Burlington WA Passport Guide: Facilities, Checklists, Renewals

Passport Services in Burlington, WA

Burlington, located in Skagit County, Washington, serves residents who frequently travel internationally for business, tourism, and family visits. Proximity to the Canadian border via I-5 and ferry routes from nearby Anacortes draws many to short trips north, while Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) handles high volumes of flights to Asia, Europe, and Mexico. Seasonal peaks occur in spring/summer for outdoor adventures and winter breaks for ski trips or holidays abroad. Students from Skagit Valley College and exchange programs add to demand, alongside urgent last-minute business trips. However, high demand at acceptance facilities often leads to limited appointments, especially during peaks, making early planning essential [1].

This guide covers applying for, renewing, or replacing a U.S. passport in Burlington. Always verify details on official sites, as requirements can change.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right service prevents delays and form errors. Use this section to identify your path:

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16. You must apply in person at an acceptance facility. Forms: DS-11 [1].

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16+, is undamaged, and was issued within the last 15 years. Most can renew by mail using Form DS-82. Exceptions: If expired over 15 years ago or issued before age 16, treat as first-time [2].

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report loss/theft online first, then apply in person (DS-11) or by mail (DS-82 if eligible). Damaged passports are invalid [3].

• Name Change or Correction: Use DS-5504 by mail if within one year of issuance; otherwise, DS-82 or DS-11 [1].

• For Minors Under 16: Always first-time process with both parents/guardians present. More documentation required [4].

Washington residents often face confusion here—many mistakenly use DS-82 for first-timers. Check eligibility via the State Department's online wizard [1].

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals; photocopies won't suffice. Key items:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: U.S. birth certificate (raised seal), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Washington birth certificates come from the state Department of Health or county auditor [5]. Order early—processing takes 1-2 weeks [6].

• Proof of Identity: Driver's license, government ID. Enhanced WA driver's licenses work for land/sea to Canada but not air [7].

• Photos: One 2x2-inch color photo, taken within 6 months. Strict rules: white background, no glasses/uniforms/shadows/glare, head 1-1 3/8 inches [8]. Common rejections in Burlington stem from home prints or poor lighting.

• Fees: Paid separately—check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" for application; cash/card to facility for execution fee ($35 adult/$30 child) [1].

For minors: Both parents' IDs, parental consent form if one absent [4].

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities in Burlington and Skagit County

Burlington has limited options; book appointments early via usps.com or facility sites. High demand near holidays means slots fill weeks ahead.

• Burlington Post Office: 901 S. Burlington Blvd, Burlington, WA 98233. Phone: (360) 755-9505. By appointment; offers photo service [9].

• Nearby: Mount Vernon Post Office (10 miles south): 101 S 1st St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Larger facility, walk-ins rare [9].

• Skagit County Auditor's Office: 700 S 2nd St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (county seat). Handles passports; call (360) 416-1900. Photos available [10].

Use the State Department's locator for real-time availability: travel.state.gov [1]. No passport agencies in Skagit—closest regional agency is in Seattle (expedited only, by appt) [11].

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or Minor Applications

Follow this checklist in order. Complete before your appointment.

1. Fill Form DS-11: Download from travel.state.gov; do not sign until instructed [1]. Use black ink.

2. Obtain Birth Certificate: If born in WA, apply via Skagit County Auditor or DOH vital records. Long-form required ($25+; mail/online) [6]. Foreign-born: Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

3. Get Passport Photo: Use CVS/Walgreens (nearby in Burlington) or facility service. Specs: Recent, neutral expression, even lighting [8].

4. Gather Parental Docs (Minors): Both parents' IDs/passports; DS-3053 if one absent (notarized) [4].

5. Calculate Fees: Adult book: $130 + $35 exec + optional expedite ($60). Child: $100 + $35 [1].

6. Book Appointment: Call facility; arrive 15 min early with all docs.

7. At Facility: Present docs, sign DS-11, pay fees. Get receipt—track online [12].

8. Track Status: 6-8 weeks routine; enter receipt number at travel.state.gov [12].

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals and Replacements by Mail

Renewals save time; mail to National Passport Processing Center.

