Passport Guide for Fobes Hill WA: Steps, Facilities, Fees

Guide to Obtaining a Passport in Fobes Hill, Washington

Fobes Hill, a community in Snohomish County, Washington, sits near major travel hubs like Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) and the Port of Everett. This location supports frequent international travel patterns among residents, including business trips to Asia and Europe, tourism via cruises departing from Seattle, and higher-volume seasonal travel during spring and summer vacations or winter breaks. Local students often join exchange programs abroad, while urgent scenarios—like last-minute family emergencies or sudden business needs—can arise quickly. However, these patterns create common challenges: high demand overwhelms acceptance facilities, leading to limited appointments; confusion between standard/expedited processing and true "urgent" service (for travel within 14 days); frequent photo rejections from shadows, glare, or wrong dimensions; incomplete documents, especially for minors; and errors in renewal eligibility, such as using the wrong form.[1]

This guide provides practical steps tailored to Fobes Hill residents, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines. Always verify details on authoritative sites, as requirements can update. Book appointments early, especially during peaks (March–August and December–January), when wait times extend.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before gathering documents, determine your service type to use the correct form and process. Missteps here delay applications.

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one expired over 15 years ago, was issued before age 16, was lost/stolen/damaged, or reflects a major name/gender change (e.g., marriage, divorce, legal change). Use Form DS-11; apply in person at an acceptance facility. Cannot renew by mail.[1]

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were over 16 at issuance, it's undamaged, and you're using the same name (or provide legal docs for changes). Use Form DS-82; mail it from Fobes Hill—no in-person needed unless adding pages or changing details significantly.[2]

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report via Form DS-64 (online or mail), then submit DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (mail, if eligible). Expedited options available.[3]

• Name or Data Correction: Use Form DS-5504 within one year of issuance (free); otherwise, treat as replacement.[1]

For name changes post-issuance (e.g., marriage), renewals accept certified docs like marriage certificates. Washington residents obtain these from the state Department of Health or county auditor.[4] Use the State Department's form finder: https://pptform.state.gov/.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Fobes Hill

Fobes Hill lacks a dedicated facility, so drive 10–30 minutes to Snohomish County options. High demand means booking 4–6 weeks ahead during peaks—call to confirm hours and slots.[5]

Search the official locator: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. Nearby examples (verify current status):

• USPS Lake Stevens Post Office (9514 4th St NE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258): ~10 miles; accepts DS-11 applications.
• USPS Everett Main Post Office (3101 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA 98201): ~20 miles; high-volume, book early.
• USPS Lynnwood Post Office (3025 156th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98087): ~25 miles.
• Snohomish County Auditor's Office (3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA 98201): County recorder handles some docs; check for passport services.

USPS facilities dominate; use https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm for details.[6] Private expeditors (e.g., via USPS) cost extra but aren't official agencies. For true urgent needs (travel within 14 days, life/death emergency), contact the Seattle Passport Agency by phone (after proving travel): 1-877-487-2778.[7] No walk-ins; appointments only.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Follow this checklist precisely. Incomplete apps get returned, delaying by weeks.

1. Fill Out Form DS-11: Download from https://pptform.state.gov/. Do not sign until instructed at the facility. Complete online for accuracy, print single-sided.[1]

2. Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original + photocopy (front/back on standard paper).

   • U.S. birth certificate (long-form preferred; order from WA DOH if needed).[4]
   • Naturalization Certificate.
   • Certificate of Citizenship.
   • Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Tip: Fobes Hill residents order WA birth certs online; processing 1–2 weeks standard, expedited same-day pickup in Olympia (not local).[4]

3. Provide Proof of Identity: Original + photocopy.

   • Valid driver's license (WA DOL).
   • Military ID.
   • Government employee ID. If no photo ID, secondary like Social Security card + bank statement.

4. Get Passport Photos: Two identical 2x2-inch color photos, <6 months old. See photo section below.[8]

5. Complete Name Change Docs (if applicable): Certified marriage cert, divorce decree, etc.

6. Pay Fees: See fees section. Acceptance facility takes application fee (check/money order); execution fee separate.

7. Book Appointment: Via facility phone/website. Arrive 15 minutes early with all items.

8. Attend Appointment: Witness signs DS-11. Surrender old passport if valid.

9. Track Status: Online at https://passportstatus.state.gov/ after 7–10 days (number on receipt).[1]

For Minors Under 16: Both parents/guardians present (or notarized consent Form DS-3053). See minors section.[9]

Renewal by Mail (DS-82) Checklist:

1. Eligible? Confirm above.
2. Complete DS-82 (sign).[2]
3. Include old passport, photo, fees.
4. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. Not eligible? Use DS-11 in person.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25–30% rejections in busy areas like Snohomish County. Specs are strict.[8]

• Dimensions: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), head 1–1 3/8 inches (25–35mm).
• Background: Plain white/off-white, no shadows/textures.
• Lighting: Even, no glare/shadows on face/background.
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open (no glasses unless medical).
• Headwear: Only religious/medical (face fully visible).
• Quality: Color, recent (<6 months), matte/no staples.

