How to Get a Passport in Tysons, VA: Renew, Replace, Local Facilities

Getting a Passport in Tysons, VA

Residents of Tysons, Virginia, in Fairfax County, often need passports for frequent international business trips, family vacations, or student exchange programs. The area sees higher travel volumes during spring and summer peaks, as well as winter breaks, which can strain local acceptance facilities and lead to limited appointment availability. Urgent last-minute trips also arise, but processing times vary, and relying on last-minute service during busy seasons is risky [1]. This guide covers everything from determining your service type to local application options, helping you navigate common pitfalls like photo rejections from shadows or glare, incomplete forms for minors, and confusion over renewal eligibility or expedited options.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before starting, identify your situation to use the right process. First-time applicants, minors under 16, and most replacements require in-person submission at a passport acceptance facility. Renewals by mail are simpler for eligible adults.

First-Time Passport

If you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16, you must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility using Form DS-11 (download from travel.state.gov—do not sign until instructed). This applies even if your old passport is expired but was issued after age 16; use DS-82 for renewals instead.

Key requirements and preparation tips:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship: Original or certified copy (e.g., Virginia birth certificate ordered from Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records—allow 1-2 weeks for mail delivery or expedited options). Common mistake: Bringing photocopies or short-form certificates; originals must be presented and will be returned.
• Valid photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, or military ID (must match your application name). If no ID, use secondary proofs like a school ID with birth certificate.
• Passport photo: One 2x2-inch color photo taken within 6 months (white background, neutral expression, no glasses/selfies). Common mistake: Wrong size, smiling, or hats—many pharmacies or UPS stores offer compliant photos for $15-20.
• Fees: Application fee ($130 adult/$100 child, payable by check to U.S. Department of State) + execution fee ($35, payable separately). Check travel.state.gov for exact amounts; bring two checks or money order. Expedite for 2-3 weeks extra (~$60).
• For minors under 16: Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized DS-3053 consent form. Decision guidance: If only one parent can attend, get the form pre-notarized; missing this delays processing by weeks.

Pro tips for Tysons-area applicants: Book appointments early (weeks ahead) as slots fill fast; arrive 15 minutes early with all originals. Common pitfalls: Assuming walk-ins are allowed (most require appointments) or underestimating processing time (6-8 weeks routine, longer in peak summer). Track status online after submission [2].

Passport Renewal

Eligibility Check: Confirm you're eligible for mail renewal if: (1) your passport was issued when you were 16+, (2) less than 15 years old, (3) undamaged, and (4) not reported lost/stolen. Quick decision guide: Issued before age 16? No. Damaged (e.g., water marks, tears)? No. Need pages added? Still yes, via mail. If unsure, compare to travel.state.gov checklist to avoid rejection.

Renew by Mail (DS-82): No in-person needed—ideal for Tysons residents. Download DS-82 from travel.state.gov. Include:

• Current passport (they'll cancel and return it).
• 1 new photo: 2x2 inches, color, white/light background, head 1-1⅜ inches, taken <6 months ago (get at CVS/Walgreens/AAA nearby).
• Fees: $130 application + $60 execution (check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of State"); optional $19.53 expedited.
• Name change docs (marriage cert, court order).

Mailing Tips: Use USPS Priority Express (flat-rate envelope works, ~$30, trackable). Address on Form DS-82 instructions. Standard processing: 6-8 weeks; expedited: 2-3 weeks (+fee). Track status online with confirmation number.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Non-compliant photo (most frequent rejection—use passport photo service, not selfie).
• Unsigned form or wrong fee (fees change; verify online).
• Regular mail (lost packages common—always track).
• Including extras like copies (only originals/docs requested).

Not Eligible? New Passport (DS-11): Must apply in person at a Tysons-area passport acceptance facility (post office, library, or clerk office—search "passport acceptance facility near Tysons, VA" on travel.state.gov or usps.com). Bring proof of U.S. citizenship (birth cert), photo ID, photo, fees, and complete DS-11 there. All first-timers, kids under 16, or lost/stolen require this [2]. Book appts early (waits common locally).

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport (Replacement)

First Step: Report Immediately. Start by filing Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport) online at travel.state.gov—it's free, quick (under 10 minutes), and required before applying for a replacement. Common mistake: Skipping this, which delays your application. If abroad, contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate instead.

In the U.S. (Including Tysons, VA Area): You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility (like post offices or clerks of court). Decide between:

• DS-82 (Renewal, Mail-In Possible if Eligible): Use only if your passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, undamaged/minor damage only, and your name hasn't changed significantly without docs. Decision tip: Check eligibility checklist on travel.state.gov first—ineligible applicants waste time/money resubmitting.
• DS-11 (New Passport, In-Person Only): Required for lost/stolen, severe damage, first-time applicants, or if DS-82 ineligible. Children under 16 always need DS-11 with both parents.

Required Documents (Bring Originals + Photocopies):

• Completed DS-11/DS-82.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, prior passport).
• Valid photo ID (driver's license, military ID).
• Police report for lost/stolen (file one locally ASAP—explain incident clearly; common mistake: vague reports get rejected). For damage only, a signed statement suffices.
• One passport photo (2x2", recent, white background—don't get it at facilities to save hassle).
• Fees (check current at travel.state.gov; credit/debit often accepted).

Urgent Travel? Expedite It.

• Routine: 6-8 weeks—avoid if traveling soon.
• Expedited (2-3 weeks, +$60): Select at application; track online.
• Urgent (within 14 days): Prove travel (flight itinerary) for agency appointment; life-or-death emergencies qualify for same/next-day. Decision guidance: Add 2-4 weeks buffer for Northern VA processing backlogs—apply 3+ months early if possible. Track status at travel.state.gov with application locator number. Common mistake: Underestimating photo rules or forgetting citizenship proof, causing full reapplication.

