Passport Guide for Kenmore, WA: Facilities, Checklists, Tips

Getting a Passport in Kenmore, WA

Last updated: December 2024. Processing times fluctuate—verify latest at travel.state.gov and official sites before proceeding.

Kenmore's proximity to SeaTac Airport and Seattle cruise ports drives passport rushes during Alaska spring cruises (March-June), summer Europe/Asia flights, and winter holidays (November-December). Local slots fill in days, with 4-6 week appointment waits common. Key advice: Book 8-12 weeks ahead for routine service or 4-6 weeks for expedited—always before travel plans, as SeaTac surges overwhelm facilities. Walk-ins are exceptional; use the Passport Acceptance Facility Locator for bookings.

This guide offers decision trees, checklists, tables, and FAQs tailored for Kenmore first-timers, renewals, child apps, lost passports, and urgents. It highlights local options (e.g., Kenmore Post Office), nearby Bothell/Lynnwood spots, WA DOH vital records, and SeaTac-tied peaks. Form errors cause 30%+ rejections—start with the decision tree.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Use this tree to pick the right form and dodge delays/fees:

1. Do you have a valid, undamaged passport issued at age 16+ within the last 15 years?
   Yes → DS-82 renewal by mail (skip in-person).
   No → DS-11 in person.

2. First-time applicant, under 16, or major change (name/gender)? DS-11 mandatory; for minors, include both parents or notarized DS-3053 (omitting risks 40% rejection).

3. Lost/stolen/damaged? Report immediately via DS-64 online/mail + DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11. Attach police report for priority.

4. Urgent timeline? Routine: 4-6 weeks processing + mailing. Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks. Life-or-death (<14 days): Call 1-877-487-2778 for Seattle Passport Agency appointment.

Timeline tip for Kenmore: Factor 2-6 extra weeks for local appointments during peaks. Download forms from travel.state.gov/forms—never sign DS-11 until instructed at the facility.

| Service |

Form(s) | In Person? | Best For Kenmore Locals | |----------------------|--------------------------|------------|------------------------------------------| | First-Time/Child/Change | DS-11 (+DS-3053 for minors) | Yes | UW Bothell students, family SeaTac cruises | | Eligible Renewal | DS-82 | No (mail) | Tech pros commuting to Asia/Europe | | Lost/Stolen/Damaged | DS-64 + DS-82/DS-11 | Varies | Pre-flight replacements at SeaTac | | Second Passport | DS-82/DS-11 + proof | Varies | Frequent SeaTac travelers needing visas |

Gather Required Documents

Missing items reject 25% of apps—assemble these for DS-11/DS-82:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original or certified birth certificate (order from WA DOH—allow 1-2 weeks), naturalization certificate, or old passport.
• Photo ID: WA driver's license, passport card, military ID (current, undamaged).
• Photos: Two 2x2" compliant (see next section).
• Photocopies: Front/back of ID and citizenship proof on standard white paper.
• Fees: Adult book $130 + $35 execution (two separate checks/money orders: one to "U.S. Department of State," one to facility). Child: $100 + $35. Full fees: travel.state.gov/fees.

WA-specific: DOH online/mail for birth certificates (peaks delay); King County Customer Service Center (Seattle) as backup. Minors: Full parental consent docs.

Common mistake: Using photocopies as proof—bring originals only.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

20%+ King County apps fail photo specs (full rules): 2x2 inches, color print <6 months old, white/cream background, head 1-1⅜ inches, neutral expression, no glasses/hats/uniforms/shadows/selfies.

Kenmore tip: Overcast PNW weather creates shadows—avoid home setups. Use Walgreens, CVS (~$15, 10-min service), or USPS facilities. Print multiples; many acceptance spots offer on-site.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Kenmore

Kenmore lacks a passport agency (Seattle's at 200 2nd Ave S handles urgents by appointment: 1-877-487-2778). Nearby facilities process DS-11: verify docs, witness signature, collect fees (15-45 min visits; book mornings to avoid lines).

Search iafdb.travel.state.gov by "Kenmore, WA 98028" for real-time slots/services (not all offer photos/expedited—call ahead). SeaTac demand books them fast.

Key Nearby Options:

• Kenmore Post Office (7304 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore, WA 98028): Call 425-486-9889 or check tools.usps.com/find-location.htm.
• Bothell Post Office (frequent slots for locals).
• Lynnwood Main Post Office (3025 156th St SW, Lynnwood, WA).
• Northshore Libraries (Bothell/Kenmore branches—verify passport services).
• King County Recorder's Office (516 3rd Ave, Seattle—for docs if needed).

