Complete U.S. Passport Guide for Fort Lewis, WA & JBLM

Getting a U.S. Passport in Fort Lewis, Washington

Fort Lewis, part of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Pierce County, Washington, serves active-duty members, dependents, retirees, and civilians needing passports for PCS moves, deployments, emergency leave, overseas family visits, or R&R. Close to SeaTac Airport, demand spikes for Asia, Europe, Mexico, and Canada trips during summer PCS (May–August), holiday peaks, spring exercises, and UW Tacoma exchanges. Local facilities see heavy JBLM volume, with appointments vanishing weeks ahead—avoid the trap of delaying until orders drop, which triggers rush fees or passport-less travel. Target 8–11 weeks early for routine processing per State Department guidelines (travel.state.gov).

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Start here to dodge reapplications, fees, and trips. Military status doesn't bypass rules; first-timers or kids can't renew by mail.

Quick Decision Tree:

1. First passport, lost/stolen/damaged, or expired 15+ years? → DS-11 in person.
2. Issued at 16+, <15 years ago, undamaged, same name? → DS-82 renewal by mail/online.
3. Child <16? → DS-11 in person; both parents required.
4. Travel <14 days? → Expedite; military orders boost priority.
5. Abroad & lost? → Embassy replacement.

Use the State Department wizard for confirmation. Gather docs early—rejections hit hard on photocopies or signed DS-11s.

First-Time or New Passport (DS-11)

Covers recruits, PCS families, kids, or lost priors. In-person only.

Checklist:

• Unsigned DS-11 (download).
• Original citizenship proof: WA birth certificate (DOH Vital Records), naturalization cert.
• Photo ID: Military CAC, WA driver's license.
• 2x2" photo (no uniform glare).
• Fees: Two checks; execution often waived for military.

Pitfalls: Signing early; copies only; mismatched names. Expect 4–6 weeks routine (2–3 expedited). JBLM tip: Pair CAC with birth cert for quick verification.

Passport Renewal (DS-82)

Mail/online if eligible—no in-person needed.

Eligibility Checklist:

• Issued 16+, <15 years ago.
• Undamaged, in hand.
• No major changes (name/gender).

JBLM Note: DEERS check first. Mail via USPS Priority; online skips photo if reusing old.

Pitfalls: Submitting ineligible book (e.g., kid's prior); poor photos. 6–8 weeks routine; +$60 expedite.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacement

DS-64 report (form), then DS-11/DS-82. Abroad: Embassy. Note on app for urgency.

Required Documents and Eligibility

Core Items:

• Citizenship: Original/certified birth cert (WA DOH for state issues; Pierce County Auditor for locals (link)).
• ID: CAC, WA REAL ID/Enhanced DL (DOL).
• Photo: Specs below.
• SSN: All except minors.
• Minors: DS-3053 notarized if one parent absent.

2024 Fees (verify here):

• Adult book: $130 + $35 exec.
• Child: $100 + $35.
• Expedite: +$60.

Separate checks: Exec to facility, app to State Dept.

Passport Photo Requirements

Rejections plague 20–30% of Pierce County apps. Strict specs (guidelines):

• 2x2", color, <6 months old.
• White background, 1–1⅜" head height, neutral face.
• No glasses/hats (exceptions documented), uniforms, shadows.

Local Hack: CVS/Walmart near JBLM ($15); skip selfies or lit USPS shots causing glare.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Fort Lewis

JBLM personnel use off-base sites in Pierce County (Tacoma/Lakewood) and nearby—high demand during PCS/holidays. No on-base civilian passport service; ID office handles CACs only (JBLM site). Verify via State locator or USPS finder; appointments essential.

Key Nearby Options:

• Pierce County Auditor's Office (Tacoma): First-time/minors (site).
• Tacoma Main Post Office.
• Lakewood Post Office (JBLM-adjacent).
• DuPont Post Office (south access).

What to Expect: 15–30 min/group. Agent reviews docs, oaths DS-11, affixes photo, takes fees. Arrive 15 min early; bring extras. Walk-ins risk 1+ hr waits; peaks (Mon 10am–2pm) worse.

Planning Tips: Book 2–4 weeks ahead; early Tue/Wed best. Military: Flash orders for courtesy.

