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Embarking on international travel starts with a valid passport. If you’re based in Concord, North Carolina, securing this vital document is a straightforward process when you know the steps. This guide will walk you through everything, from tracking down your birth certificate to visiting a local acceptance facility, ensuring your application goes smoothly.
Before anything else, decide if you’re a first-time applicant or simply renewing an existing passport. This distinction is crucial as it determines which form you’ll complete. New applicants, and anyone under 16, will use Form DS-11 and absolutely must apply in person. If you’re renewing an adult passport that was issued within the last 15 years and is undamaged, you’ll likely qualify to use Form DS-82 and can submit it by mail. Double-check the eligibility criteria on the U.S. Department of State’s website to confirm your situation, preventing unnecessary delays or a wasted trip. Knowing your path upfront saves considerable time and effort.
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.
Next, you’ll need to round up several critical items. For proof of U.S. citizenship, dig out your original birth certificate (with a raised seal), previous undamaged passport, or a certificate of naturalization. You’ll also need a valid form of identification, typically your North Carolina driver’s license or state ID. Remember to bring the originals of all these documents, and for DS-11 submissions, you’ll also need clear photocopies of both sides of your citizenship evidence and ID. If you need a certified copy of a birth certificate, the Cabarrus County Register of Deeds is located right here in Concord and can assist you.
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. If you determined you’re using Form DS-11 (new applications or minors), it’s highly recommended to fill it out online at the State Department’s website, print it, but **DO NOT SIGN IT**. Your signature for DS-11 must be witnessed by a passport acceptance agent. For renewals using Form DS-82, you can sign it before mailing. Carefully review all fields for accuracy; any errors could result in your application being rejected, sending you back to square one. Ensure all names, dates, and addresses match your supporting documents exactly.
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.
Your passport photo isn’t just any snapshot; it must meet very specific government standards. It needs to be a recent color photo (taken within the last six months), 2×2 inches in size, with a plain white or off-white background. Make sure you’re facing forward with a neutral expression or a natural, slight smile, and avoid glasses, hats, or anything that obscures your face. Fortunately, several places in Concord can take these for you quickly. Pop into your local CVS, Walgreens, or The UPS Store; most offer compliant passport photo services on demand. Just confirm they understand the specific U.S. passport requirements before they snap away.
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.
If you’re applying for a new passport (DS-11), this step is mandatory. You must present all your documents in person at an official passport acceptance facility. In Concord, your primary option is the **Concord Post Office at 45 Union St N, Concord, NC 28025**. Another convenient choice is the **Harrisburg Post Office at 4000 NC-49, Harrisburg, NC 28075**, just a short drive away. Call ahead or check their websites for current hours and if appointments are required. When you go, bring all originals, copies, your unsigned DS-11, and your photo. You’ll sign the application in front of the acceptance agent.
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.
The final piece of the puzzle is settling the fees. You’ll typically have two separate payments. The primary passport application fee is paid directly to the ‘U.S. Department of State’ and must be submitted as a personal check or money order (cash is not accepted for this portion). There’s also a separate ‘execution fee’ (currently $35) for DS-11 applications, payable directly to the acceptance facility. This fee can often be paid by credit card, cash, or check, but verify with the specific Post Office. Check the State Department’s website for the most current fee schedule, as these can change. Consider if you need expedited processing for an additional cost.
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
Find out if standard processing will work for your trip from concord
Make sure you have everything needed for concord facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ concord 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 concord’s 10 acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in Cabarrus County and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no concord facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from concord.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in concord. 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.
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