Complete Guide to Getting a Passport in Virginia Beach, VA

Getting a Passport in Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach, with its vibrant tourism scene and proximity to major East Coast hubs, sees a high volume of passport applications year-round. Residents and visitors often apply for international business travel, family vacations to Europe or the Caribbean, or last-minute trips spurred by opportunities abroad. Seasonal peaks occur during spring and summer breaks, when families head to international destinations, and winter holidays bring urgent renewals for ski trips or cruises. Students participating in exchange programs or study abroad also contribute to demand, alongside occasional emergencies like family medical situations requiring sudden travel. However, high demand at acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments, so planning ahead is essential—especially avoiding last-minute rushes during peak periods, where processing guarantees are not available [1].

This guide walks you through every step, from determining your needs to submitting your application, tailored to Virginia Beach's local resources. It draws directly from U.S. Department of State guidelines to ensure accuracy, helping you sidestep common pitfalls like photo rejections or incomplete forms.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before gathering documents, identify your situation to use the correct process and form. Misusing a renewal form for a first-time application, for example, will delay you.

First-Time Passport

You qualify for first-time processing if you've never held a U.S. passport, your prior passport was issued before age 16, or it expired more than 15 years ago (check the issue date on your old passport to confirm). Use Form DS-11—do not sign it until instructed by the acceptance agent, a common mistake that invalidates it.

Key steps for Virginia Beach residents:

1. Gather required documents: original proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., certified birth certificate), valid photo ID (e.g., driver's license), and a passport photo (2x2 inches, taken within 6 months—avoid selfies or expired photos, another frequent error).
2. Schedule an appointment if possible (many local facilities book up weeks ahead; walk-ins are rare and risky).
3. Appear in person at a passport acceptance facility, such as post offices, libraries, or municipal clerks—bring all originals (no photocopies for primary docs).

Decision tips: If your old passport is lost/stolen, report it first via Form DS-64 online, then apply as first-time. Expedited service (extra fee) shaves 2-3 weeks off standard 6-8 week processing—ideal if traveling soon. Minors under 16 need both parents present or notarized consent. Track status online after submission [1].

Passport Renewal

Eligible if your current passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, is undamaged, and was sent in with your application. Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing data. Not eligible if expired over five years ago or if it's a limited-validity passport [1].

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport

Lost or Stolen Passports
If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, immediately report it online or by mail using Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport) via the State Department's website—do this before seeking a replacement to protect against identity theft. Keep the confirmation number for your records.
If in the U.S. (including Virginia Beach), report the theft to local police first for an official report or incident number, as many passport facilities require it as proof. Then:

• Use Form DS-82 (renewal by mail) only if eligible: Your current passport was issued within the last 15 years, when you were age 16 or older, is undamaged, and you have your old passport (even if lost—include a photocopy if possible). Mail it from a Virginia Beach post office with tracking.
• Otherwise, use Form DS-11 (new passport) in person at a local passport acceptance facility (e.g., post offices or clerks of court).
  Common mistake: Skipping the police report for stolen passports—facilities often reject applications without it.

Damaged Passports
Any visible damage (e.g., water stains, tears, holes, or chemical exposure) disqualifies mail renewal—you must apply in person with Form DS-11, even if otherwise eligible for DS-82. The State Department considers it a security risk.
Decision guidance: Inspect closely—minor wear like faded ink is usually fine for DS-82, but anything compromising readability or integrity requires DS-11. Always include a signed statement (notarized for DS-11) explaining how it was damaged, with details like date and circumstances.
Practical tips for Virginia Beach: Bring original proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate), valid photo ID (driver's license or military ID), two passport photos (2x2 inches, taken within 6 months at CVS/Walgreens), and fees (check uspassports.state.gov for current amounts—expedited options available). Processing takes 6-8 weeks standard; plan ahead for travel.
Common mistake: Submitting damaged passports by mail—leads to automatic return and delays. Download forms from travel.state.gov and verify eligibility via their Passport Renewal Wizard. [1]

Additional Pages or Name Change

Request extra pages with Form DS-82 by mail if eligible. For name changes post-marriage/divorce, provide proof like a marriage certificate from Virginia vital records [2].

