Getting a Passport in Tacoma, WA: Facilities, Steps, Fees

Getting a Passport in Tacoma, WA

Tacoma residents frequently need passports for international business trips, tourism to destinations like Canada or Asia, and seasonal travel spikes in spring/summer or winter breaks. Proximity to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) amplifies this demand, alongside students in exchange programs and occasional urgent trips. However, high demand at acceptance facilities often leads to limited appointments, especially during peak seasons. Common hurdles include photo rejections from shadows, glare, or wrong dimensions; incomplete paperwork for minors; and confusion over renewal eligibility or expedited options for travel within 14 days. This guide outlines the process using official U.S. Department of State requirements to help you navigate it efficiently [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before gathering documents, identify your situation to use the correct form and process. Misusing forms—like submitting a first-time application for a renewal—can delay processing.

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16; damaged, lost, or stolen; issued more than 15 years ago; or issued in your previous name (without legal documentation). Use Form DS-11 [1].

• Renewal by Mail: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16+, is undamaged, was issued within the last 15 years, and is in your current name. Use Form DS-82. Not available for child passports [2]. Washington state sees many renewals from business travelers, but confirm eligibility carefully.

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Report it via Form DS-64 first, then apply as a new passport (DS-11 in person) or renew if eligible. Include a $60 fee for replacement [1].

• Name Change, Correction, or Multiple Passports: Use DS-5504 by mail if within one year of issuance; otherwise, DS-82 or DS-11 [1].

For Tacoma applicants, most use in-person acceptance facilities for DS-11. Renewals can often be mailed, saving time amid local appointment shortages.

Required Documents and Eligibility

All applicants must prove U.S. citizenship and identity. Originals or certified copies are mandatory—photocopies won't suffice.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: U.S. birth certificate (issued by city, county, or state; hospital versions invalid), naturalization certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. For Tacoma births, order from the Washington State Department of Health or Pierce County if pre-1907 [3][4].

• Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, government/military ID, or current passport. Washington Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) qualify [1].

• Parental Awareness/Authorization for Minors: Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent (Form DS-3053) for children under 16 [1].

Photocopy all documents (front and back) on plain white 8.5x11" paper. Incomplete sets cause most rejections in busy facilities like Tacoma post offices.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Tacoma and Pierce County

Tacoma has several U.S. Department of State-authorized facilities, but book appointments early due to high demand from SeaTac travelers and seasonal rushes. Use the online locator or call ahead [5].

• Tacoma City Clerk's Office: 747 Market St, 3rd Floor, Tacoma, WA 98402. Open weekdays; accepts DS-11 applications, photos on-site. Appointments recommended [6].

• Tacoma Main Post Office: 1101 S 12th St, Tacoma, WA 98405. Full services including photos; busiest spot, book via USPS [5].

• Other Pierce County Options: Post offices in Lakewood, Puyallup; Pierce County Auditor for vital records (not passports directly) [7]. Regional passport agencies are in Seattle (2-hour drive) for urgent needs [1].

Walk-ins are rare during peaks; expect waits. Private expeditor services exist but aren't acceptance facilities—use only for form help, not submission [1].

Step-by-Step Checklist for New Passport Applications (DS-11)

Follow this checklist to minimize errors, especially for first-timers or minors common in student-heavy Tacoma.

1. Confirm Eligibility: Use the State Department's wizard [1]. Gather citizenship proof, ID, and photocopies.

2. Get Passport Photos: Two identical 2x2" color photos on white background, taken within 6 months. No glasses, uniforms, glare/shadows. Many Tacoma facilities offer for $15–16 [1][5].

3. Complete Form DS-11: Fill out but do not sign until in front of an agent [2]. Download from travel.state.gov.

4. Book Appointment: Call or online for Tacoma City Clerk or USPS [5][6]. Allow 2–4 weeks lead time in summer/winter.

5. Pay Fees: See fees section below. Acceptance fee ($35) payable by check/money order; application fee to State Dept.

6. Submit In-Person: Bring all docs, unsigned form, photos. Agent witnesses signature.

7. Track Status: Online after 7–10 days [8].

For renewals (DS-82), mail everything—no in-person needed if eligible [2].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photo issues reject 20–30% of applications nationally, higher locally from home printers. Specs: 2x2 inches, head 1–1 3/8 inches, neutral expression, even lighting [1].

