Passport Guide Burien WA: Forms, Post Offices, Documents & Tips

Getting a Passport in Burien, Washington

Burien, in King County just south of Seattle and minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac), sees steady passport demand from tech professionals, families vacationing abroad, university students, and last-minute travelers facing family emergencies or business trips. Peak seasons (spring breaks, summer cruises from Port of Seattle, holidays) strain local facilities, so early planning avoids delays.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose the right form to prevent rejections, common in busy King County where mismatched applications add weeks.

• First-Time, Child Under 16, or Passport Issued Before Age 16: Form DS-11 requires in-person application at an acceptance facility.
• Renewal: Use mail-in Form DS-82 only if your last passport was issued at 16+, undamaged, and expired within 5 years (or still valid).
• Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report with Form DS-64 (free), then DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11.
• Name Change: Include marriage certificate or court order with either form.

Decision Checklist:

Summer spikes in child passports for Washington exchanges highlight the need for advance applications.

Gather Required Documents and Photos

Rejections often stem from missing photocopies or invalid photos—triple-check against state.gov.

Adult DS-11 Checklist

• Unsigned Form DS-11.
• U.S. citizenship proof (original/certified birth certificate, naturalization cert, prior passport) + photocopy.
• ID proof (WA driver's license + photocopy front/back).
• 2x2" color photo (6 months recent).
• Fees: $130 to "U.S. Dept. of State" + $35 execution to facility + optional $60 expedite.
• Name change docs.

DS-82 Renewal Checklist (Mail)

Renew your passport by mail if you're eligible: U.S. citizen, your most recent passport was issued when you were 16 or older, it's undamaged and in your possession, and it was issued within the last 15 years (even if expired). For Burien-area residents, this is often the fastest option if you're not traveling imminently—processing takes 6-8 weeks routine or 2-3 weeks expedited. Decision tip: Switch to in-person (DS-11) if adding pages, changing name/gender without docs, or your passport doesn't meet criteria—common mistake is mailing ineligible apps, causing delays/returns.

• Form DS-82: Download from travel.state.gov, print single-sided on standard paper. Fill out completely in black ink (no corrections fluid). Common mistake: Leaving sections blank or using pencil—sign only after printing. Include your email for status updates.

• Old passport: Submit your most recent one (both pages if valid). It will be canceled and returned in a new envelope. Clarity: If you have two passports, send the valid one; lost/stolen requires DS-64 report first.

• Photo: One color photo, 2x2 inches (51x51mm), taken within 6 months, white/cream/off-white background, head size 1-1 3/8 inches, no glasses/selfies/uniforms. Practical tip: Get at local pharmacies, print shops, or libraries—avoid home prints (often rejected for poor quality). Common mistake: Wrong size or smiling/hat—check state.gov sample.

• Payment: $130 adult routine fee (check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"); add $60 expedite if needed (separate check to same payee). Include $19.55+ for 1-2 day return mail (tracked envelope, separate check to "Postal Service" if USPS). Total example: $130 + $60 + tracked = ~$210. Common mistake: Cash/credit cards (not accepted), combined checks, or wrong amounts—double-check fees on state.gov as they change. No personal checks for execution fee by mail.

Final steps: Mail via USPS Priority/Express (get tracking receipt—avoid UPS/FedEx to PO Box). Use a large envelope; do not fold. Track at usps.com. Burien tip: Weigh at home/post office to avoid return; status updates via email after 1 week.

Minor Under 16 (DS-11)

• Both parents/child or DS-3053 notarized consent (90 days recent).
• Child's birth cert + parental IDs/photocopies.
• $100 application + $35 execution.

WA Vital Records Tip: Burien births via King County Registrar or WA Dept. of Health—order 1-2 weeks ahead (rush available).

Photo Specs and Local Options

25%+ rejections from poor photos; avoid home setups near SeaTac.

• Head 1-1⅜", neutral face, white background, no glasses/uniforms/shadows. In Burien: Walgreens (15800 1st Ave S), CVS (15675 Ambaum Blvd SW), or USPS—$15-17, request natural light.

Where to Apply in Burien and King County

Burien's facilities fill fast due to SeaTac traffic—book 4-6 weeks ahead via usps.com locator.[3][4] Expect 20-45 min visits: staff verify docs, administer oath, collect fees, issue receipt/tracking.

• Burien Post Office (116 SW 152nd St, Burien, WA 98166): Appointments Mon-Fri; DS-11/execution fees. Call 206-242-5463 to confirm.[4]
• Nearby (10-15 min drive): Des Moines Post Office (22021 Marine View Dr S, Des Moines, WA 98198); SeaTac Post Office (3100 S 176th St, SeaTac, WA 98188, very busy); check King County libraries (White Center/Tukwila) or courts for fairs.

DS-82: Mail only, tracked USPS. Walk-ins rare; peaks (Mon 10am-3pm, March-June/Dec) overwhelm—opt for Tue-Thu mornings.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Fill form (DS-11 unsigned; download from pptform.state.gov).[2]
2. Collect originals + plain-paper photocopies.
3. Get compliant photo locally.
4. Prep dual payments (facility + State Dept.); credit often OK for execution/expedite.
5. Book appointment online/phone.[3][4]
6. Arrive early in-person (DS-11): Review/sign under oath, get receipt.
7. Track at travel.state.gov (5-7 days post-submission).[1]
8. Receive by mail: Routine 6-8 weeks, expedite 2-3 weeks.

Urgent (<14 days): Add $60 expedite + proof for Seattle Passport Agency (200 6th Ave SW).[7]

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Seattle-area peaks add 2-4 weeks; track often—25% delayed.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Appointment Shortages: Alerts for cancellations; Burien/SeaTac no-shows create waits.
• Photo Fails: Glare/shadows—pro locations only.
• Doc Errors: No DS-3053 for minors; missing photocopies; WA birth cert delays.
• Form Mix-Ups: DS-82 on ineligible passports rejected.
• Timing: Avoid last-minute; fall is ideal.

Use travel.state.gov checker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Expired >5 years? DS-11 in person.[1]
Urgent travel? Expedite or agency with itinerary/proof—no guarantees peaks.[7]
Burien Post Office walk-in? Limited; book ahead.[4]
One-parent minor? DS-3053 or custody docs.[1]
WA EDL for citizenship? ID only; need birth cert.[1]
Tracking? Receipt # at travel.state.gov (week+).[1]
On-site photos? Some USPS; CVS/Walgreens sure bets.[6]
Lost abroad? Embassy + DS-64/DS-11.[1]

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Passport Forms
[3] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[4] USPS Passport Services
[5] Washington State Dept. of Health - Vital Records
[6] Passport Photo Requirements
[7] Expedited and Urgent Passports