Guide to Getting a Passport in Stafford Courthouse, VA

Guide to Getting a Passport in Stafford Courthouse, VA

Stafford Courthouse residents (ZIP 22554) in Stafford County frequently apply for passports ahead of I-95 commutes to Dulles or Reagan National airports (45-60 minutes north), Quantico military assignments, or study abroad from nearby George Mason or UVA. Spring break, summer vacations to the Caribbean, and holiday travel spike demand—plan 8-10 weeks ahead for routine service amid backlogs, or expedite for 2-3 weeks turnaround. Dodge common errors like off-spec photos (2x2 inches, white background, no glasses/selfies, taken within 6 months), missing minor consent forms, or showing up without appointments that fill fast near Quantico base traffic.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Use this decision table to pick the right path—mismatches cause 20-30% of rejections and restarts.

Book local appointments via USPS or State Dept locator. Track status at passportstatus.state.gov. Need in 14 days? Secure Richmond Passport Agency slot with proof of travel.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Stafford Courthouse

All area sites (22554 ZIP) process applications for forwarding to

the State Department—no on-site passports. Book online/phone ASAP; Quantico surges fill weekdays. Use State Dept locator for real-time slots/hours. Walk-ins rare.

• Stafford Post Office (2931 Richmond Hwy, Stafford, VA 22554): Book here. (540) 659-3445. Details: USPS passports.
• Stafford County Clerk of Circuit Court (1300 Courthouse Rd, Stafford, VA 22554): Site. (540) 658-8750—call for passport slots.
• Nearby options (10-15 miles): Aquia Post Office (2621 Garrisonville Rd, Stafford, VA 22556); Fredericksburg Post Office or Clerk (south via I-95).

Quantico MCB: Base ID holders use on-site; civilians try locals first. Expect 20-45 minute visits: docs verified, oath taken, fees split (State Dept check + facility cash/card).

First-Time Applications and Ineligible Renewals (DS-11)

No-mail process for newbies, minors, or ineligible renewals. Agent witnesses signature under oath.

Complete Checklist:

• Unsigned DS-11 (download)
• Citizenship evidence: Certified VA birth cert (order, $12; 2-4 weeks delivery—expedite if needed)
• Primary ID (VA DL/REAL ID) + color photocopy (front/back on 8.5x11)
• One 2x2 photo
• Fees (two payments)

Local Expectations: Arrive 15 minutes early; disorganized apps add waits. Stafford sites efficient but busy pre-summer.

Passport Renewal by Mail (DS-82)

Streamlined for eligible adults (6-8 weeks routine).

Eligibility Check:

1. Issued when 16+?
2. Received within last 15 years?
3. Undamaged, signed, yours?

Yes to all? Proceed:

1. Fill DS-82 (download)
2. No fee: Old passport + photo + check
3. Mail certified in priority flat-rate envelope to address on form

Pitfall: Name change? Include proof. Use pro photo service.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports

1. Report instantly: DS-64 online or call 1-877-487-2778.
2. Follow DS-82/DS-11 per table.
3. Attach theft police report.

Backup: Digitally scan passport; Stafford post offices ha

ndle quick in-person if mail-ineligible.

Minors Under 16

Stricter DS-11 in-person: Both parents present or DS-3053 (notarized + absent parent's ID photocopy). Child's full birth cert proves relation.

Extras Checklist:

• Parents'/guardians' IDs + copies
• Parental relationship proof

Group apply for family sync; highest rejection rate—triple-check.

Passport Photos and Documents

Photos: 25% fail rate. Specs: travel.state.gov/photos. Local: CVS/Walgreens/UPS Store ($15-17); avoid home setups.

VA Birth Certs: Certified only from Vital Records—no county issuance, no abstracts. Rush: $12 + shipping.

Universal: Color photocopies, standard paper.

Current Fees (Verify at Source)

Updated from travel.state.gov/fees as of late 2024—confirm before paying.

Renewals skip execution if mailed. Non-refundable; cash/check for facility, money order/check for State.

Processing Times and Tracking

Total from receipt (add 1-2 weeks mailing):

• Routine: 6-8 weeks
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60)
• Urgent (<14 days): Richmond Agency (book) with itinerary
• Emergency: 1-877-487-2778 (72 hours, life/death)

Peak seasons +2 weeks; track after 10 days at passportstatus.state.gov.

Timeline Decision Tool:

Step-by-Step In-Person Process

1. Select form/table.
2. Gather checklist/docs/photo.
3. Book appointment or USPS link.
4. Arrive early, organized.
5. Agent reviews, you sign/oath.
6. Pay fees separately.
7. Receive receipt; track online. (Birth cert/old passport returned separately.)

Stafford-Specific Tips

• Birth Cert Rush: Online/mail order; Stafford Courthouse doesn't issue—plan 3-4 weeks.
• High Demand: Qu

antico/I-95 delays slots 2-4 weeks summer; try fall or Aquia PO.

• Common Local Errors: No parental ID copies, non-certified docs, forgetting REAL ID photocopy.
• Backups: Fredericksburg (15 min south) or Quantico for military.
• Pro Tip: Pre-scan docs; insure expedited apps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get it same-day locally? No—facilities forward apps. Richmond Agency for urgents.

Appointment required? Always—use linked schedulers/locator.

Lost renewal? Report DS-64 first, then reapply.

VA driver's license OK? Yes, as primary ID + photocopy both sides.

Trip in 3 weeks? Expedite immediately; monitor status daily.

Military/Quantico? Base services for eligible; locals otherwise.

Sources

U.S. Department of State Passports
Apply In-Person
Renew by Mail
Lost/Stolen
Facility Locator
USPS Passports
Stafford County Clerk
VA Vital Records
Photo Requirements
Fees
Fast Service
Status Check