Use the State Department's online wizard at travel.state.gov to confirm: answer a few questions, and it selects your form [1].

Gather Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Preparation prevents rejections. Virginia Beach applicants often face issues with minors' documents or birth certificates, so double-check.

Checklist for Adults (16+)

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (Virginia-issued from vital records or long-form from hospital), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Photocopy front/back on standard paper [1][2].
• Photo ID: Valid driver's license (Virginia DMV), military ID, or government employee ID. Photocopy [1].
• Form DS-11 (first-time/replacement) or DS-82 (renewal): Download from travel.state.gov, complete but do not sign DS-11 until instructed [1].
• Passport Photo: One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within 6 months [3].
• Fees: See fees section below.
• Name Change Proof (if applicable): Marriage certificate from Virginia Department of Health Vital Records [2].

Checklist for Minors (Under 16)

Both parents/guardians must appear with the child, or provide notarized consent (Form DS-3053). Common rejection: missing second parent's ID photocopy.

• Child's proof of citizenship (birth certificate) + photocopy.
• Parents'/guardians' photo IDs + photocopies.
• Form DS-11.
• Photo.
• Fees (reduced for minors) [1].

Pro Tip: Order Virginia birth certificates online via vitalchek.com or from the Virginia Department of Health (2-4 weeks standard) [2]. For urgent needs, expedited service adds fees but no guarantees during peaks.

Download forms here: travel.state.gov/forms [1].

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Photos cause 25-30% of rejections in busy areas like Virginia Beach. Specs are strict: 2x2 inches, color, white/off-white background, head 1-1 3/8 inches, even lighting—no shadows, glare, glasses (unless medical), hats (unless religious), or smiles [3].

Where to Get Them Locally:

• CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart in Virginia Beach (e.g., 2504 Virginia Beach Blvd)—$15-17, guarantee acceptance or free redo [3].
• USPS locations offer them ($15).
• Avoid home printers or selfies; use professionals.

Print on matte/glossy photo paper, head centered, neutral expression. Check samples at travel.state.gov [3]. Seasonal crowds mean book photo sessions early.

Find a Passport Acceptance Facility in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach has several State Department-approved facilities, but book appointments online as slots fill fast—especially spring/summer [4].

Key Locations:

• Virginia Beach Post Office (Central): 501 Viking Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm (call 757-340-0981) [5].
• Kempsville Post Office: 860 Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 [5].
• Virginia Beach Central Library: 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd (passport photos available) [4].
• Clerk of Virginia Beach Circuit Court: 2425 Nimmo Pkwy (handles DS-11) [6].

Search all via iafdb.travel.state.gov—enter ZIP 23451-23464 [4]. No walk-ins; appointments required. For urgent travel (within 14 days), call facilities first, but note no walk-in guarantees during high-demand seasons [1].

Submit Your Application: Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Complete Forms: Fill DS-11/DS-82 accurately. Do not sign DS-11 yet [1].
2. Prepare Documents: Originals + one photocopy set (8.5x11 white paper) [1].
3. Get Photo: Attach to form per instructions [3].
4. Book Appointment: Use facility websites or PassportAppointmentScheduler.com [4].
5. Pay Fees: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" for application fee; facility fee separate (cash/card) [1].
6. Attend Appointment: Arrive 15 mins early with everything. Sign DS-11 in front of agent. Get receipt with tracking number [1].
7. Track Status: Online at passportstatus.state.gov (7-10 days post-submission) [1].

For mail renewals (DS-82), send to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [1].

Fees and Payment

• First-Time/Under 16: $100/$135 book + $35 execution fee.
• Adult Renewal: $130 book.
• Expedited: +$60 (2-3 weeks vs 6-8 standard).
• 1-2 Day Urgent (life/death abroad): +$219.50 at agencies only [1].

Virginia Beach facilities accept check/money order for State Dept fee; execution fee varies (USPS: $35) [5]. No refunds for errors.