What to expect: Arrive organized with checklist; staff administer oath, ask verification questions. Mail DS-82 renewals via tracked USPS Priority to the National Passport Processing Center.

Pro tip: Weekdays early (8-10 AM) or late beat peaks; monitor multiple sites daily.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

1. Select form/service (use tree/table above).
2. Order citizenship proof (WA DOH if needed—early!).
3. Get ID, 2 photos, photocopies.
4. Complete form (leave DS-11 signature blank).
5. Prepare separate fees/checks.
6. Book facility appointment online.
7. Attend with originals only; sign/witness on-site.
8. Track status at passportstatus.state.gov (appears in 5-7 days).
9. For expedite: Pay $60 extra at submission or agency.

Minors bonus: Both parents present or DS-3053/court order.

Current Processing Times and Expedited Service

As of December 2024 (travel.state.gov/processing-times):

• Routine: 4-6 weeks (lab time post-submission).
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60 fee).

Full timeline: Add 1-2 weeks mailing each way + Kenmore appointment waits (2-6 weeks in SeaTac peaks). Buffer 10-14 weeks total. Urgent (<14 days, life-or-death/emergency only): Seattle agency with proof.

Special Considerations for Minors

All under 16 need DS-11 in person with both parents/guardians + birth certificate. Single parent? Notarized DS-3053 or court order. Pitfall: Incomplete consent strands family trips—prep notarization ahead.

Common Challenges and Tips for Kenmore Residents

• Appointment hunts: SeaTac/cruise booms empty slots—refresh locator daily, t

arget Bothell/Lynnwood.

• Form mix-ups: DS-82 ineligible (e.g., damaged book)? Redo as DS-11 wastes time/money.
• Docs/photos: DOH backlogs + rainy shadows ruin apps—order certs 4 weeks early.
• Tight timelines: Expedited isn't overnight; avoid for 3-week Tokyo/Mexico trips.
• Facility visits: Crowded Mondays/midday; expect 20-30 min with oath/Q&A—bring folder for organization.

Hacks: AAA branches for photos/assistance; use USPS app for alerts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long for a Kenmore-area passport?
Routine: 4-6 weeks processing + mailing/appointments (10+ weeks total in peaks). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Check travel.state.gov/processing-times.

Can I renew by mail?
Yes, if eligible via DS-82—ideal for Kenmore, use Priority Mail tracking.

Need a birth certificate?
Order from WA DOH (1-2 weeks).

Travel in 3 weeks?
Expedite (+$60), but buffer for risks. Under 14 days: Seattle agency with proof.

Kids' passports?
DS-11 with both parents/DS-3053.

Lost passport?
Report ASAP via DS-64 online/mail to prevent misuse, then new app + expedite.

Weekend services?
Rare; most USPS/libraries (e.g., Northshore) weekdays only. Filter locator for "Kenmore, WA" + weekends; prioritize early weekdays.

Sources

• Passport Acceptance Locator

• U.S. Passports

• DS-82 Renewal

• Lost/Stolen DS-64

• Minors Under 16

• WA Vital Records

• Photo Requirements

• USPS Passports

• Passport Agencies

• [USPS Location Finder](htt

• USPS Passport Acceptance Facility Locator: Enter your Kenmore ZIP code (e.g., 98028) to find nearby post offices that accept passport applications. Tip: Not all post offices offer this service—verify hours and book appointments online or by phone, as slots fill quickly. Common mistake: Showing up without an appointment; always confirm they handle your document type (e.g., first-time vs. renewal). Decision guide: Ideal for routine applications if you have 6+ weeks before travel.

• King County Recorder: Order vital records like birth certificates required for most passport apps (Kenmore falls under King County jurisdiction). Tip: Request certified copies online or by mail; allow 1-2 weeks for standard processing. Common mistake: Submitting uncertified copies or records over 3 months old—passports require originals or certified recent ones. Decision guide: Use for WA-born applicants; if born elsewhere, contact that state's vital records office first.

• Passport Status Check: Track your application 7-10 days after mailing (need your last name, DOB, and tracking number). Tip: Check weekly; delays often mean missing docs. Common mistake: Entering info too early—status won't appear immediately.

• Passport Processing Times: Current routine (6-8 weeks) vs. expedited (2-3 weeks) times. Tip: Add 2 weeks for mailing. Common mistake: Underestimating total time (from app to receipt). Decision guide: Routine for non-urgent travel; expedite ($60 extra) or use a private expediter if under 6 weeks—avoid last-minute apps as fees skyrocket at agencies.