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Ready to explore the world beyond Lehigh Acres? Getting your first passport or renewing an old one might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve broken down the entire process into six easy-to-follow steps, designed specifically with our local Southwest Florida community in mind. Let’s get your journey started!
Before anything else, you need to clarify your specific situation. Are you a brand-new traveler applying for your very first U.S. passport? Or perhaps you’re simply refreshing an old one that’s expired or about to? This initial distinction is crucial because it dictates which government form you’ll need and what documents you’ll bring. First-timers, and children under 16, will typically use the DS-11 form and must apply in person. If you’re eligible to renew by mail (meaning your previous passport was issued less than 15 years ago, you were 16 or older at the time, and it’s undamaged), the DS-82 form is your go-to. Make sure you select the correct path right from the start to avoid any unnecessary delays.
Not sure which type you need? First-time applicants must apply in person, while renewals can often be done by mail if your previous passport is undamaged and was issued within the last 15 years.
This step involves digging through your important papers. For proof of U.S. citizenship, you’ll generally need your original birth certificate (issued by the city, county, or state), a previous undamaged U.S. passport, or a certificate of naturalization. Photocopies usually aren’t accepted; they’ll need the original or a certified copy. You’ll also require a valid form of identification, such as your Florida driver’s license. If you’ve ever changed your name, bring your marriage certificate or court order as well. For children, you’ll need proof of their U.S. citizenship, their previous passport (if any), and both parents’ IDs, plus proof of parental relationship. Collect everything neatly before moving on.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Now it’s time to complete the actual passport application form. You can find these online at the Department of State’s website (travel.state.gov) and either fill it out digitally then print, or print it blank and fill it in by hand using black ink. Take your time and be meticulously accurate with all information. One critical detail for DS-11 applicants: DO NOT sign the form until you are in front of a passport acceptance agent. They must witness your signature. If you’re using the DS-82 renewal form and mailing it in, you can sign it before you send it off. Double-check every field for errors; a simple mistake can cause significant processing delays.
Fill out Form DS-11 for new applications or DS-82 for renewals. Don’t sign the form until instructed by the acceptance agent—signing early can invalidate your application.
A good passport photo is essential, and it has very specific requirements. It must be a recent, color photo, 2×2 inches in size, with a plain white or off-white background. No glasses are allowed, and you need a neutral facial expression or a natural smile with both eyes open. Avoid hats or head coverings unless for religious reasons, and even then, your full face must be visible. In Lehigh Acres, you can easily get compliant photos taken at places like the local CVS Pharmacy on Lee Blvd, Walgreens, or even The UPS Store on Homestead Road. Just let them know it’s for a U.S. passport, and they’ll usually be familiar with the regulations.
Passport photos must be 2×2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white background. Many post offices and pharmacies offer this service, or use our expedited service for hassle-free photo assistance.
Passport costs vary depending on whether you want a passport book, a passport card (for land and sea travel to certain areas), or both. There’s an application fee, and if you’re applying in person (DS-11), there’s also an execution fee. Importantly, these fees typically need to be paid separately. The application fee must be paid to the U.S. Department of State by check or money order only – cash or credit cards are generally not accepted for this portion. The execution fee, paid to the acceptance facility, can sometimes be paid by cash or credit card, but it’s always safest to bring a separate check or money order for this too. Check current fee schedules on travel.state.gov to ensure you have the correct amounts.
Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks. Need it faster? Our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 business days with zero errors guaranteed. Call (800) 860-8610 to get started.
For first-time applicants or those using the DS-11 form, you must personally visit a designated passport acceptance facility. In Lehigh Acres, your best bet is the U.S. Post Office at 1201 Taylor Ln, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936. You might need to schedule an appointment, so call ahead. Bring all your gathered documents, the unsigned DS-11 form, your passport photo, and your payment. An acceptance agent will verify your identity, witness your signature on the DS-11, and then seal your application materials into an envelope for shipment. If you’re renewing by mail with the DS-82, simply send your signed form, old passport, new photo, and payment directly to the address specified on the form.
Track your application status online at the State Department’s website using your last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Updates typically appear within 7-10 days of submission.
Use these free tools to plan your passport application
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Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ lehigh acres applications and found the top errors: incorrect photo specifications (38%), photocopied birth certificates instead of originals (31%), and unsigned forms (22%). Our expert review catches these errors before submission—we maintain a 99.2% error-free rate, saving you weeks of delays.
Understanding which process applies to you
New passport applications require you to visit one of lehigh acres’s 7 acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in Lee County and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no lehigh acres facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from lehigh acres.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in lehigh acres. Most passport acceptance facilities offer free street parking or metered parking nearby. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.
Find the nearest acceptance location — or skip the hassle entirely
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