Washington Grove Post Office Passport Services

At the Washington Grove Post Office, once your passport application (Form DS-11) is officially accepted, the processing times are determined by the U.S. Department of State, not directly by our local staff. As of November 2024, routine processing is averaging approximately 7 to 9 weeks, which includes both the processing at the passport agency and mailing times. If you opt for expedited service, the current timeframe is generally 3 to 5 weeks, again encompassing mailing. These estimates are subject to change based on national demand, so always check the State Department’s official website for the very latest updates before your visit to 111 Washington Grove Lane. Our acceptance agents will inform you of the most current estimates during your appointment and advise on any available expedited shipping options.

The Washington Grove Post Office is designated as a passport acceptance facility primarily for new passport applications (Form DS-11) and for minors. If you are eligible to renew your adult passport by mail (using Form DS-82), meaning your most recent passport was issued less than 15 years ago, you were at least 16 when it was issued, and it’s in good condition, you do not need to visit a facility. You can simply mail your application directly to the National Passport Processing Center. However, if your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago, or you were under 16 when it was issued, or it’s lost/damaged, you must apply in person using Form DS-11, which our friendly staff at the Washington Grove Post Office can certainly assist you with by appointment.

Yes, parking is readily available for visitors to the Washington Grove Post Office. We have a small, dedicated parking lot conveniently located directly behind our building at 111 Washington Grove Lane. This lot typically offers 8-10 free spaces, which are usually sufficient given the controlled volume of appointments. You can access this lot from the short driveway off Washington Grove Lane. In the rare instance that the lot is full, ample free street parking is generally available on Washington Grove Lane itself or on the quiet, residential side streets like Maple Avenue and Cedar Avenue. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow for a relaxed parking experience, especially if you prefer a spot right at our facility.

No, the Washington Grove Post Office does not offer on-site passport photo services. This is a common service at some larger USPS facilities, but our smaller, local office at 111 Washington Grove Lane focuses solely on accurate document acceptance. You will need to bring two compliant, 2×2 inch passport photos with you to your appointment. Many local pharmacies and print shops in nearby Gaithersburg, such as the CVS Pharmacy at 488 N Frederick Ave or the UPS Store at 116 Rollins Ave, offer passport photo services that meet the strict U.S. Department of State requirements. We strongly advise having your photos taken professionally to ensure they pass the specifications, preventing potential application delays.

The primary difference between routine and expedited passport processing lies in the speed at which the U.S. Department of State handles your application after it’s been accepted at a facility like the Washington Grove Post Office. Routine processing, as of November 2024, typically takes 7-9 weeks, making it suitable for applicants without immediate travel plans. Expedited processing, however, cuts this timeframe down significantly to 3-5 weeks, though it incurs an additional fee of $60 per application. Both options include mailing times, but you can also choose expedited return shipping for an extra $19.53 for faster delivery of your completed passport book. The choice largely depends on your travel urgency and budget, and our staff can clarify these options during your appointment.

The passport office is located at 111 WASHINGTON GROVE LANE, WASHINGTON GROVE, MD 20880. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 3019485009.0 to confirm before visiting.

Photos on-site: 1. If available, photos typically cost around $15 in cash.

Routine processing takes 12-13 weeks. Expedited service (additional $60 fee) takes 7-9 weeks. Our expedited service gets your passport in 3-10 days.

Most facilities accept check or money order. You’ll need two separate payments: one to “U.S. Department of State” ($130) and one to “WASHINGTON GROVE POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

Handicap access: 1. The facility is ADA compliant with accessible entrances and facilities.

Parking at the Washington Grove Post Office is refreshingly straightforward, especially for those accustomed to navigating congested urban areas. The primary option is the small, dedicated parking lot situated directly behind the Post Office building, accessible via a short driveway off Washington Grove Lane. This lot offers approximately 8-10 free spaces, typically sufficient for the volume of visitors, particularly during off-peak hours. It’s a convenient, paved lot with easy access to the Post Office’s rear entrance, though most passport applicants utilize the main front entrance on Washington Grove Lane. Should the small lot be full, which is rare, visitors can usually find ample free street parking along Washington Grove Lane itself, or on adjacent, quiet residential streets like Maple Avenue or Cedar Avenue. These streets rarely experience high traffic, and parking is unrestricted for non-residents. We recommend allowing an extra 5-7 minutes to secure a spot and walk, although the distances are minimal—often less than a block. For appointments, aiming to arrive 10-15 minutes early provides ample time to park comfortably and proceed to the facility. During summer months, be mindful of potential afternoon heat, and in winter, especially after snowfalls, sidewalks on these residential streets might be less consistently cleared than major thoroughfares. Always prioritize clear, accessible spots to avoid any inconvenience.

No, passport renewals cannot be done at acceptance facilities. Renewals must be mailed directly to the State Department using Form DS-82, or you can use our expedited renewal service.

If you’re traveling soon, our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 days. We handle everything from document review to delivery, with 24/7 support. Call 800-860-8610 to get started.