Getting a Passport in Everett, WA: Facilities, Forms & Fees

Getting a Passport in Everett, WA

Everett, in Snohomish County, Washington, sees steady demand for passports due to its proximity to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and frequent international travel for business, tourism, and family visits. Residents often travel abroad for work in tech, aerospace, and maritime industries, while seasonal peaks occur in spring and summer for vacations, winter breaks for ski trips to Canada or Europe, and student exchange programs. Urgent scenarios arise from last-minute business trips or family emergencies. However, high demand at local acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments, especially during peaks, so planning ahead is essential [1].

This guide covers everything from determining your needs to submitting your application. Always verify details on official sites, as requirements can change. Note that passport agencies handle only life-or-death emergencies or urgent travel within 14 days; routine services go through acceptance facilities like post offices [2].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before gathering documents, identify your situation to use the correct form and process. Misusing forms is a common issue in Washington, where renewals are often confused with new applications.

• First-Time Passport: Use if you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous one was issued before age 16, or it was lost/stolen/damaged. Submit in person at an acceptance facility. Form: DS-11 [3].

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, undamaged, and sent with your application. Most can renew by mail. Form: DS-82. Ineligible? Use DS-11 in person [4].

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report it via Form DS-64 (free), then apply as new (DS-11) or renewal (DS-82) if eligible. Expedite if urgent [5].

• Name Change or Correction: Renew with DS-82 if eligible, including marriage/divorce decree or court order. Otherwise, new application [6].

• Child (Under 16) Passport: Always new application (DS-11) in person; both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent [7].

Use the State Department's online wizard: https://pptform.state.gov/ [8].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Everett and Snohomish County

Everett has several U.S. Postal Service (USPS) locations offering passport services by appointment. High demand means booking early—spring/summer and holiday seasons fill up fast. Other options include county offices

.

• Everett Main Post Office: 3802 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201. Phone: (425) 259-1282. Hours vary; call for appointments [9].

• Everett Station Post Office: 2901 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98201. Confirm services [9].

Nearby in Snohomish County:

• Lynnwood Post Office or county facilities. Use the official locator for the latest: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ [10].

Appointments are required at most; walk-ins are rare. Arrive early with complete documents to avoid rejection.

Required Documents and Common Pitfalls

Gather originals—photocopies won't suffice. Washington residents often face issues with birth certificates; order from the state Department of Health if needed [11].

Adults (16+ First-Time or New):

• Proof of U.S. citizenship: U.S. birth certificate (long form), naturalization certificate, or previous passport.
• Proof of ID: Driver's license, military ID, or government ID.
• Photocopy of ID and citizenship proof.
• Passport photo.
• Form DS-11 (unsigned until in person).

Renewals (DS-82): Old passport, photo, ID photocopy. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [4].

Minors Under 16: DS-11, both parents' presence or Form DS-3053 consent, parents' IDs, child's birth certificate. Incomplete parental docs cause most rejections [7].

Photos: 2x2 inches, color, white/off-white background, taken within 6 months. Common rejections in Everett: shadows under eyes/nose, glare from glasses/flash, head not 1-1 3/8 inches, or smiling/open mouth. Use CVS/Walgreens ($15) or follow DIY specs exactly [12]. Specs: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html.

Order vital records early: Washington birth certificates via https://doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/BirthDeathMarriageandDivorce [11]. Processing: 1-2 weeks standard.

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Application (DS-11)

Follow this checklist to minimize errors, especially during busy seasons when facilities reject incomplete apps.

1. Determine eligibility: Use https://pptform.state.gov/ to select form [8].

2. Gather citizenship proof: Original birth certificate or equivalent. Get certified copy if lost [11].

3. Get valid photo: Meet exact specs; avoid selfies [12].

4. Complete form: Fill DS-11 but do not sign [3].

5. Make photocopies: Front/back of ID and citizenship doc on standard paper.

6. Book appointment: Call facility or use

online scheduler [9][10].

7. Calculate fees: See below. Get money order/cashier's check payable to "U.S. Department of State" for application fee [13].

8. Appear in person: Bring all items. Sign DS-11 in front of agent.

9. Pay fees: Acceptance fee to facility (check/cash), application fee to State Dept.

10. Track status: Online at https://passportstatus.state.gov/ after 7-10 days [14].

For renewals: Similar but mail—no appointment. Checklist:

1. Complete DS-82 [4].
2. Attach old passport.
3. Include photo.
4. Fees as money order.
5. Mail with trackable service.

Fees and Processing Times

Fees (as of 2023; check for updates):

• Adult book (10-year): $130 application + $35 acceptance [13].
• Child book (5-year): $100 + $35.
• Expedited: +$60.
• 1-2 day urgent (travel within 14 days): +$22 execution + agency visit [15].

Processing: Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks. No guarantees during peaks—spring/summer and winter see delays up to 12+ weeks. Track online; expediting after submission possible for fee [14]. For urgent travel within 14 days, prove with itinerary and visit a passport agency (nearest: Seattle, by appointment only) [2].

Pay acceptance fee to facility (check/money order); application fee to State Dept.

Expedited vs. Urgent Travel

Expedited ($60 extra) speeds routine apps but doesn't guarantee timelines. True urgent: Only for travel within 14 days (or 28 for agency appt). Bring itinerary, tickets. Confusion here delays many Washington applicants. Agencies like Seattle (915 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA) require confirmed flights [2]. Private expeditors exist but add cost—no affiliation recommended.

Special Cases: Students, Minors, and Seasonal Tips

Students/exchange programs: Apply 3+ months early for summer programs. Minors need dual parental involvement—get DS-3053 notarized if one parent absent [7].

Peak seasons: Book appts 4-6 weeks ahead. Alternatives: Nearby facilities in Marysville or Mukilteo.

FAQs

Can I get a passport same-day in Everett?
No, local facilities don't issue passports—only submit apps. Same-day requires a regional agency for qualifying urgents [2].

How do I renew an expired passport in Everett?
If eligible (issued <15 years ago, age 16+), mail DS-82. Otherwise, in-person DS-11 [4].

What if my child passport is expiring soon for a school trip?
Treat as new (DS-11); both parents required. Plan 8+ weeks ahead [7].

My photo was rejected—what now?
Retak

e meeting exact specs: neutral expression, even lighting, no glare. Many Everett pharmacies offer compliant photos [12].

Do I need an appointment at USPS in Everett?
Yes, most require it. Call ahead; peaks book out [9].

How long for a birth certificate in Washington?
1-2 weeks online/mail via DOH; expedited options available [11].

Can I track my application?
Yes, enter info at https://passportstatus.state.gov/ after 7-10 days [14].

What if my passport was lost abroad?
Report via DS-64/DS-5504; apply for new upon return [5].

Final Tips for Success

Double-check docs against https://travel.state.gov/. Use trackable mail for renewals. During Washington's busy travel seasons, apply 3-6 months early to avoid stress. If documents are missing, vital records offices in Olympia process requests but plan for delays.

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Passport Agencies
[3]Form DS-11
[4]Renew by Mail DS-82
[5]Lost/Stolen Passport
[6]Corrections
[7]Children Under 16
[8]Passport Form Filler
[9]USPS Passport Services
[10]Passport Acceptance Facility Locator
[11]Washington State Birth Certificates
[12]Passport Photo Requirements
[13]Passport Fees
[14]Check Application Status
[15]Expedited Service