Passport Guide Sully Square VA: Apply Renew Facilities

Getting a Passport in Sully Square, VA: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Sully Square, located in Fairfax County, Virginia, sits in a bustling area near Dulles International Airport, making it a hub for frequent international travelers. Business professionals commuting to Europe or Asia, tourists heading to seasonal hotspots during spring and summer peaks or winter breaks, students from nearby George Mason University participating in exchange programs, and families on last-minute trips all contribute to high passport demand here [1]. This guide helps you navigate the process efficiently, addressing common hurdles like scarce appointments at acceptance facilities, photo rejections from glare or sizing errors, incomplete paperwork (especially for minors), and confusion over renewals versus new applications. We'll draw from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to ensure accuracy, but remember: processing times can vary, especially during peak seasons, so plan ahead and never rely on last-minute guarantees [2].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right path prevents delays and form errors. Fairfax County's proximity to major travel routes means facilities see heavy traffic, so confirm eligibility first.

First-Time Applicants (Including Name Changes Without a Prior Passport)

If you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous one was issued before age 16, or you have a significant name change (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or court order) without a passport already in that name, you must apply in person at an acceptance facility using Form DS-11. This also covers cases where your prior passport is lost, stolen, or expired more than five years ago. Decision guidance: Opt for routine service (6-8 weeks processing) if time allows; choose expedited (2-3 weeks, extra fee) for travel within a month, but add 1-2 weeks during Virginia peaks like summer or holidays. Track status online via the State Department's website after submission.

Practical steps for success:

1. Complete Form DS-11 by hand—do not sign until instructed in person.
2. Gather originals: Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate), valid photo ID (e.g., driver's license), and secondary ID if needed. For name changes, bring official documents like marriage certificate.
3. Get a compliant photo: 2x2 inches, color, white background, taken within 6 months—many pharmacies offer this service nearby.
4. Fees: Pay acceptance fee by check/money order; passport fee by check, money order, or card (varies by age/service).

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Submitting photocopies instead of originals (they'll be returned unsigned).
• Using an outdated or non-compliant photo (rejections are frequent).
• Forgetting to book ahead—Virginia facilities often require appointments, especially post-pandemic.
• Signing DS-11 early or bringing DS-82 instead (reserved for renewals).
• Underestimating local wait times; arrive early with all docs organized in a folder.

If your situation doesn't match (e.g., recent passport in current name), check renewal eligibility to save time and money. Questions? Review State Department checklists before visiting.

Renewals (DS-82 Eligible)

You can renew by mail if your passport:

• Was issued within the last 15 years,
• Was issued when you were 16 or older,
• Is undamaged and in your possession,
• Has your current name (or you provide legal docs for changes).

Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or it's a child passport [4]. This is ideal for Sully Square's business travelers renewing before frequent trips, but check eligibility carefully; using DS-11 instead wastes time.

Replacements (Lost, Stolen, or Damaged)

Report loss/theft online first, then apply in person with DS-11 or DS-82 if eligible. You'll need Form DS-64 for reporting. Urgent business trips amplify this need in Fairfax, but limited slots mean booking early [5].

Child Passports (Under 16)

Always in-person with DS-11; both parents/guardians typically required. Exchange students from GMU often face this—gather docs early to avoid parental travel hassles [6].

Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm: travel.state.gov/passport-wizard [2].

Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklists

Incomplete applications cause 30% of rejections at facilities. Use these checklists tailored to Virginia applicants.

Adult First-Time/Renewal/Replacement Checklist (DS-11 or DS-82)

1. Completed Form: DS-11 (unsigned until in person) or DS-82. Download from travel.state.gov [3][4].
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (Virginia-issued from Vital Records), naturalization certificate, or prior passport. Certified copies only—no photocopies. Order VA birth certs at vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records if needed ($12 fee) [7].
3. Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license (VA DMV), military ID, or government ID. Name must match citizenship doc exactly.
4. Photo: One 2x2-inch color photo (details below).
5. Fees: $130 application + $35 execution (paid at facility) for book; add $60 expedited. Personal check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; execution fee to facility [2].
6. Optional: Name change docs (marriage cert from Fairfax Circuit Clerk) [8].

Child (Under 16) Checklist (DS-11 Only)

1. Form DS-11: Signed by parent/guardian in front of agent.
2. Citizenship Proof: Child's birth cert (VA originals via Vital Records).
3. Parental ID Proof: Both parents' IDs and citizenship proofs.
4. Parental Consent: Both parents present, or Form DS-3053 notarized from absent parent. Special rules for sole custody—court order required [6].
5. Photo and Fees: Same as adult, but $100 application fee.

Photocopy all docs (front/back) on plain paper. For VA births pre-1912, contact Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk for records [8].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos fail 25% of the time due to shadows from Sully Square's indoor lighting, glare from Dulles-area humidity, or wrong dimensions [9]. Specs:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• White/cream background, even lighting, neutral expression.
• No glasses (unless medically necessary), hats, uniforms, or shadows.
• Taken within 6 months.

Get them at CVS/Walgreens ($15) or USPS ($15+). Use the State template: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/photos/photo-composition-template.html [9]. Pro tip: Practice with a phone app matching specs, then professional print.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Sully Square and Fairfax County

High demand from seasonal tourism and business means book 4-6 weeks ahead via the facility's site or 1-877-487-2778 [2]. No walk-ins typically.

