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The Dos and Don'ts of Passport Appointments

With the arrival of summer comes an increased demand for passports! Did you know that you can actually get passport assistance from CCPL?! The Waldorf West branch hosts passport service appointments every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, pending employee availability and library events.

You can make an appointment here on our website at any time. The webpage should appear as follows:

The webpage should appear as follows:

The Dos and Don'ts of Passport Appointments

Though we understand how EXCITING getting a passport can be, especially since it usually means impending travels, it is important to remember that an application consists of official government documents that you will have to sign under oath and submit for approval to the U.S. Department of State. It is important to come as fully prepared as possible. Even make yourself a “to-do” list!

But for now, here is a list of some of the biggest appointment dos and don’ts recommended by your CCPL passport agents:

For Adults

Dos:

  • Have your passport photos taken prior to your appointment!

    • Though we offer appointments to help complete and send your application, we do not offer photo services. Some organizations that may offer passport photo services include Walgreens, CVS, FedEx Office Print & Ship Center, Walmart, and the UPS Store. Please call them to verify services and availability.

  • Call to cancel or let us know if you are running late at 301-645-1395.

    • Our passport appointments get booked very quickly! If you know that you are running late or can not make it, please let us know as soon as possible, even if the start time has arrived or passed.

    Fun Fact #1

  • Check in with a staff member upon your arrival!

    • Let us know when you arrive for your appointment, even if you are early! 

  • Have your forms filled out in advance.

    • Please do not show up to your appointment with blank forms. Though we are happy to help with anything you may have questions about, the majority of the forms should be completed prior to arrival. The 30-minute appointments are allotted with this expectation in mind.

  • Have a completed check or money order made payable to the U.S. Department of State with the exact amount of your total passport fees (including expedited fees).

    • The list of applicable fees can be found on both the previously linked CCPL page and here at the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs travel website. Additional information about these fines can also be found here on that same website. Incorrect amounts can cause delays in your processing time.

    Fun Fact #2

  • Have all original documents on hand.

    • In order to prove your identity and citizenship, only original documents are accepted during the application process. You will need to have a valid ID on hand, an old passport, and original official documents (e.g., birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, court orders, etc.).

  • Please (and we can not stress this enough) get your passport before paying for your vacation!

    • Unfortunately, life is unpredictable in ways we often can’t prepare for. Passport applications are not excluded from this unpredictability. It is also important to remember that standard processing times can be anywhere from 4-8 weeks, with expedited applications taking 2-3 weeks. Processing times vary, but are always updated and can be checked here on the travel.state.gov website. 

    Fun Fact #3

Don’ts:

  • Fill in your application with anything other than black ink! It will only be accepted in black ink.

    • If you can open the DS-11 from the website and type it, even better!

  • Make an appointment if you are renewing your passport. 

    • These appointments are only necessary if one of the following applies:
      • You are submitting a first-time application
      • If your passport has been expired for 15 years or more
      • If it is your first time getting a passport as an adult (16+)

  • Fill out forms on third-party sites.

    • Passport applications are free! Filling them out is free! Please double-check the legitimacy of any passport service or website that isn’t the travel.state.gov.

    Fun Fact #4

Bonus Tips For Minors

Dos:

  • Bring something to entertain younger children!

    • During the appointment, the applicant, both parents, and all children under 8 years of age are required to stay in the passport space. We understand that the paperwork can be tedious and boring, but again, it is an official government process. Videos and games are permitted with headphones. We also have toys and coloring pages available at the branch.

Don’ts:

  • Show up to your appointment without both parents present or a signed and notarized consent form from the parent unable to attend, for a child aged newborn to 15 years of age.

    • If one can not be present, there must be a signed and notarized DS-3053 form with a copy of their state-issued ID, court documents, or an original birth certificate listing the sole parent.Fun Fact #5

The amount of information you need to read to complete an application can feel like a lot. But it is also important to remember that these are official government documents that are signed under oath. That is why it is so very important to take your time, read everything carefully, and give yourself the appropriate amount of time to both fill out and submit the paperwork. Please be sure to read all the information, as even a minor error can cause delays and prevent you from getting your passport on time. Only one application can be completed per 30-minute slot, so please make one appointment per applicant. Safe travels and have a happy summer!