Passport in Bothell WA: First-Time, Renewal & Facilities Guide

Getting a Passport in Bothell, Washington

Bothell, located in King County, Washington, is home to many residents who travel internationally for business, tourism, and family visits. Washington's proximity to Vancouver and Seattle's major airport supports frequent cross-border trips, with higher volumes during spring and summer vacations, winter breaks, and among students participating in exchange programs. Last-minute trips for urgent business or family emergencies are also common. However, high demand at passport acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments, especially in peak seasons. This guide provides practical steps tailored to Bothell applicants, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you navigate the process efficiently [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before starting, identify your situation to use the correct form and process. Misusing forms, like submitting a first-time application for a renewal, is a frequent issue causing delays.

First-Time Passport

You're eligible for a first-time (DS-11) application if you've never held a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before you turned 16—check the issue date on your old passport against your birthdate to confirm [2]. This applies even if your child passport has expired. You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility (common in Bothell at post offices and public libraries); mail-in renewals won't work.

Key Steps for Bothell Applicants

1. Download and Prep Form DS-11: Get it free from travel.state.gov. Fill it out completely online or by hand but do not sign until instructed by the agent in person—signing early is a top mistake that invalidates it.
2. Gather Required Documents (bring originals + photocopies):
   • Proof of U.S. citizenship: Original birth certificate (raised seal preferred; hospital versions often rejected), naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship. Common error: Forgetting secondary evidence like baptismal records if primary docs are unavailable.
   • Photo ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID showing photo, name, and birthdate. Must match citizenship name exactly—name change docs (marriage/divorce certificates) needed if mismatched.
   • Passport photo: One 2x2" color photo on white background, taken within 6 months (no selfies or booth prints from years ago). Many Bothell pharmacies or facilities offer this service on-site.
   • Fees: Check travel.state.gov for current amounts (cash, check, or card often accepted). Expedite or 1-2 day delivery adds extra—calculate total upfront to avoid delays.
3. Book Ahead: Bothell facilities often require appointments via their websites or by phone; walk-ins may be limited or unavailable, especially post-pandemic.

Decision Guidance & Common Pitfalls

• Not first-time? If your passport was issued at 16+ and is undamaged/unreported stolen, use DS-82 renewal by mail instead—saves time and a trip.
• Avoid delays: Triple-check all docs match (names, dates); arrive 15-30 min early. Washington processing follows national times (6-8 weeks routine, 2-3 expedited), but holidays spike backlogs.
• Parental consent for minors: Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized Form DS-3053 if one can't.

Apply early—Bothell summers see high demand from travelers. Track status at travel.state.gov after submission.

Renewal

You may renew by mail using Form DS-82 if:

• Your passport was issued when you were 16 or older.
• It was issued within the last 15 years.
• It's undamaged and in your possession.
• You're not changing your name, gender, date/place of birth, or correcting errors.

Washington residents often overlook eligibility due to confusion over age at issuance, leading to unnecessary in-person visits [2].

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport

• If lost/stolen within the last year and you have the old passport: Use Form DS-5504 by mail (no fee for replacement).
• Otherwise: Treat as first-time or renewal with Form DS-11 or DS-82, plus a statement explaining the issue [3].

For damaged passports over a year old, apply as new. Always report loss/theft online first [3].

Gather Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Incomplete documentation delays 30% of applications, especially for minors or name changes [1]. Use this checklist.

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy):

   • U.S. birth certificate (raised seal, issued by city/county/ vital records office; hospital certificates invalid).
   • Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
   • Bothell/King County residents: Order from Washington State Department of Health Vital Records [4].

2. Proof of Identity (original + photocopy):

   • Valid driver's license (WA enhanced OK), government ID, or military ID.
   • If no ID: Secondary evidence like employee ID + Social Security card.

3. Photocopies: 8.5x11 white paper, front/back of each doc.

4. Form: DS-11 (in person, unsigned until instructed), DS-82 (mail), DS-5504 (mail).

5. Fees: Check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of State" for application fee; execution fee to facility [5].

   • Adult book: $130 application + $35 execution.
   • Child: $100 application + $35.

6. For Minors Under 16:

   • Both parents' presence or notarized consent (DS-3053).
   • Child's birth certificate.

7. Name Change: Marriage certificate, court order (original + photocopy).

Print forms single-sided; download from official site [2].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25% of rejections in high-volume areas like Washington due to shadows from indoor lighting, glare on glasses, or wrong dimensions [6]. Specs:

• 2x2 inches, color.
• White/cream/off-white background.
• Full face (eyes open, neutral expression).
• Head 1-1 3/8 inches between chin/top.
• No selfies; professional preferred.
• Taken within 6 months.

Local options in Bothell:

• CVS/Walgreens (check passport service).
• USPS locations often provide ($15-17).

Reject fixes: Even lighting, no shadows under eyes/chin/nose; glasses only if no glare [6].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Bothell

Bothell has no passport agency (for routine use); use acceptance facilities. High demand means book appointments early via usps.com or iafdb.travel.state.gov [7]. Peak seasons (spring/summer, holidays) fill weeks ahead.

