible (e.g., passport over 15 years old), which force restarts 1.

This guide provides Sandston-specific steps, checklists, and local details. Always cross-check travel.state.gov for changes.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Mischoosing forms causes 20% of rejections—use this decision tree:

For travel <14 days, expedite ($60 extra, 2-3 weeks) or seek urgent agency service (days, proof required)—call 1-877-487-2778. Life-or-death emergencies get priority 5.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or Replacement Passports (DS-11)

In-person only; no mailing. Expect 15-30 minute appointment: staff verify docs, witness signature, collect fees, forward to processing center.

1. Complete DS-11: Use online filler at travel.state.gov (print single-sided, black ink); don't sign until instructed [2].
2. Citizenship proof: Or

iginal birth certificate (long-form for VA births via VDH Vital Records, 2-4 weeks) + front/back photocopy 6. 3. ID proof: VA driver's license/military ID + photocopy (Henrico DMV at 9100 Woodman Rd, ~10 miles) [2]. 4. Photo: 2x2" color, <6 months old, plain background—no glare (humidity tip: indoor studios) 7. 5. Child <16: Both parents/IDs or notarized DS-3053 4. 6. Fees: See below; two payments. 7. Appointment: Book online (usps.com or iadfbs) 4-6 weeks early 10. 8. Attend: Arrive 15 min early; originals + copies. 9. Track: After 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov [1].

Common mistake: Forgetting photocopies—staff won't copy for you.

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

Mail-only if eligible; faster for RIC commuters.

1. Verify eligibility: Scan old passport against criteria [2].
2. Fill DS-82: Online/print; sign recently [2].
3. Old passport: Top of packet.
4. Photo: Compliant 2x2" (digital upload option) [7].
5. Fees: See below; check to State Dept.
6. Mail: Priority Express to address on form (~$30 tracking) 9.
7. Track: Online post-mailing [1].

Mistake: Including damaged passports—apply as new instead.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% of Henrico apps rejected for photos. Rules: Head 1-1⅜", even light, neutral face, white/off-white background. Humidity causes shadows—opt for pros over home setups.

Local spots (RIC-area convenience):

• CVS (301 E Williamsburg Rd, Sandston)
• Walgreens/UPS (nearby Henrico)
• Sandston Post Office during appts [7][10]

Retake cost: $15-20; upload digitally for DS-82.

Local Acceptance Facilities Near Sandston

Henrico has no Sandston clerk outlet—use these post offices/clerk (all verify DS-11, not issue). Book 4-6 weeks ahead; peaks (spring/summer/winter) fill fast due to RIC traffic. No guaranteed walk-ins; call to confirm.

5631 | 0 miles | Appts Mon-Fri; execution fee cash/check [10] | | Highland Springs Post Office | 7 E Nine Mile Rd, Highland Springs, VA 23075 | (804) 328-1300 | ~5 miles | Limited walk-ins off-peak [10] | | Henrico County Clerk of Court | 4301 E Parham Rd, Henrico, VA 23228 | (804) 501-4202 | ~15 miles | Henrico residents; Mon-Thu passports 11 |

Verify at iafdb.travel.state.gov. Expect: Quick oath/interview, no biometrics here. For urgent, Richmond Passport Agency (~10 miles from RIC) by appt only [5].

Planning Tips: Go early weekdays (avoid Mon/Fri, 11am-2pm rushes). Bring organized docs in folder. Off-peak (fall) = shorter waits.

Fees, Payment, and Processing Times

Current fees (FY2024; verify here) 8:

Separate payments; facilities take cash/check/money order (no cards usually).

Times (as of 2024): Routine 4-6 weeks; expedite 2-3 weeks (+mailing). Peaks add 2 weeks—no refunds. RIC flights? RIC verifies passports curbside [1][5].

Special Considerations for Minors and Urgent Travel

Minors: DS-11 mandatory; VDH birth certs essential (Richmond office ~10 miles). Absent parent? Notarize DS-3053 ahead [4][6].

Urgent: Itinerary + fees for agency; business/emergency proof helps. Avoid: Assuming walk-ins [5].

Frequently Asked Questions

Renew at Sandston Post Office? No—DS-82 mail-only; DS-11 if ineligible [2].
VA birth cert? VDH online (2-4 weeks); long-form required [6].
Travel in 10 days? Agency appt + expedite/proof [5].
Photo rejected? Humidity glare/shadows common—pro retake [7].
Appointment needed? Yes; usps.com slots scarce [10].
Track status? travel.state.gov/passportstatus after 7-10 days [1].
**E

xpedite vs. urgent?** Expedite=mail fast; urgent=agency days [5].
Lost abroad? Embassy limited validity; full replace on return [3].

Final Tips for Sandston Residents

Start early for RIC trips; use RIC's flight check-in for passport tips. Humidity-proof photos, photocopy everything. Direct calls to facilities/USPS hotline for advice [1][10].

Sources

1 U.S. Department of State - Passports
2 U.S. Department of State - Apply in Person (DS-11)
3 U.S. Department of State - Replace Passport
4 U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
5 U.S. Department of State - Get My Passport Fast
6 Virginia Department of Health - Vital Records
7 U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
8 U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees
9 USPS - Renew by Mail
10 USPS - Passport Services
11 Henrico County Clerk - Passports