Getting a Passport in Renton WA: Checklists, Post Offices, DS-11/DS-82

Getting a Passport in Renton, WA

Renton residents in King County, Washington, frequently apply for passports ahead of international flights from nearby Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac), business trips to Asia, study abroad at the University of Washington, or family vacations during spring break, summer, and holidays. Washington's robust international travel scene—fueled by SeaTac's nonstop routes—drives high demand at local facilities, filling appointments weeks in advance. This guide streamlines the process with tailored checklists, timelines, decision tools for DS-11 vs. DS-82, facility expectations, and King County resources like WA DOH birth certificates and Enhanced Driver's Licenses (E-DL) [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the wrong form is a leading cause of rejections—e.g., attempting DS-82 renewal for a first-time applicant. Use this decision tree:

Run the State Department's wizard for confirmation: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/apply-in-person-wizard.html [1]. For Renton travelers facing SeaTac departures within 14 days, distinguish expedited service (faster processing, available everywhere) from urgent agency visits (travel proof required) to avoid seasonal backlogs [3].

Required Documents and Eligibility

Original U.S. citizenship proof is non-negotiable—photocopies alone or short-form birth certificates trigger returns, delaying Renton applicants by weeks.

Checklist for Adults (16+): First-Time, Replacement, or Correction (DS-11)

1. DS-11 (complete but unsigned; download: https://pptform.state.gov/ [4]).
2. Citizenship: Long-form birth certificate (raised seal; order from WA DOH: https://doh.wa.gov/records-and-birth-certificates [5]); naturalization cert; prior passport.
3. ID: WA E-DL, driver's license, etc. (original + photocopy) [6].
4. 2x2 photo.
5. Fees: Separate payments (State Dept. app fee; facility execution fee). Current rates: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html [7].
6. Name change docs (certified marriage cert, court order).

Checklist for Minors (Under 16): Always DS-11

1. DS-11 (unsigned).
2. Child's long-form birth cert (WA DOH [5]).
3. Parents'/guardians' IDs (photocopies).
4. Both parents present or DS-3053 notarized (absent parent); sole custody needs court order.
5. Photo (infant tips: plain white sheet behind).
6. Reduced fees.

Mail Renewal (DS-82 Only)

1. DS-82 [4].
2. Old passport.
3. Photo.
4. Single fee check to "U.S. Department of State."
5. Mail: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [1].

Photocopy all IDs front/back on plain paper.

Passport Photo Requirements

Rejections hit 25% of applications in busy areas like Renton from glare, poor sizing (head must measure 1-1⅜ inches in 2x2 frame), or dated prints [8]. Strict rules:

• Recent color photo (≤6 months), matte photo paper.
• Off-white background, direct gaze, no smiles showing teeth.
• No glasses (unless medical, glare-free), hats, uniforms. Local options: USPS, CVS/Walgreens, FedEx Office—expect $10-15. Skip home setups; pros prevent appointment forfeits during SeaTac peaks.

Where to Apply in Renton and King County

Routine DS-11 applications demand in-person at State-authorized facilities (no passports issued on-site). Book early via https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ [9]—King County's SeaTac-driven demand books slots 4-6 weeks out. Expect 30-60 minutes: document review, oath, signature witnessing, fee collection (cash/check/card at USPS).

Renton/King County spots (verify via [9][10]):

• Renton Main Post Office: 501 S 3rd St, Renton, WA 98057. Phone: (425) 226-6541.
• Fairwood Station Post Office: 14705 140th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98059.
• Nearby: Kent/Bellevue post offices; avoid King County Recorder (no passports) [11]. No City Hall; Seattle court clerk for specifics [12].

Urgent (≤14 days travel):

• Expedite at any facility (+$60, 7-9 business days processing).
• Seattle Passport Agency (appt only): 2501 6th Ave #150, Seattle. Itinerary proof mandatory [13].

Busy peaks: Mondays, lunch hours, summer/holidays—opt for early mornings or late afternoons; set locator alerts. Call ahead.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Assess needs/docs (above checklists); order WA birth certs early (1-2 weeks standard [5]).
2. Secure compliant photo.
3. Book facility [9]; arrive 15 min early with copies.
4. On-site: Agent verifies docs, you sign DS-11 under oath, pay (cashier's check safest), get receipt.
5. Track: https://passportstatus.state.gov/ [14] (starts 1-2 weeks post-submission).
6. Delivery: Routine 6-8 weeks; request 1-2 day traceable mail (+$20).

Peaks add 2-4 weeks; no pickup option.

Common Challenges and Tips for Renton Residents

• DS-11 vs. DS-82 Mix-up: Renewals ineligible? Pivot to DS-11 immediately—saves reapplication delays.
• Appointment Droughts: SeaTac business/students overwhelm; refresh locator daily, consider Bellevue as backup.
• Doc Rejects: Short birth certs, unsigned forms, unnotarized DS-3053—double-check pre-visit.
• Photos/Timelines: Glare rejections void slots; apply 10-12 weeks pre-SeaTac flight.
• Facility Waits: 45+ min common; bring water/docs organized.

Pro tips: E-DL shines as ID [6]; UW students pair school ID with primary proof; photocopy twice.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Renton families in UW exchange programs face strict rules: Both parents or fresh DS-3053 (notarized ≤90 days). No waivers sans court order. Infant photos: Use caregiver hold-off-frame. Fees: $100 app + $35 execution.

Processing Times and Expectations

Estimates exclude mailing (add 2 weeks); peaks extend. Track [14] [1].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Renewal at Renton post office? No—DS-82 mail-only [1].

King County birth cert? WA DOH (1-week expedite) [5]; long-form certified.

Travel in 10 days? Agency appt + itinerary [13]; expedite first if time.

USPS photos? ~$15; confirm [10].

E-DL as ID? Yes [6].

Lost passport? Report [2], DS-11 + police report.

Summer apply-when? 9-12 weeks for SeaTac peaks [1].

Kids need appt? Yes [9].

Sources

[1]: U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]: Report Lost/Stolen Passport
[3]: Expedited Services
[4]: Passport Forms
[5]: WA Birth Records
[6]: DOL Enhanced ID
[7]: Passport Fees
[8]: Passport Photo Requirements
[9]: Acceptance Facility Locator
[10]: USPS Passport Services
[11]: King County Elections/Recorder
[12]: King County Superior Court Clerk
[13]: Passport Agencies
[14]: Passport Status