Key spots:

• Canyon Park Post Office: 3510 Monte Villa Pkwy, Bothell, WA 98021. Mon-Fri 10am-3pm (call 425-487-3960) [8].
• Bothell Post Office: 18024 Bothell Way NE, Kenmore (nearby), WA 98028.
• Evergreen Library (Sno-Isle): 17109 116th Ave NE, Bothell. Appointments required.
• Nearby: Lynnwood Post Office or Seattle facilities.

Use the State Department's locator for King County [7]. No walk-ins; confirm hours/fees ($35 execution).

Complete Your Application: Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Fill out form accurately (online fillable PDF, print single-sided) [2].
2. Gather docs/photos per checklist above.
3. Book appointment at facility (1-4 weeks wait in peaks).
4. Attend in person (for DS-11): Bring all originals/photocopies. Sign DS-11 on-site.
5. Pay fees: Application to State Dept (check), execution to facility (cash/check/card).
6. Mail if renewing: To address on DS-82 instructions.
7. Track status: Online at travel.state.gov after 7-10 days [1].

For mail-ins: Use USPS Priority ($20+ tracking).

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks door-to-door (mail time included). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). No hard guarantees; peaks add 2+ weeks [1].

• Urgent Travel (<14 days): Life-or-death or imminent travel. Apply expedited + visit Seattle Passport Agency (810 3rd Ave, Seattle) by appointment only. Proof of travel (e-ticket) required [9]. Bothell to Seattle: 30-min drive.
• Expedited vs Urgent Confusion: Expedited speeds routine; urgent for agencies only.

Washington's seasonal surges (summer business travel, student programs) strain national capacity—apply 4-6 months early [1].

Special Considerations for Minors and Frequent Travelers

Minors under 16 need both parents/guardians (or DS-3053 notarized consent). Common issue: Incomplete parental docs [10]. Exchange students: Coordinate early for group travel.

Frequent Bothell business travelers: Consider 10-year adult passport; track expiry.

Lost abroad? Contact U.S. embassy [1].

Common Challenges and Tips for Bothell Residents

• Limited Appointments: Use multiple facilities; off-peak mornings best.
• Photo Rejections: Use natural light or pro service.
• Docs for Minors: WA birth certs from DOH [4]; apostille for international if needed.
• Peak Warnings: Spring break (March-April), summer (June-Aug), winter (Dec) overwhelm facilities—delays common.
• Name Changes: WA marriage licenses from county auditor.

Double-check via state.gov checklist [1].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Bothell

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and seal passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and minor passports. These facilities do not issue passports on-site; instead, they verify your documents, administer the oath, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In Bothell and surrounding areas like Kirkland, Woodinville, Kenmore, and Lynnwood, you'll find such facilities conveniently scattered throughout neighborhoods and town centers, making it accessible for residents without long drives.

When visiting, expect to bring a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on your situation), a valid photo ID, passport photos meeting State Department specs (2x2 inches, white background), and exact payment (check, money order, or credit card where allowed—cash often not accepted). Applications for minors require both parents' presence or notarized consent. Staff will review everything meticulously, which can take 15-45 minutes per person. Processing times vary: routine service takes 6-8 weeks, expedited 2-3 weeks, plus mailing time. Always check the State Department's website for the latest requirements and to locate facilities via their search tool.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays often start crowded as people tackle weekend backlog, and mid-day slots (10 AM to 3 PM) fill up quickly with working professionals. Weekends and afternoons may offer some relief, but this varies.

To plan effectively, research facilities in advance and prioritize those offering appointments—many now do via online booking to cut wait times. Arrive early with all documents prepped, and consider off-peak days like Tuesdays or Wednesdays. If urgency arises, explore passport agencies in larger cities like Seattle, but only for qualifying life-or-death emergencies. Patience and preparation ensure a smoother experience amid fluctuating crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a passport in Bothell?
Routine processing is 6-8 weeks, plus mailing and appointment waits. Expedited is 2-3 weeks, but peaks extend times [1].

Can I renew my passport at the Bothell Post Office?
No—renewals (DS-82) go by mail. Post offices handle DS-11 only [8].

What if I need a passport urgently for travel in 10 days?
Apply expedited and book Seattle Passport Agency appointment with itinerary proof [9].

My child needs a passport—do both parents have to come?
Yes, unless one provides notarized DS-3053 consent form [10].

Where do I get a birth certificate in King County?
From Washington State DOH Vital Records or local county office [4].

Is a WA driver's license enough ID?
Yes, valid WA DL suffices as primary ID [1].

Can I get passport photos at USPS in Bothell?
Some locations offer; call Canyon Park Post Office to confirm [8].

What if my old passport is lost?
Submit DS-11/DS-82 + police report/statement [3].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms
[3]U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passports
[4]Washington State Department of Health - Vital Records
[5]U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees
[6]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[7]U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[8]USPS - Passport Services
[9]U.S. Department of State - Seattle Passport Agency
[10]U.S. Department of State - Passports for Children Under 16