How to Get a Passport in Longview, WA: Forms, Fees, Locations

Getting a Passport in Longview, WA

Longview in Cowlitz County, Washington, sees steady passport demand from I-5 corridor commuters, families heading to Canada or Mexico by land/sea, and air travelers via nearby Portland International Airport (45 minutes south). Peak seasons—spring breaks, summer vacations, and December holidays—fill appointments quickly at local facilities. Urgent needs like job relocations or family emergencies add pressure. This guide details eligibility, forms (DS-11 vs. DS-82 decisions), documents, photos, local options, fees, timelines, and tips to avoid common pitfalls, based on U.S. Department of State guidelines [1].

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Pick the wrong form, and you'll face delays, extra fees, or rejections—common in busy areas like Cowlitz County where slots book fast. Key decisions hinge on your history and changes [1].

• DS-11 (First-Time or In-Person): Required for new applicants, minors under 16, passports over 15 years old, or major changes (name, data errors). Must apply in person at a Longview-area facility. Expect 20-30 minutes: agent verifies docs, witnesses signature, seals envelope.

• DS-82 (Renewal by Mail): Best for adults with passport issued <15 years ago (10-year validity), no major changes. Skip the facility—mail from home. Mistake: Using DS-82 for lost/stolen (use DS-5504 if <5 years old) or name changes (add court docs).

• Replacements: Lost/stolen valid <5 years? DS-5504 by mail + police report. Damaged or older? DS-11 in person.

Local tip: Business travelers from Longview's port industries renew via DS-82 to save time; students from Lower Columbia College often need DS-11 during term breaks.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Use this for DS-11 (in-person); adapt for mail-ins. Incomplete apps cause 20-30% rejections locally—gather all first [1].

1. Form: DS-11 (hand-fill, black ink; don't sign until agent). Download: travel.state.gov/forms [2].
2. Citizenship Proof: Original birth certific

ate (WA DOH via doh.wa.gov), naturalization cert, or old passport. Photocopy front/back [4]. 3. ID Proof: WA driver's license, passport card, or military ID. Photocopy [1]. 4. Photo: 2x2-inch compliant (details below) [5]. 5. Minors: Both parents present or DS-3053 notarized from absent one + ID. Sole custody? Affidavit [2]. 6. Fees: See below; separate checks (State Dept + facility). 7. Type: Book ($30 more, worldwide air) vs. card (land/sea Canada/Mexico/Caribbean). 8. Appointment: Book via facility links below. 9. Attend: Arrive early; expect oath, review (15-30 min), receipt with tracking #. 10. Track: passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days [7].

Renewal (DS-82) Quick List: Old passport + form + photo + fee check. Mail to Philadelphia center [3]. Name change? Add certificate.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25% of returns stem from photos—glare, head size, or shadows plague pharmacy and self-shots in rushed seasons [5].

Requirements:

• 2x2 inches (head 1-1⅜ inches).
• White/off-white background, neutral expression, color, matte, <6 months old.

Tips:

• Pros: Longview Walgreens (1328 Washington Way Way, locator) or USPS ($15-17).
• DIY: Even front light, no shadows; glasses only if no glare.
• Minors: Plain clothes, eyes visible.
• Tool: State Dept photo checker.

Flawed photos? Facility rejects on-site—retake nearby.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities in Longview

Cowlitz County facilities handle DS-11; book 4-6 weeks ahead for peaks (Mon mid-days busiest). Verify via iafdb.travel.state.gov [8]. No walk-ins typically; expect 15-30 min visits with queues.

• Longview Main Post Office
  1155 Commerce Ave, Longview, WA 98632
  (360) 425-4719 | Mon-Fri by appt
  Book: USPS Locator [10]

• Cowlitz County Auditor's Office (Kelso, 15 min north)
  207 4th Ave N, Kelso, WA 98626
  (360) 577-3006 | Appts required
  Info/Book: co.cowlitz.wa.us/207/Auditor [11]

• Kelso Post Office
  175 W Coweeman St, Kelso, WA 98626
  (360) 425-4719 | Limite

d slots
Book: USPS Locator [10]

Photos nearby. Seattle Agency (2+ hrs): Urgent only [9].

Fees, Processing Times, and Expedited Options

Verify latest at travel.state.gov/fees [6]. Execution fee $35 (facility); rest to State Dept.

Timelines (from receipt date; peaks slower): Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks. Apply 9+ weeks pre-travel. Track [7].

• Expedite: Add $60 at facility/mail for 2-3 weeks.
• Urgent (<14 days): Seattle Agency appt + itinerary proof [9].
• Renewals: Mail to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190 [3]. Use Priority Mail.

Special Considerations for Washington Residents

• Vitals: Birth certs via WA DOH ($25+) or Cowlitz Auditor [4][11]. Name changes: County Clerk [12].
• Minors: Strict consent; most failures here [2].
• Local Peaks: 50%+ backlogs March-April, June-Aug, Dec—Tuesday-Thursday mornings best.
• Business/Students: DS-82 for quick renewals; group apps coordinate early.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Longview? No. Seattle for <14-day urgents with proof [9].

Book vs. Card? Book for flights; card cheaper for land/sea borders [1].

Single parent minor? Custody docs or DS-3053 [2].

Expiring soon? Renew DS-82 9 months early [3].

Photo rejection? Use State tool; pro retake [5].

Birth cert Cowlitz? DOH or Auditor [4][11].

Facility expedite? Yes, $60 fee [6].

Lost abroad? Embassy DS-64; DS-11 home [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Passports
[2] Forms
[3] Renew
[4] WA Birth Records
[5] Photo Requirements
[6] Fees
[7] Status Check
[8] [Facility Search](https://iafdb.

travel.state.gov/)
[9] Agencies
[10] USPS Passports
[11] Cowlitz Auditor
[12] Cowlitz Clerk