Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Passport in Lynnwood, WA

Getting a Passport in Lynnwood, WA

Lynnwood's 40,000+ residents in Snohomish County, WA, drive high passport demand due to SeaTac Airport's proximity (25 minutes south), which saw 52.5 million passengers in 2023 per Port of Seattle data. Local trends include 20%+ growth in Asia-Pacific flights and Europe family trips, plus study-abroad surges from Lynnwood High School students. Peak seasons—spring break (March-April), summer (June-August), holidays (November-December)—fill slots fast; business travelers add pressure. Common errors like invalid photos (glare, wrong size) or missing citizenship proof cause 4-6 week rejections. Start 10-13 weeks ahead: use the State Department Passport Wizard, preview photos via their tool, and align with SeaTac itineraries for urgency.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Wrong form choice triggers resubmissions and 4-6 week delays. Use this decision tree, then confirm with the Passport Wizard:

Lynnwood/Seattle specifics: Name changes require WA court docs (marriage cert, divorce decree). For urgent needs post-submission, add expedite ($60). Download forms unsigned from travel.state.gov/forms.

First-Time or Ineligible Renewal (DS-11)

Download unsigned DS-11 from travel.state.gov. Apply in-person at an acceptance facility: present original citizenship proof + photocopy (WA birth cert via DOH expedited ordering; Snohomish Auditor for pre-1907 at snohomishcountywa.gov/156/Auditor), primary ID + photocopy (WA driver's license; school transcripts as secondary), 2x2" photo, fees. Sign on-site during oath. Routine processing: 6-8 weeks.

Renewals (DS-82 Mail-In)

Strict eligibility: Issued at 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, current name. Complete DS-82, add photo/fees/old passport (unsigned), mail USPS Priority with tracking to State Dept. (Avoid certified mail slowdowns.) Ineligible? Use DS-11 in-person.

WA common mistakes:

• Name change sans docs: Switch to DS-11 with marriage/divorce/court order from Superior Court.
• 15-year expiration overlooked: Dates are from issue, not expiry.
• Damage (water, tears, bio alterations): Forces DS-11.
• Photos: Recent 2x2" color, white background—no selfies; use CVS/Walgreens kiosks ($15).

Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacements

Report online via DS-64; Lynnwood PD report aids claims. Proceed with DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11.

Passport Book vs. Card

Book ($130 adult) for SeaTac flights; card ($30 adult/$15 child) saves for land/sea to Canada/Mexico only.

Urgent Travel (Within 14 Days)

Call Seattle Passport Agency at 1-877-487-2778 with itinerary proof. Expedite at facilities (+$60, 2-3 weeks).

Gather Required Documents

Prepare originals + single-sided 8.5x11" photocopies (front/back). Snohomish top rejection: uncertified birth certs.

• Citizenship: WA birth cert ($20-34; DOH routine 1-2 weeks, expedited 3-5 days); Snohomish Auditor pre-1907; naturalization cert.
• ID: WA driver's license/utility bill; mismatch needs secondary (e.g., school records for students).
• Minors: Both parents or notarized DS-3053 if one absent—vital for Lynnwood exchange programs.
• Name changes: WA Superior Court marriage/divorce orders (courts.wa.gov/forms).

Passport Photos: Avoid 25-30% Rejection Rate

Strict rules: 2x2", <6 months old, color, white background, head 1-1.375", no glare/glasses/hats/uniforms. Use WA pharmacies/USPS ($15-20); state.gov photo tool/examples prevent returns.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Lynnwood

Federally approved for DS-11 witnessing/oath (15-30 min: docs review, sign form, pay fees via check/money order; cash rare). High-volume peaks hit mornings/Mondays—arrive early AM/late PM. Appointments mandatory (4-8 weeks out in summer); walk-ins unreliable. Verify via State locator (ZIP 98036) or USPS finder. $35 execution fee each.

Comprehensive facilities:

• Lynnwood Post Office (primary, photos available): 3025 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036 | (425) 775-4145 | Book Appointment
• Everett Post Office (~10 mi, peak handler): 3101 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA 98201 | Book Appointment
• Snohomish County Auditor's Office (~10 mi, appointment only): 3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA 98201 | (425) 388-3444 | Schedule Here

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

1. Run Passport Wizard for form/docs.
2. Gather photo/fees/docs (photocopies ready).
3. Book appointment 4-6 weeks early.
4. Arrive: Sign DS-11 on-site; complete in 15-30 min.
5. Get receipt; track online after 7 days at passportstatus.state.gov.

DS-82 Mail: Form + old passport/photo/fees to State Dept (Priority Mail tracked).

Fees and Payment

State fee to "U.S. Department of State" (check/money order); execution to facility.

Processing Times and Tracking

Routine: 6-8 weeks (+1-2 in SeaTac peaks). Expedited: 2-3 weeks. Track with receipt # after 7 days at passportstatus.state.gov.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Lynnwood School District abroad programs spike demand: Both parents/ID or notarized DS-3053/DS-64 for one parent. Guardians need court orders. Same fees/timelines; stricter scrutiny/exams.

Common Challenges and Fixes

• Full slots: Use Everett backups or mail DS-82.
• Birth cert delays: DOH expedite (3-5 days).
• Photo/docs rejection: State.gov checklist; pro photos.
• Renewal errors: Wizard first—15-yr rule common.
• Urgency mix-up: Expedite ≠ same-day agency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day service? No in Lynnwood; Seattle Agency w/ proof. WA birth cert timeline? 1-2 weeks routine; expedite 3-5 days. >15 years expired? DS-11 in-person only. Lynnwood PO appointment? Required; book now. Name change on renewal? DS-82 OK with docs. Book or card for SeaTac? Book for air travel. Tracking? Use receipt # after 7 days. Facility photos? Ask ahead; must meet specs.

Sources

[1] U.S. Dept of State Passports
[2] Passport Agencies
[3] WA DOH Birth Records
[4] Snohomish Auditor
[5] WA Courts Forms
[6] USPS Passports