Additional Passports or Name Changes

Request a second passport book or card using DS-82 if eligible. For name changes post-issuance, mail DS-5504 with marriage/divorce decree or court order—no fee if within one year [2].

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Tysons

Tysons lacks a dedicated passport agency, so use nearby acceptance facilities in Fairfax County. These are busy due to high demand—book appointments early via the facility's phone or online scheduler. High-volume periods (spring/summer, winter) mean slots fill quickly [1].

• McLean Post Office (1446 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101; ~3 miles from Tysons): Handles DS-11 submissions. Call (703) 356-0292 or check usps.com [4].
• Vienna Post Office (220 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180; ~4 miles): Popular for locals. Appointments required; (703) 938-4933 [4].
• Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk (4110 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030; ~8 miles): County office for passports. Schedule at fairfaxcounty.gov [5].
• Falls Church Post Office (425 S Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046; ~5 miles): Another USPS option [4].

For urgent travel (within 14 days), life-or-death emergencies (within 3 days), or official government travel, contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Nearest agencies are in Washington, DC (~15 miles) or Philadelphia—appointments only, not guaranteed [1]. Note: "Expedited" (2-3 weeks + mailing) differs from "urgent" (14-day travel); confirm needs carefully.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing Your Application

Use this checklist to avoid rejections from incomplete docs or photos. Gather everything before your appointment.

For First-Time, Minors, or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

1. Complete Form DS-11: Download from travel.state.gov; do not sign until instructed at facility [2]. Use black ink; include name exactly as on ID.
2. Proof of Citizenship: Certified U.S. birth certificate (order from Virginia Department of Health Vital Records if needed: vdh.virginia.gov [6]). Original or certified copy; photocopies rejected.
3. Proof of Parental Relationship (Minors): Birth certificate listing parents. Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent (Form DS-3053) [2].
4. Photo ID: Driver's license (Virginia DMV), military ID, or government-issued. Bring photocopy [2].
5. Passport Photo: 2x2 inches, color, white background, no glasses/shadows/glare. Taken within 6 months. Local options: CVS/Walgreens in Tysons Corner Center or AAA (if member). Specs at travel.state.gov [7]. Rejections common—double-check.
6. Fees: $130 application (under 16: $100) + $35 execution (paid to facility). Add $60 expedited, $21.36 1-2 day return. Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" [2].
7. Book Appointment: Call facility 4-6 weeks ahead, especially peak seasons.
8. Attend Appointment: Arrive early; sign DS-11 there. Get receipt with tracking number.

For Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

1. Eligibility Check: Passport issued <15 years ago, age 16+, undamaged [2].
2. Complete DS-82: Download, sign, date [2].
3. Include Old Passport, new photo, fees ($130 book; check to "U.S. Department of State").
4. Mail To: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (expedited: PO Box 90181, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0181) [2].
5. Track: Use receipt number at passportstatus.state.gov [8].

Total Prep Time: 1-2 hours. Processing: Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (as of 2023; check current) [1]. Add mailing (1-2 weeks each way). No hard guarantees—peaks delay.

Common Challenges and Tips for Tysons Residents

High demand at Fairfax facilities means appointments book out weeks ahead—start early for seasonal travel. Photo issues (shadows from Tysons lighting stores, wrong size) reject 20-30% of apps; use professional services [7]. For minors in exchange programs, ensure both parents consent; incomplete DS-3053 common. Renewals: Don't use DS-82 if expired >5 years or damaged. Urgent trips? Apply expedited but verify travel dates—14-day rule strict, no walk-ins [1]. Virginia birth certificates: Order online/express from VDH (3-5 days) [6]. Name changes: Fairfax Circuit Court for court orders [5].

Passport Photos: Local Options and Rules

Photos must meet State Department specs: head 1-1 3/8 inches, even lighting, neutral expression [7]. Avoid selfies.

• Tysons Corner Center CVS (1961 Chain Bridge Rd): $16.99, digital review.
• Walgreens (multiple nearby): Similar pricing, quick.
• USPS Self-Service (select locations): $14.99.

Print extras; facilities don't provide.

Tracking and After Submission

Use passportstatus.state.gov with receipt number (7-10 days post-submission) [8]. Inquiries after 2 weeks routine/1 week expedited: 1-877-487-2778. Received passport? Verify details immediately.

FAQs

Can I get a passport same-day in Tysons?
No local same-day service. Nearest agency in DC requires urgent justification and appointment [1].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited speeds routine processing (extra fee, 2-3 weeks). Urgent for travel within 14 days—call for agency slot [1].

My child needs a passport for a school trip in 3 weeks—what now?
Use DS-11 in person ASAP, pay expedited + 1-2 day delivery. Book facility now; peaks risk delays [2].

I lost my passport on a business trip—how to replace?
File DS-64 online, then DS-11 in person with statement. Expedite if needed [3].

Where do I get a Virginia birth certificate for my application?
Order from Virginia Vital Records online, mail, or in-person (Richmond office). Express 3-5 business days [6].

Can I renew my passport at the Fairfax County Clerk?
No—renewals by mail only if eligible. Clerk does DS-11 only [5].

What if my appointment is full—any alternatives?
Try other USPS/clerk offices or mail if renewal-eligible. No pop-ins [4].

Photos keep getting rejected—why?
Common: glare, shadows, wrong size/background. Retake professionally per specs [7].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Forms
[3]U.S. Department of State - Lost/Stolen Passport
[4]USPS Passport Services
[5]Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk - Passports
[6]Virginia Department of Health - Vital Records
[7]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[8]U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status