• Fairfax County Clerk of Circuit Court (Herndon/Greenbelt area near Sully Square): 4110 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030. Mon-Fri 8:30-4:00. Appointments required; handles all types. fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/clerk/passports [8].
• Herndon Post Office (closest to Sully Square): 8383 Colchester Ave, Herndon, VA 20171. By appointment; usps.com/locator [10].
• Chantilly Post Office: 4200 Brookfield Corporate Dr, Chantilly, VA 20151. High volume—book early [10].
• Fairfax County Public Library Branches (e.g., Herndon Fortnightly): Limited passport services; check fairfaxcounty.gov/library [11].

Peak spring/summer and winter: slots fill in days. Urgent? Call State Dept for life-or-death service (14 days or less) [2].

Step-by-Step Application Process Checklist

Follow this for in-person apps (DS-11 primarily):

1. Confirm Eligibility and Gather Docs: Use checklists above. Order missing VA birth certs online (2-4 weeks standard) [7].
2. Get Photo: Compliant 2x2 print.
3. Fill Forms: DS-11 unsigned; DS-82 fully signed. No corrections—start over if messy [3].
4. Book Appointment: Via facility site/phone. Arrive 15 min early with all photocopies.
5. Pay Fees: Two checks at acceptance facility (State + execution). Credit cards often accepted for execution.
6. Submit In Person: Agent verifies, you sign DS-11. Get receipt for tracking.
7. Track Status: At travel.state.gov/passport-status (7-10 days post-submission) [12].
8. Pickup/Mail: Routine mails in 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3. No status calls until 2 weeks for routine.

For mail renewals (DS-82): Send to address on form with fees/photo. Use USPS Priority ($20+) for tracking [4].

Expedited and Urgent Travel Services

Standard: 6-8 weeks. Expedited ($60 extra): 2-3 weeks—request at acceptance or mail. Urgent (within 14 days): Only for life/death emergencies or imminent travel (e.g., funeral). Bring itinerary/proof; facilities forward to State Dept same-day, but no guarantees during peaks [2]. Business travelers on last-minute deals or students rushing for exchanges often confuse expedited (weeks) with urgent (days)—clarify via wizard [2]. Warning: Spring/summer overloads mean even expedited can slip; apply 3+ months early.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Fairfax's student population spikes child apps. Both parents must appear or provide DS-3053 (notarized). For divorced/separated: custody docs. No parental consent exemptions without court order. Fees lower, but photos trickier (no smiling distortions) [6].

After Submission: What to Expect

Track online after receipt number arrives. Passports non-transferable—destroy old ones. Report errors within 90 days. VA residents: Update DMV post-issuance if needed [13].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Sully Square

Passport acceptance facilities are official sites authorized by the U.S. Department of State to review and submit passport applications for processing. These locations do not issue passports on-site; instead, they verify your completed forms, photographs, identification, and payment before forwarding everything to a regional passport agency. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Sully Square, you'll find several such facilities within a short drive or public transit ride, offering convenient access for residents and visitors alike.

When visiting an acceptance facility, arrive prepared with two completed passport applications (DS-11 for new passports or DS-82 for renewals), a valid photo ID, photocopies of ID, two passport photos meeting State Department specifications, and exact fees payable by check or money order. Expect staff to review your documents for completeness, administer the oath, and collect signatures in their presence. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes per applicant, though wait times vary. First-time applicants or those under 16 must apply in person. Facilities may offer limited services like photo booths or form assistance, but always check eligibility requirements beforehand via the official State Department website.

For those needing expedited service or travel in less than six weeks, acceptance facilities can direct you to regional agencies, though appointments are often required there. Sully Square's central location means nearby options cluster in surrounding neighborhoods, making it easy to combine errands.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, on Mondays following weekends, and mid-day hours when locals run errands. To minimize delays, aim for early mornings, late afternoons, or less hectic weekdays like Tuesdays through Thursdays. Many sites now offer online appointment scheduling—book ahead if available, as walk-ins can face long lines during busy periods. Arrive with all materials organized, and consider off-peak months outside summer for smoother experiences. Patience and preparation are key to a stress-free visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a passport renewal online in Sully Square?
No, but eligible renewals (DS-82) go by mail. Online payment/renewal pilots exist federally but not fully rolled out—check travel.state.gov [4].

How do I handle a lost passport while traveling internationally from Dulles?
Report via DS-64 online, apply for replacement upon return. For emergencies abroad, contact U.S. embassy [5].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited shortens to 2-3 weeks ($60); urgent is for dire needs within 14 days with proof—no fee but limited [2].

My VA birth certificate is damaged—can I use it?
No, must be original/certified undamaged. Order replacement from vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records ($12 + shipping) [7].

Do Fairfax facilities offer passport photos on-site?
Some USPS do ($15); Clerk's office refers out. Bring compliant ones to save time [8][10].

Can I get a passport for my child if one parent is unavailable?
Yes, with DS-3053 notarized by absent parent, plus custody proof if applicable [6].

What if appointments are booked during peak season?
Try nearby counties (Loudoun Clerk) or call State Dept for options. Avoid third-party expediters—risky and expensive [2].

How long are passports valid in Virginia?
10 years for adults 16+, 5 years for children. Renew early—no grace period [2].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[3]U.S. Department of State - Form DS-11
[4]U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail (DS-82)
[5]U.S. Department of State - Lost/Stolen Passports
[6]U.S. Department of State - Children
[7]Virginia Department of Health - Vital Records
[8]Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk - Passports
[9]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[10]USPS Passport Services
[11]Fairfax County Public Library
[12]U.S. Department of State - Application Status
[13]Virginia DMV