• Tacoma Tips: Use post office or CVS/Walgreens ($15). Avoid selfies—digital edits cause glare flags.

• Rejection Fixes: Shadows from overhead lights, poor contrast, or dimensions off. Certified facilities check specs.

Fees and Payment

Fees unchanged as of 2023; verify current [1].

Pay acceptance fee to facility (cash/check); application to "U.S. Department of State." No credit cards at most Tacoma spots.

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6–8 weeks (mail) or 4–6 weeks from agencies [1]. No hard guarantees—peaks add delays. Track online [8].

• Expedited (2–3 weeks): +$60, available at acceptance facilities. For travel within 14 days, go to Seattle Passport Agency by appointment only [1].

• Urgent Travel: Life-or-death within 72 hours or travel <14 days? Agency visit required with proof (itinerary, death cert). Last-minute SeaTac flights strain local options—plan ahead [1].

Washington's tourism/business volume means summer waits exceed estimates; apply 9+ weeks early.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Minors under 16 need both parents' presence or DS-3053 notarized consent. Common in Tacoma's exchange programs—get notarization at banks/USPS ($5–10) [1]. No renewals by mail for kids.

Renewing Your Passport

If eligible, mail DS-82 with old passport, photo, fee to National Passport Processing Center [2]. Tacoma mail via USPS drop-off. Ineligible? Treat as new.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals (DS-82)

1. Verify Eligibility: Issued <15 years ago, age 16+, undamaged, current name [2].

2. Gather Items: Old passport, new photo, DS-82 (signed), fees (check to State Dept).

3. Mail Securely: Use USPS Priority Express; track number [2]. No appointment needed.

4. Track: Online after mailing [8].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Tacoma

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to review and submit passport applications for processing. These sites do not issue passports directly; instead, staff verify your identity, ensure forms are complete, administer oaths, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for production. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerks' offices, and municipal buildings. In the Tacoma area and surrounding Pierce County communities, such facilities are typically scattered across urban centers, suburbs, and nearby towns, providing convenient access for residents.

When visiting, expect to present a completed DS-11 application form (for first-time applicants or renewals requiring in-person submission), proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), a valid photo ID, passport photos meeting State Department specs, and payment for application and execution fees. Some locations handle payment by check or money order only, payable to specific entities. Walk-ins are often available, but many now require appointments booked online or by phone to manage crowds. Processing begins after submission, with standard service taking 6-8 weeks; expedited options add fees for faster turnaround. Always double-check requirements on the official State Department website, as policies can evolve.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities around Tacoma tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons, such as spring break, summer vacations, and holiday periods leading up to winter travel. Weekdays, particularly Mondays, often bring backlogs from weekend accumulations, while mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can experience rushes from lunch-hour visitors. To navigate this, plan visits for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, and book appointments well in advance during high-demand periods. Arrive with all documents organized to minimize wait times, and monitor facility websites or hotlines for any advisories on temporary closures or capacity limits. Flexibility with nearby options can help if one site is overwhelmed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Tacoma?
No local same-day service. For urgent <14 days, expedite + Seattle agency appointment [1].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent travel service?
Expedited shortens to 2–3 weeks ($60 extra). Urgent (within 14 days) requires agency visit with itinerary proof—no routine acceptance facilities [1].

My WA birth certificate is hospital-issued; is it valid?
No—must be state/county-issued long form. Order from WA DOH ($25+) [3].

How do I handle a name change?
Marriage/divorce cert + old ID; use DS-5504 if <1 year post-issue [1].

Pierce County vital records for passports?
Pierce Auditor handles local births pre-1907; otherwise WA DOH. Not passport submission [4][7].

What if my appointment is full?
Try other facilities like Puyallup Post Office or call Seattle agency early. Private expeditors can submit for you but charge extra [5][1].

Can I use my WA EDL as ID?
Yes, for identity proof [1].

Photos: Can I wear glasses?
Only if medically necessary and no glare [1].

Sources

[1]Passports
[2]Renew by Mail
[3]Washington State Birth Records
[4]Pierce County Auditor - Vital Records
[5]USPS Passport Locator
[6]Tacoma City Clerk Passports
[7]Pierce County Home
[8]Passport Status Check