Getting a Passport in Triangle, VA: Facilities & Steps

Getting a Passport in Triangle, VA

Triangle, Virginia, in Prince William County, sees steady passport demand from military families at Quantico Marine Corps Base, commuters to Dulles (IAD) and Reagan National (DCA) airports, and residents traveling for business or vacations. Peaks hit during spring break, summer, holidays, and student exchanges near George Mason University. Last-minute needs arise from family emergencies or deployments, but facilities book up fast—plan ahead to avoid DC-area agency runs.

Challenges include distinguishing first-time (DS-11, in-person) from renewal (DS-82, mail) processes, photo rejections (head size, lighting), minor applications needing both parents, and peak delays pushing routine processing beyond 6-8 weeks. Verify everything on travel.state.gov.

Choose the Right Passport Service

Decide based on your history—use this quick tree:

• Never had a passport? DS-11 in person.
• Previous passport issued before age 16? DS-11 in person.
• Lost/stolen/damaged? DS-64 report + DS-5504 (mail if <5 years old) or DS-11.
• Renewal-eligible? DS-82 by mail if: issued <15 years ago, you were 16+, undamaged, in possession, same name (or documented change).

DS-11 vs. DS-82 Decision Help:

For travel <14 days, book flights/proof first, then call Washington Passport Agency (45-min drive; 202-647-0516). No local urgent options.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Triangle and Prince William County

Focus on verified spots; always confirm via official USPS Passport Locator for Triangle, VA 22172—search radius 20 miles for real-time appointments, hours, and photos. Walk-ins rare; book via facility pages linked there.

• Triangle Post Office (primary local): 18424 James Madison Hwy, Triangle, VA 22172. Phone: (703) 221-4804. Handles DS-11; book here via USPS.
• **Nearby (Dumfries

Post Office)**: 3988 Fettler Park Dr, Dumfries, VA 22026. Phone: (703) 441-1494. Book via USPS.

Other Prince William options (Dale City, Manassas) appear in locator. Expect 15-30 min waits; agents verify docs on-site. $35 execution fee (cash/check to facility); federal fees separate.

Required Documents

Originals only—no photocopies for citizenship proof. Common mistake: Mismatched names (e.g., birth cert vs. ID)—bridge with marriage cert.

• Citizenship: U.S. birth cert (order VA from VDH Vital Records, $12+), naturalization cert, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
• Identity: Valid DL (VA enhanced OK), military ID, passport card.
• Photo: One 2x2" color (details below).
• Minors <16: Both parents/guardians present with IDs; or DS-3053 notarized consent.
• Fees: Adult book $130/$165 (first-time/expedited? No—$30 card. Renewal $130. Two checks: "U.S. Department of State" + execution.

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

What to expect: 20-45 min appointment; agent reviews docs, witnesses signature, seals envelope. No service on federal holidays.

1. Confirm need via travel.state.gov.
2. Download/fill DS-11 online (black ink, no sign yet).
3. Gather: Original citizenship proof + photocopy, ID + photocopy, minor docs.
4. Get compliant photo (avoid rejections: 25% fail here).
5. Prep fees (two checks).
6. Book via USPS locator; arrive early.
7. At facility: Present all, sign DS-11, pay execution fee. Get receipt/tracking #.
8. Track at passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days.

Common Mistakes: Incomplete DS-11 fields, wrong photo size, unsigned form.

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

Mail-only if eligible—no in-person.

1. Verify eligibility (passport details above).
2. Fill DS-82 online/paper.
3. Include: Old passport, photo, $130 check, prepaid return envelope (optional for tracking).
4. Mail to: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (expedited: PO Box 90153).
5. Track online post-mailing.

Pitfall: Using DS-82 for name changes without docs—switch to DS-11.

Passport Photos: Avoiding Rejections

25%+

delays from photos. Use State Dept. validator tool or samples.

• Specs: 2x2" (51x51mm), head 1-1⅜" chin-to-top, plain white/off-white background, even light (no shadows/glare), eyes open/neutral, no glasses/uniforms/hats, matte/glossy paper, <6 months old.
• Local options: CVS/Walgreens ($15), or some USPS (call ahead).
• Tip: Take 4-5 shots; preview digitally.

Processing Times and Urgent Travel

Peaks add 2+ weeks; apply 4-6 months early. Track weekly; no fee refunds.

Common Challenges and Tips for Triangle Residents

• Quantico Military: Use DEERS for certs; base ID helps. REAL ID-compliant for flights.
• VA Birth Certs: Expedited VDH ($25+), 5-10 days vs. 2-4 weeks standard.
• Peaks/Quantico Rush: Book 4+ weeks ahead; use locator for Manassas backups.
• Minors: Schedule both parents; consent form must be recent/notarized.
• Mistake Fix: Reapply fees only on federal rejection (rare if checklist followed).

FAQs

DS-11 or DS-82 for me?
DS-82 if eligible renewal (old passport qualifies); else DS-11. See table above.

Advance notice for Triangle?
4-6 months for peaks; locator shows slots.

Renew at Triangle Post Office?
No—DS-82 mails only; they do DS-11.

Trip in <14 days?
Washington Agency: Proof + appt. after booking travel.

Photo rejected?
Retake per tool; head size/lighting top issues.

Appointment needed?
Yes—USPS locator.

Child without both parents?
DS-3053 notarized + one parent's presence.

Expedited vs. urgent?
Expedited: Faster mail (2-3w); urgent: Agency for <14 days.

Sources

[1] Official U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] How to Apply for a Passport
[3] Passport Agencies
[4] [USPS Passport Acceptance Facility Locator](https://tools.usps.com/find-l

ocation.htm?locationType=passport-acceptance)
[5] USPS Location Finder
[6] Virginia Vital Records
[7] Virginia DMV
[8] Passport Photo Requirements
[9] Check Application Status
[10] Military OneSource - Passports