Where to Get Them:

• USPS ($15–20, during passport appt).
• CVS/Walgreens (self-serve kiosks, $16.99).
• Local photographers in Everett/Lake Stevens (search Yelp, confirm specs).

Common pitfalls: Phone selfies (distorted), home printers (glare), shadows from indoor lights. Rejection adds 2–4 weeks—get professionally done.

Fees and Payment

Fees unchanged as of 2023; verify current.[1]

Pay application fee by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State." Execution fee cash/check to facility. Credit cards at some USPS for extras.[6]

Processing Times and Expedited Service

Standard: 6–8 weeks (mail-in from facility); avoid relying on this during peaks—delays hit 10+ weeks in WA summers.[1]

• Expedited: +$60, 2–3 weeks (select at app/submit blue form). Still peaks-affected.
• Urgent (Within 14 Days): Life/death or urgent business only; Seattle Agency appointment proof-of-travel required. No guarantees; call early.[7]
• 1–2 Day Delivery: Trackable return only (+$21.36).

Washington's travel volume (SeaTac's 50M+ passengers/year) strains processing—plan 3+ months ahead for non-urgent. Track online; no phone status updates.

Special Considerations for Minors

Minors <16 need DS-11 in person. Requirements:

• Both parents/guardians present with ID.
• Or one parent + notarized DS-3053 from absent parent (notary in Snohomish County via banks/USPS).
• Divorce/custody: Court order or both consents.
• Passports valid 5 years.[9]

High rejection rate from incomplete parental docs—double-check.

Tracking and After Issuance

Use receipt to track. Upon receipt, sign book immediately. Report loss via DS-64.[3] Valid 10 years (adults), extendable.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Fobes Hill

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and other services. These facilities do not process passports themselves; they verify your documents, administer oaths, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing, which typically takes several weeks to months. Common types of acceptance facilities near Fobes Hill include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In rural or suburban areas like this, they are often found in nearby towns or county seats, providing convenient access for residents.

To use these facilities, prepare in advance by completing the required forms (such as DS-11 for new passports or DS-82 for renewals), obtaining a passport photo from an approved source, gathering proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), providing identification (such as a driver's license), and having payment ready for application fees and execution fees. Expect a short in-person appointment where staff review your paperwork, collect fees, and seal the application. Not all locations offer expedited service or children's passports, so verify services beforehand through official channels.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons, such as summer months, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays are often the busiest weekdays due to weekend backlogs, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can fill up quickly with walk-ins. To minimize wait times, schedule appointments early in the morning or later afternoon on weekdays, avoiding peak seasons if possible. Always confirm availability in advance, arrive with all documents organized, and consider applying well ahead of travel dates to account for processing delays. This cautious approach helps ensure a smoother experience amid fluctuating demand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Fobes Hill?
No local same-day service. Nearest urgent is Seattle Agency (1.5-hour drive), requiring proof of imminent travel within 14 days.[7]

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited (2–3 weeks, +$60) for any applicant; urgent (agency only, days) strictly for travel <14 days with qualifying emergency/proof. Misunderstanding delays many.[1]

My passport expired 16 years ago—can I renew by mail?
No, use DS-11 in person as first-time equivalent.[2]

Where do I get a birth certificate in Snohomish County?
Order online from WA DOH Vital Records; expedited same-day in Olympia. Local hospitals/counties issue short-form uncertified copies (not accepted).[4]

Photos were rejected—what now?
Resubmit entire app with new photos; old one invalidates. Use professional service next time.[8]

Is there a passport office in Everett?
Acceptance facilities yes (USPS/Auditor), but no agency for walk-ins. Book ahead.[5]

Can I mail my first-time application from Fobes Hill?
No, DS-11 requires in-person witnessing.[1]

What if my travel is in 3 weeks during summer?
Apply expedited immediately, but no guarantees—peaks overload system. Consider rescheduling.[1]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Renew a Passport
[3]U.S. Department of State - Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport
[4]Washington State Department of Health - Birth Certificates
[5]U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[6]USPS - Passport Services
[7]U.S. Department of State - Get a Passport Fast
[8]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[9]U.S. Department of State - Passports for Children