Steilacoom, WA Passport Guide: Forms, Facilities, Timelines

Getting a Passport in Steilacoom, Washington

Steilacoom residents in Pierce County often need passports for travel through Sea-Tac Airport (30-45 minute drive), ferry routes to Canada or the San Juan Islands, or military assignments at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM, just 10 miles away). Local demand surges in summer for Alaska cruises and Cascades hikes, spring for European study abroad from Pacific Lutheran University or University of Puget Sound, and winter for Mexico getaways. Military families face last-minute relocations, while Tacoma port workers book business trips. High season books facilities weeks out—plan 8-11 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks expedited, per U.S. Department of State [1]. Avoid pitfalls like late applications or child rules with this tailored guide.

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

Mismatch forms cause 30% of rejections. Use this decision tree:

Verify at travel.state.gov/forms. For Steilacoom, add 20-30 minute drives to Pierce County spots during JBLM rush hours.

First-Time or New Passport (DS-11)

Apply in-person—no mail. Download DS-11; don't sign until staff witnesses [2].
Gather: Certified birth certificate (original + photocopy), photo ID + copy (WA driver's license + secondary like military ID), 2x2" photo, fees.
Local tip: JBLM families use certified records from WA DOH [6]. Expect 10-20 minute staff review, oath, sealing.
Timeline: 6-8 weeks routine; track after 7 days [11].

Passport Renewal (DS-82)

Mail if eligible [3]. Include old passport, photo, fees ($130 adult book [7]).
Pitfalls: Damaged book or >15 years old? Use DS-11. No credit cards—check/money order only. Ideal for Steilacoom to avoid drives.
Timeline: 6-8 weeks; track online.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacement

1. Report DS-64 online [12].
2. DS-82 if eligible; else DS-11 with police report.
   Damaged tip: Water/rips invalidate—even readable text. Cut up old book.
   Local note: Pierce County police reports speed stolen cases for JBLM personnel.

Required Documents and Forms

• Citizenship: Certified U.S. birth certificate (WA DOH, 1-2 weeks [6]), naturalization cert, or prior passport. No hospital/baptismal papers.
• ID: Driver's license/military ID + photocopy (front/back, single-sided).
• Minors: DS-3053 consent if one parent absent; court order for sole custody [4].
• Fees: $130+ application to State Dept (check); $35 execution to facility [7].

Download from travel.state.gov—scams abound on third-party sites [2].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-50% rejections from photos [8]. Specs: 2x2", color, white background, head 1-1⅜", recent (6 months), neutral face, no glasses/selfies/glare.
Steilacoom tips: Walgreens/Lakewood pharmacies ($15); matte paper. Measure head size—rejections spike from shadows in home setups. Bring two.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Steilacoom

No local agency (Seattle's 45 miles/1 hour north for urgents [5]). Use these Pierce County spots for routine/expedited—call for appointments, as slots fill fast near JBLM/Sea-Tac peaks:

• Steilacoom Post Office (3801 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Steilacoom, WA 98388) – Phone: (253) 584-4612. Walk-ins limited; summers book 2-4 weeks out. Google Maps
• University Place Post Office (2702 Bridgeport Way W, University Place, WA 98466) – 5 miles/10 min. Popular alternative. Google Maps
• Lakewood Post Office (301 116th St S, Lakewood, WA 98498) – 10 miles/20 min. More walk-in slots. Google Maps
• Pierce County Auditor (Tacoma) – Additional option [14].

Search USPS locator or State Dept [9][10]. Expect: Document review (10-30 min), oath, no on-site printing. Weekday mornings best; avoid Mondays/holidays.

Step-by-Step Checklists

DS-11 (First-Time/New/Minor/Lost Ineligible)

1. Fill DS-11 (unsigned).
2. Proof/ID + copies; minors: both parents/DS-3053 [4].
3. 2x2 photos [8].
4. Fees/checks [7].
5. Book appt; arrive early.
6. Sign/oath/submit; track [11].

What to expect: 15-45 min visit; staff seals envelope.

DS-82 Renewal (Mail)

1. Confirm eligibility [3].
2. Signed DS-82 + old passport/photo/fees.
3. Trackable mail to form address.
4. Track after 5-7 days [11].

Lost/Stolen Add-On

• DS-64 first [12]; police report.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks (peaks longer).
• Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks (+$21.36 return).
• Urgent (<14 days): Seattle agency appt/proof [5]. Life-or-death: No fee [13].

Steilacoom warning: JBLM/Sea-Tac surges add 1-2 weeks—apply 9+ weeks early [5].

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Bookings: 4-6 weeks ahead; try Lakewood for walk-ins [9].
• Photos/docs: Pros for photos; certify extras early [6][8].
• Minors/military: Notarized consent; JBLM ID accepted [4].
• Renewal errors: Eligibility tool first [3].
• Delays: Track weekly; no refunds [11].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Steilacoom? No—Seattle agency only (~1 hr drive, proof needed [5]).
Book vs. card? Book for air/global; card land/sea Canada/Mexico [1].
Steilacoom PO appt? Yes, call (253) 584-4612—peaks risky [9].
WA birth cert? DOH/VitalChek, 1-2 wks [6].
Child renewal mail? No, DS-11 in-person [4].
3-week trip? Expedite + return shipping; agency if <14 days [5].
WA EDL for flights? No, Canada land/sea only [15].
Minor fees? $100 + $35 [7].

Sources

[1] Passports - Travel.State.Gov
[2] Form DS-11
[3] Passport Renewal (DS-82)
[4] Children Under 16
[5] Processing Times
[6] Washington State Birth/Death Certificates
[7] Passport Fees
[8] Passport Photo Requirements
[9] USPS Passport Services
[10] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[11] Passport Status Check
[12] Form DS-64
[13] Life-or-Death Emergencies
[14] Pierce County Auditor Passports
[15] WA Enhanced Driver's License