1. Confirm Eligibility: Passport <15 years old, issued at 16+, undamaged [2].

2. Fill DS-82: Online or print; sign [2].

3. Include Old Passport: Place on top.

4. Photos and Fees: One photo; check/money order only—no cash [1].

5. Mail To: Address on DS-82 instructions (varies by expedite).

6. For Lost/Stolen: Submit DS-64 online first [3].

Track as above. Peak seasons (spring/summer, Dec-Jan) delay mail processing—plan 3+ months ahead [1].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Pitfalls

WA applicants often face rejections: 40% due to photos per State Dept data. Rules [8]:

• Size: 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches from chin to top.
• Background: Plain white/off-white.
• Lighting: Even, no shadows/glare on face/background.
• Attire: Everyday; no uniforms, white clothing.
• Expression: Neutral, eyes open/mouth closed.

Print on matte photo paper at pharmacies. Burlington Walmart (880 S Burlington Blvd) offers compliant photos.

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail) or 4-6 weeks (in-person routine) from receipt [1]. No hard guarantees—peaks add weeks.

• Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks. Limited slots.
• Urgent (Life/Death/Mission Critical, <14 days): Call 1-877-487-2778 for appt at agency (Seattle only) [13]. Not for vacations.

Misunderstanding: Expedited ≠ urgent travel. For travel in 14 days without life-or-death, risk it with routine/expedited. Warn: Peak seasons overwhelm—last-minute rare success [1].

Special Considerations for Washington Residents and Minors

WA's proximity to Canada boosts demand; passports required since 2009 for land returns [14]. Students: Factor school breaks.

Minors: 50% of Skagit apps involve kids per local trends. Both parents must consent; divorced? Court order if sole custody [4]. Incomplete docs delay 20-30% of cases.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Burlington

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for processing. These sites do not issue passports on the spot; instead, they verify your documents, administer oaths, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerks' offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Burlington, such facilities are typically found at larger post offices, government administrative centers, and select libraries in the city and nearby communities like those in adjacent counties or towns. To locate current options, use the State Department's official online passport acceptance facility locator tool by entering your ZIP code or city name.

When visiting a facility, come prepared with a completed DS-11 application form (for first-time applicants or renewals not eligible for mail-in), a valid photo ID, a passport photo meeting State Department specs, and exact payment (often a combination of check, money order, or credit card where accepted). Expect a short interview where staff confirm your identity and eligibility. Processing times vary, but standard applications take 6-8 weeks, with expedited options available for an extra fee. Facilities handle both new applications and certain renewals, but always confirm eligibility beforehand via the State Department's website.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, when demand surges for vacations and family visits. Mondays tend to be especially crowded as people start their week, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) frequently experience rushes from walk-ins. To navigate this, plan visits for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, avoiding weekends if possible. Check for appointment systems, which many locations now offer online to reduce wait times. Arrive with all documents organized, and consider applying well in advance—ideally 3-6 months before travel—to account for any delays. If urgency arises, explore expedited services or passport agencies for faster processing, though these require proof of imminent travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a passport in Burlington?
Routine processing is 6-8 weeks from mailing/receipt, longer in peaks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks [1]. Track at travel.state.gov.

Can I get a passport photo taken at the post office?
Yes, Burlington USPS offers on-site photos for $15-16, compliant with specs [9].

What if my child needs a passport urgently?
Same timelines apply; no child exceptions. Both parents required unless docs prove sole custody [4].

Do I need an appointment at Burlington Post Office?
Yes, book via usps.com/locator or phone. Walk-ins not accepted during high demand [9].

Can I renew an expired passport by mail from Burlington?
Yes, if eligible (DS-82). Include old passport; mail from any post office [2].

Where do I get my birth certificate in Skagit County?
Skagit County Auditor (Mt Vernon) or WA DOH online/mail. $25 first copy [6].

Is an enhanced WA driver's license enough for international travel?
No, only for land/sea to Canada/Mexico. Air travel requires passport [7].

What if my passport is lost while traveling?
Report via travel.state.gov; apply for replacement upon return [3].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Renewals
[3]U.S. Department of State - Lost/Stolen
[4]U.S. Department of State - Children
[5]Washington State Department of Health - Vital Records
[6]Skagit County Auditor - Vital Records
[7]DHS - Enhanced Driver's Licenses
[8]U.S. Department of State - Photos
[9]USPS - Passport Services
[10]Skagit County Auditor - Passports
[11]U.S. Department of State - Agencies
[12]U.S. Department of State - Application Status
[13]U.S. Department of State - Urgent Travel
[14]CBP - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative