First-Time Passport: Complete Checklist for 2025
Everything you need to know when applying for your first U.S. passport, including required documents and fees.
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What You Need to Know: Getting a Passport in College Park
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AI Passport Assistant for College Park
Ask me anything about getting your passport in College Park — instant expert answers
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Guaranteed to Make Your Trip
We’ll handle everything from your College Park home or office. Expert review, compliant photos included, delivered in 1-3 days.
📊 EXCLUSIVE DATA
Real Passport Processing Times from College Park Residents
Based on verified reports from College Park applicants (last updated: )
56
Average Days
Routine Service
8 Weeks
Typical Range
90% of cases
3-6 Days
Days with Us
Average expedited
Note: Government states “” but actual College Park times vary. Our data shows reality based on real user submissions.
How to Get a Passport in College Park, Maryland
Let’s transform your travel dreams into an official document.
1
Decode Your Passport Puzzle
Understanding whether you need a new passport or a renewal is crucial. For University of Maryland students and researchers, the requirements can vary based on your current documentation and travel history. Check your existing passport’s expiration date and consider upcoming international opportunities, especially if you’re connected to UMD’s global research programs.
💡 Pro Tip:
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.
2
Document Detective Work
Gather your investigative toolkit: birth certificate, current ID, and proof of citizenship. Pro tip for College Park residents: the College Park City Hall can sometimes help verify documents. If you’re a UMD student, campus international services might offer additional guidance on complex documentation scenarios.
💡 Pro Tip:
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
3
Form Filling: Your Passport Mission
DS-11 for new passports, DS-82 for renewals. Precision matters here—one missed checkbox can send you back to square one. Consider completing your form near the Stamp Student Union, where you’ll have reliable Wi-Fi and a calm environment to focus on details.
💡 Pro Tip:
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.
4
Capture Your Official Portrait
Passport photos in College Park are an art form. The CVS near campus offers reliable services, or try the UMD student center for convenient options. Avoid casual selfies—these photos require specific backgrounds and expressions. Think professional, not Instagram-ready.
💡 Pro Tip:
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.
5
Finding Your Submission Sanctuary
College Park offers multiple passport acceptance facilities. The post office on Baltimore Avenue is a tried-and-true location, but don’t overlook the campus services or nearby municipal offices. Pro College Park tip: confirm hours and potentially book an appointment to minimize waiting times.
💡 Pro Tip:
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.
6
Financial Finale
Passport fees aren’t negotiable, but smart planning is. Current rates range from $130-$165 depending on your specific needs. Bring a credit card or money order—cash is rarely accepted. Budget-conscious UMD students should plan ahead and consider expedited services if international opportunities are time-sensitive.
💡 Pro Tip:
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.
Smart Tools for College Park Applicants
Use these free tools to plan your passport application
Travel Date Calculator
Find out if standard processing will work for your trip from College Park
Document Checklist
Make sure you have everything needed for College Park facilities
Photo Validator
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
✓ Requirements:
• 2×2 inches in size
• White or off-white background
• Taken within last 6 months
• Clear, front-facing view
• No glasses, hats, or headphones
• Neutral expression
Common mistakes in College Park:
Photos taken with phone at home often get rejected. Most College Park facilities offer photo services for $10-15, or our service includes compliant photos free.
• 2×2 inches in size
• White or off-white background
• Taken within last 6 months
• Clear, front-facing view
• No glasses, hats, or headphones
• Neutral expression
Common mistakes in College Park:
Photos taken with phone at home often get rejected. Most College Park facilities offer photo services for $10-15, or our service includes compliant photos free.
Common Mistakes in College Park
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ College Park 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.
New Passport vs. Renewal in College Park
Understanding which process applies to you
New Passport
- First-time applicants (never had a U.S. passport)
- Children under 16 applying for their first passport
- Previous passport lost, stolen, or damaged beyond recognition
- Passport issued before age 16 and you’re now over 16
- Passport issued more than 15 years ago
📍 Must Apply in Person
New passport applications require you to visit one of College Park’s acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in and handle everything.
Renewal
- Current passport in your possession (undamaged)
- Passport issued when you were 16 or older
- Passport issued within last 15 years
- Passport issued in your current name (or you can document name change)
- Adult passport holder (age 16+)
✉️ Can Mail It In
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no College Park facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from College Park.
Parking & Directions Pro Tip
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in College Park. 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.
All College Park Passport Facilities
Find the nearest acceptance location — or skip the hassle entirely
No Facilities Found
There are no passport facilities currently listed for College Park.
Facility Application vs. Our Expedited Service
Honest comparison to help College Park residents choose the right option
Feature
Apply at College Park Facility
Use PassportsAndVisas.com
Processing Time
8-11 weeks standard
5-7 weeks expedited (+$60)
5-7 weeks expedited (+$60)
1-3 business days guaranteed
Convenience
Visit facility, wait in line, limited hours
Done from your College Park home—we handle everything
Document Review
Basic check at facility (errors common)
Expert review before submission—99% error-free
Passport Photo
$10-15 at facility, quality varies
Professional photo included free
Application Tracking
Basic online status (3 stages only)
Real-time SMS/email updates + dedicated specialist
Error Protection
Self-responsible for mistakes (30% error rate)
Zero-error guarantee—we fix mistakes at our cost
Delivery
USPS First-Class (no tracking)
Priority delivery with full tracking to College Park
Support
Facility hours only, general help
24/7 support + dedicated specialist
Total Cost
$165 (new) or $130 (renewal)
+$60 for expedited
+$15 photos = $240
+$60 for expedited
+$15 photos = $240
From $147 (all-inclusive)
Frequently Asked Questions
We compiled a list of answers to address your most pressing questions regarding our Services.
The College Park City Hall and nearby U.S. Post Offices offer full passport application acceptance services. You can submit new passport applications, renewals, and get passport photos taken. The University of Maryland area also has multiple convenient locations for processing passport needs.
Passport costs vary by type. A new adult passport book is $130, with an additional $35 execution fee. For children under 16, the passport book costs $100. Passport cards are cheaper at $30 for adults and $15 for children. Additional fees may apply for expedited services or overnight delivery.
Passports for children under 16 require both parents’ consent and in-person appearance. Adults 16-17 need parental consent, while those 18 and older can apply independently. College Park residents can complete applications at local acceptance facilities with proper identification and documentation.
No, U.S. citizens do not need a passport for domestic travel. However, starting May 2025, a REAL ID or passport will be required for domestic air travel. For international trips, including to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, a valid passport is mandatory.
U.S. citizens born overseas can obtain a passport by providing proof of citizenship, such as a Certification of Birth Abroad or naturalization certificate. You’ll need to apply in person at an acceptance facility in College Park, bringing original documents and meeting all standard application requirements.
College Park City Hall, local U.S. Post Offices, and the University of Maryland campus offer passport services. The City Hall and nearby post offices are primary acceptance facilities where you can submit applications, get photos taken, and receive processing assistance.
Adult passports (age 16 and older) are valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Child passports (under 16) are valid for 5 years. College Park residents should plan to renew well before expiration, especially if international travel is planned.
Still Have Questions?
Please contact us, if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for.
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