Processing Times and Expediting Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (do not include mailing) [1]. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). High seasonal demand in Virginia (spring/summer, holidays) can extend times—plan 3+ months ahead [1]. For travel within 14 days:

• Urgent service at passport agencies (nearest: Washington Dulles, 3+ hours drive)—requires proof of travel (itinerary, tickets) and life/death emergency for 1-2 day [1].
• No local guarantees; call 1-877-487-2778 [1].

Students/exchange programs: Apply 9 months early [1].

Special Situations

Minors: Both parents or consent form. Court orders for sole custody [1]. Urgent Business/Tourism: Expedite, but book flights after passport in hand. Lost Abroad: Contact U.S. embassy [1].

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Limited Appointments: Book 4-6 weeks ahead; use multiple ZIPs in search [4].
• Expedited Confusion: Expedited ≠ 14-day urgent; latter needs agency visit [1].
• Photo Issues: Shadows/glare from beach lighting—use indoor pros [3].
• Docs: Minors miss consent; adults forget photocopies [1].
• Renewal Errors: Using DS-82 if ineligible forces restart [1].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Virginia Beach

In Virginia Beach and surrounding areas, passport services are handled through a network of authorized passport acceptance facilities. These are everyday public locations, such as post offices, public libraries, and county or municipal clerk offices, designated by the U.S. Department of State to process new passport applications and renewals for routine service. Unlike regional passport agencies, which require appointments for urgent travel, acceptance facilities focus on standard applications submitted in person.

At these facilities, expect a straightforward but thorough process. You'll need to appear in person to submit Form DS-11 for first-time applicants or certain renewals, along with original proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), a valid photo ID, a passport photo meeting specific requirements, and the applicable fees payable by check or money order. Staff will review your documents, witness your signature, and administer an oath. Applications are forwarded to a passport processing center, with routine service typically taking 6-8 weeks and expedited options available for an extra fee (2-3 weeks). Not all locations offer photo services or execution fees, so prepare accordingly. Walk-ins are common, but many now require appointments to manage volume—always verify policies in advance via official channels.

These local options provide convenience for residents and visitors alike, avoiding long trips to major passport agencies. They ensure compliance with federal standards while offering accessible hours during standard business days.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport acceptance facilities in the Virginia Beach area often see higher traffic during peak travel seasons, such as summer vacation periods and major holidays, when demand surges. Mondays tend to be particularly crowded as people start their week, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) frequently experience the heaviest foot traffic due to lunch breaks and shift changes. To navigate this, plan visits early in the week or later in the afternoon if possible. Booking appointments online or by phone is highly recommended where available, as it reduces wait times and ensures a slot. Arrive with all documents prepped to avoid delays, and double-check requirements on the official State Department website. Flexibility with dates and a buffer for processing lead times—ideally applying 3-6 months before travel—helps mitigate seasonal rushes effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a passport in Virginia Beach?
Routine processing is 6-8 weeks from mailing/receipt, not submission date. Expedited adds $60 for 2-3 weeks. Peak seasons delay further—no hard promises [1].

Can I get a passport same-day in Virginia Beach?
No local same-day service. Nearest passport agency is in D.C./Dulles for verified urgents within 14 days [1].

Where do I get a birth certificate in Virginia Beach?
Order from Virginia Department of Health Vital Records online, mail, or in-person (Richmond office). Local hospitals provide short-form; long-form needed for passports [2].

Do I need an appointment at USPS in Virginia Beach?
Yes, all facilities require appointments via their site or iafdb.travel.state.gov [4][5].

What if my passport is expiring soon but I don't travel for months?
Renew up to 1 year before expiration if eligible. Many countries require 6 months validity [1].

Can my child get a 10-year passport?
No, minors under 16 get 5 years [1].

How do I track my application?
Use passportstatus.state.gov with receipt number, 7-10 days after submission [1].

Is there a fee for name change on passport?
No extra fee if renewing with proof (e.g., marriage cert) [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Virginia Department of Health - Vital Records
[3]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[4]U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[5]USPS - Passport Services
[6]Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk