Passport Guide for Medina WA: Bellevue Facilities, Forms & Steps

Getting a Passport in Medina, WA

Medina, an affluent enclave in King County, Washington, sees robust international travel among residents—fueled by tech executives commuting to Asia, family vacations to Europe during summer peaks, and student programs. Proximity to SeaTac Airport (15 miles south), which processes over 50 million passengers annually with heavy trans-Pacific routes, amplifies urgency for last-minute passports. Local hurdles include no in-city facilities, fierce competition for appointments at Bellevue and Seattle sites (often booking 2-4 weeks out), frequent photo rejections from Washington's moody lighting, and WA-specific birth certificate delays. Book early to sidestep peak-season crunches.[1][2]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick the wrong form or method, and face weeks of delays. Use this decision guide:

• DS-11 (New/In-Person): First-time, child under 16, lost/stolen (not eligible for renewal), or prior passport issued before age 16. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility—agent witnesses signature.[1]

• DS-82 (Renewal by Mail): Adult (16+ at issuance), passport issued <15 years ago, undamaged, in your current name (or name-change proof). Skip facilities; mail from home. Common mistake: Applying in person when eligible for mail—wastes time and $35 execution fee.[1][17]

• Lost/Stolen: File DS-64 online first, then DS-11 in person (or DS-82 if eligible).[3]

• Passport Card: Land/sea only (Canada/Mexico/Caribbean)—$30 vs. $130 book, ideal for drives to Vancouver.

• Corrections/Urgent: Name changes need court orders; travel <14 days requires Seattle agency proof (not all qualify).[4][5]

Run the State Department's wizard if borderline.[6] Expect 10-15 minute facility visits: Agent checks docs, oath, fees—no passport issued on-site.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Medina

No passport services in Medina (98039 ZIP)—travel 2-5 miles to Bellevue or 10+ to Seattle. All handle DS-1

1 new/child apps (not renewals). Demand spikes near SeaTac; Bellevue spots fill fast from tech workers. Book via phone/online; walk-ins unreliable. Verify real-time slots/hours at USPS Passport Locator or State Dept Locator.[7][9]

Tips for Busy Times: Early weekdays (9-10 AM) or late afternoons beat lunch rushes/Mondays. Avoid summer/holidays. Arrive 15 min early with photocopies.[2]

Renewals? Mail DS-82—no facility. Use Priority Express from Medina USPS for tracking.[7]

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications

Start 9+ weeks early. Rejections hit 20-30% from photos/docs.

1. Form DS-11: Fill online, print black ink—don't sign until agent.[10]

2. Citizenship Proof: Original WA birth cert (order from DOH or King County, $20, 1-2 weeks; rush via VitalChek $40+).[11][12][23] Photocopy front/back.

3. ID: WA DL (match name), photocopy.[1]

4. Photo: 2x2", <6 months—see next section.[13]

5. Minors: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized; divorce docs.[14]

6. Fees: Two checks (State Dept + facility).[15]

7. Book/Go: Confirm slot; agent verifies, oaths, collects.

8. Track: After 7-10 days online.[16]

Mail Renewal (DS-82): Sign form, old passport, photo, fees to State Dept address. 6-8 weeks routine.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25%+ local rejections from shadows/glare (WA overcast + indoor fluorescents).[13] Rules:

• 2x2", head 1-1⅜" high.
• White background, even light, eyes open/neutral face.
• No glasses (unless medical), hats, uniforms.

Get at Bellevue CVS/Walgreens ($15), USPS, or home—validate digitally.[7][18][19]

Fees and Payment

State fee check/money order; facility cash/check/credit. +$21.36 1-2 day delivery.[15]

Processing Times and Expediting

• Routine: 4-6 weeks in-person, 6-8 mail (peaks +2-4 weeks).[4]
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).
• Urgent (<14 days): Seattle Agency appt (1-877-487-2778), itinerary proof; life/death <3 days.[5][20]

Medina/SeaTac surges delay—apply 3 months ahead.

Special Situations

• Minors: 40% rejection risk sans consent; prescreen docs.[14]
• Name Change: Marriage cert timely.[1]
• Lost Abroad: Embassy limited passport.[22]

Common Challenges and Tips

• Appt Shortages: Refresh USPS site daily for Bellevue cancellations.[7]
• WA Docs: King County births backlog in peaks—VitalChek rush.[12][21]
• Mistakes: Wrong form (DS-82 vs DS-11), no photocopies, signed DS-11.
• SeaTac Rush: International flights book fast—passport first, visa second.

Frequently Asked Questions

Walk-in possible near Medina? No—book Bellevue/King County.[7]

Renewal timeline? 6-8 weeks; include old passport.[17]

Trip in 10 days? Agency only if qualified; expedited risky in peaks.[4][5]

Birth cert for renewal? No, if eligible.[1]

Photo issues? Retake pro—glare kills.[13]

Students? Passport then J-1 visa early.[1]

Sources

[1]: U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2]: U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[3]: U.S. Department of State - Lost/Stolen Passports
[4]: [U.S

. Department of State - Fast for Everyone](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html)
[5]: U.S. Department of State - Life-or-Death Emergencies
[6]: U.S. Department of State - Passport Application Wizard
[7]: USPS - Passport Services
[8]: King County - Passport Services
[9]: U.S. Department of State - Acceptance Facility Search
[10]: U.S. Department of State - Form DS-11
[11]: U.S. Department of State - Citizenship Evidence
[12]: Washington State DOH - Birth Records
[13]: U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[14]: U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
[15]: U.S. Department of State - Fees
[16]: U.S. Department of State - Check Status
[17]: U.S. Department of State - Form DS-82
[18]: USPS - Passport Photos
[19]: U.S. Department of State - Photo Validator
[20]: U.S. Department of State - Seattle Passport Agency
[21]: King County - Vital Records
[22]: U.S. Department of State - Passports Abroad
[23]: VitalChek - WA Birth Certificates