Step-by-Step Checklists

Preparing Your Application

1. Determine your form using the online wizard or decision tree. Start at the official State Department website's interactive tool to select the right process—new passport (first-time, under 16, or name change >1 year ago) uses DS-11; renewal (adult passport <15 years old, issued at age 16+) uses DS-82; parental awareness/ consent for minors uses DS-3053 with DS-11. Common mistake: Guessing the form—always use the wizard to avoid rejection. Military affiliates at Fort Lewis: Confirm if your prior passport qualifies for renewal even if issued abroad.

2. Download and prepare forms unsigned. Print the correct form(s) single-sided on plain white paper; do not sign until instructed during your visit. DS-11 requires two witnesses; DS-82 is self-only. Tip: Fill out by computer then print for legibility—handwritten errors cause delays. Decision guide: DS-11 if damaged/lost passport or major life change; otherwise DS-82 to save time.

3. Prove U.S. citizenship with a Washington state birth certificate. Order a certified copy (not short form) from WA Dept. of Health online/mail—allow 1–2 weeks standard (expedite for 3–5 days extra fee). Common mistake: Using hospital souvenir certificates or non-certified copies—they're invalid. Alternatives: Prior U.S. passport, naturalization cert, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Fort Lewis note: Military births in WA still need state vital records.

4. Secure valid photo ID. Driver's license, military ID (CAC), or state ID must be current—not expired >5 years or damaged. Renew WA DL/ID via DOL if needed (online possible). Common pitfall: Assuming military ID alone suffices—bring secondary like prior passport. Decision: No ID? Apply for one first, as it's mandatory for adults.

5. Get 2+ compliant passport photos. Use recent (6 months) 2x2" color photos on white/cream background, no glasses/uniforms/selfies, head 1–1⅜". Bring extras—rejections common for smiles, shadows, or poor print quality. Tip: Local pharmacies or base services often provide; verify specs with State Dept. sample images.

6. Handle minors (under 16) requirements. Both parents/guardians must consent in person or submit notarized DS-3053; sole custody needs court docs. Common error: One parent only—delays application. Guidance: If deployed/missing parent, use Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances form. All minors need DS-11 regardless.

7. Calculate and prepare exact fees. Use the State Dept. fee calculator for check/money order (two separate payments: application + execution). Cash often not accepted. Mistake: Forgetting expedite ($60+) or 1–2 day ($21.36 mailing). Military: Check for waivers/reductions via DEERS—bring proof.

8. Book your appointment early. Slots fill fast, especially post-holidays/deployments; aim 6–8 weeks ahead for routine. Walk-ins rare—confirm availability. Tip: Prepare docs digitally for quick check-in; arrive 15 min early with everything organized.

9. Final review: Ensure all matches and bring extras. Cross-check name/DOB across docs (exact spelling/capitalization); photocopy everything. Bring extras: Additional photos, IDs, fees. Common oversight: Mismatched evidence (e.g., marriage cert name vs. ID)—triple-check to avoid same-day return.

Day of Application

1. Originals only.
2. Sign DS-11 on-site.
3. Submit photo.
4. Pay dual fees.
5. Itinerary for urgent.
6. Receipt/track (status).

Routine: 6–8 wks; expedite 2–3 (+$60). Peaks: + months.

Expedited and Urgent Services

Expedite ($60) via app/mail; urgent (<14 days travel/death) needs proof/ticket—call 1-877-487-2778. JBLM PCS: Orders prioritize, but no same-day guarantee. Avoid: Confusing expedite (weeks) with urgent (days).

Special Considerations for Minors and Military

Minors: Both parents/DS-3053; court order exceptions.
Military: DEERS verifies; off-base apps. Exchange kids: I-20/SEVIS (student info).

Common Challenges and Tips for Fort Lewis Area

• Appts: Daily checks; summer 2–4 wks out.
• Photos/Docs: Glare/certified WA certs (1907+ DOH).
• Renewals: Wizard eligibility.
• Peaks: PCS/holidays—off-season start.
• Post-Move: Update WA DOL address.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

JBLM passport office? No; off-base (JBLM).
Pierce timelines? 6–8 wks routine; peaks longer.
Urgent kid trip? Parents/expedite; scarce slots.
Mail renewal? Yes, tracked (USPS).
Lost on base? DS-64 + replace; report security.
REAL ID needed? No; WA Enhanced OK (2025 deadline).
WA birth cert? DOH/Pierce (DOH).
Post office photos? No; pharmacies.

Sources

1. U.S. Passports & International Travel
2. Joint Base Lewis-McChord
3. WA DOH Vital Records
4. USPS Passports
5. USPS Finder
6. State Facility Search
7. Pierce County Auditor
8. WA DOL
9. Passport Status
10. State Student Travel