Bremerton WA Passport Guide: DS-11, Renewals, Local Facilities

TL;DR: Bremerton Passport Quick Guide

Key Steps: 1) Pick form. 2) Gather orig. birth cert (WA DOH here), ID, 2x2 photo. 3) Book appt USPS locator/scheduler. 4) Pay separate fees. Track: State Dept checker.

Getting a Passport in Bremerton, WA

Bremerton residents in Kitsap County face high passport demand from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard deployments, Anacortes ferries to Canada, and Sea-Tac flights for Asia/Europe trips. Peaks hit spring break, summer, and holidays—book 4-6 weeks ahead to snag slots at crowded post offices. Common pitfalls: photo rejections (glare from base lighting), minor consent forms, or mismatched names on WA birth certs. This guide cuts through with local-focused decisions, checklists, and pro tips.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Unsure? State Dept wizard here. Routine: 6-8 wks (peaks longer); expedited +$60 (2-3 wks). Track online.

What to Expect at Facilities

Arrive 15 min early with organized docs. Agent verifies ID/citizenship, checks photos (rejects 20% for size/shadows), administers oath, collects fees (separate payments), and mails app. 20-45 min total; mid-week mornings shortest waits. No passport issued on-site—allow 3+ months buffer.

Required Documents Checklist

Bring originals (photocopy extras on white paper). Rejections spike from incompletes.

• Citizenship: WA birth cert (raised seal, order here or VitalChek expedite), naturalization cert, prior passport.
• ID: WA driver's license/enhanced ID, military CAC (naval staple), passport. Secondary: SS card + utility bill (call ahead).
• Photos: 2x2" color, white bg, <6 mos old, no glasses/smiles specs. CVS/USPS: $15.
• Minors: Child's birth cert + both parents or notarized DS-3053 + ID copy.
• Changes: Marriage/court order.

Mistakes to Dodge: Hospital "souvenirs" (not certified), expired IDs, selfies, signed DS-11 pre-oath.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities in Bremerton & Kitsap County

Consolidated list—all require appts (book early via phone/online). Authorized for DS-11/execution; search full list State locator (ZIP 98337) or USPS tool.

• Bremerton Main Post Office: 312 Prospect St, Bremerton, WA 98337. (360) 479-7050. Appt info.
• East Bremerton Post Office: 4510 Wheaton Way, Bremerton, WA 98310. (360) 377-6643.
• Kitsap County Auditor (Port Orchard): 619 Division St, Port Orchard, WA 98366. (360) 337-4935. Site/appts.
• Silverdale Post Office: 9980 Levin Rd NW, Silverdale, WA 98383. (360) 698-2632.

No local agencies—Seattle for urgents only. Pro tip: Naval personnel, confirm military ID acceptance by phone.

Fees & Payments

+$60 expedite; +$21 overnight return. Check/money order for app; facility varies (cash/card). Full fees.

Application Checklists

In-Person (DS-11)

Use this for first-time passports, child applications (under 16), or if your name change was over a year ago—confirm eligibility on travel.state.gov to avoid rejection. DS-11 requires in-person signing; don't mail it.

1. Confirm need/form: Download DS-11 from travel.state.gov and fill it out but don't sign yet. Decision guide: If renewing a passport issued in the last 15 years and received it after age 16, use DS-82 by mail instead—faster and cheaper for most adults. Common mistake: Using DS-82 when ineligible (e.g., damaged passport), leading to return and delays.

2. Gather docs/photos: Need proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate or naturalization cert—photocopy not accepted), valid photo ID (driver's license + Social Security card if name mismatch), and two identical 2x2" color photos on white background (taken within 6 months, no selfies/glasses/uniforms). For kids: both parents' IDs and presence. Decision guide: Get photos at CVS/Walgreens ($15–17); common mistakes include wrong size (measure precisely), eyeglasses glare, or smiling—check samples on state.gov. Organize in clear plastic sleeves.

3. Book appt (4-6 wks ahead): Search "passport acceptance facility" + Bremerton on travel.state.gov; local spots fill fast (e.g., weekends/holidays). Book ASAP—cancellations open daily; have backups like nearby towns. Decision guide: Expedite? Add $60 fee here, but for life-or-death urgency, consider Seattle Passport Agency (appt-only, 2+ wks travel). Common mistake: Assuming walk-ins (rare in WA; confirm policy).

4. Prep fees: Check travel.state.gov for current amounts (~$130 application + $35 acceptance + optional expedite/tracking). Pay acceptance fee by check/money order (exact amount, payable to U.S. Dept of State/Postmaster); application fee separate (check/card). Decision guide: Add $21.36 tracking for 1st Class delivery. Common mistake: Cash not accepted—bring two checks; military/vets may qualify for fee waivers (bring proof).

5. Arrive early, sign on-site: Get there 15–30 min early (parking/ferry delays common in Kitsap area); bring all docs unsealed. Sign DS-11 in front of agent only. Decision guide: Review everything aloud with agent before submitting. Common mistakes: Forgetting to sign, expired ID, or uncertified birth cert copies—instant rejection.

6. Track status: Use https://passportstatus.state.gov/ (enter last name, DOB, app control # from receipt). Expect 6–8 wks standard (Bremerton-area processing via Seattle); text alerts save time. Decision guide: No updates after 2 wks? Call 1-877-487-2778. Common mistake: Losing receipt #—photo it immediately.

Mail Renewal (DS-82)

1. Verify eligibility. 2. Complete/sign form + old passport + photo + fee. 3. Mail to Philadelphia PO Box 90155 details. 4. Track after 2 wks.

Special Local Notes

• Naval/Military: CAC speeds ID; DEERS for records. Ferries? Get card for Canada/Mexico.
• WA Vital Records: 1-4 wks standard; VitalChek for rush.
• Peaks: Avoid Mon/lunch; Tuesday AM best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day in Bremerton? No—Seattle agency for <14 day life-or-death only.

Lost birth cert? WA DOH order ($20+, 1-4 wks).

Photo rejected? Retake pro (head 1-1⅜", no glare).

Expedite guaranteed? No—plan 3+ mos.

Appt needed? Yes, book USPS.

20-yr expired renewal? No, DS-11 new app.

Name change? Proof + eligible DS-82.

Sources

[1] U.S. Dept of State - Apply
[2] WA DOH - Birth Cert
[3] State - Renew
[4] USPS Passports
[5] Kitsap Auditor
[6] State - Photos
[7] State - Fees