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.
Read More →Expert expedited service from $147 — Processing in as fast as 3 days with zero errors guaranteed
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Let’s navigate this passport journey together, island-style.
First things first – are you a first-time traveler or renewing? Edisto’s county offices can help clarify your specific situation. New applicants need more documentation, so bring every piece of paper you can find. Pro tip: our local library staff are passport process wizards and can pre-check your paperwork.
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.
Gather those critical documents like you’re collecting seashells. Birth certificate, current ID, social security card – nothing gets past our detail-oriented staff. We recommend organizing everything in a waterproof folder (this is the Lowcountry, after all).
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Forget sterile studio shots – your passport photo should capture that Edisto spirit. McConkey’s Jungle Shack parking lot offers perfect lighting. Wear solid colors, no sunglasses, and channel your inner island explorer. Local tip: morning light near the bookstore creates magical photo conditions.
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.
DS-11 or DS-82? Our staff can help you navigate these forms like a local shrimping boat captain navigates tidal creeks. Take your time, use black ink, and don’t stress. We’ve processed passports for generations of island wanderers.
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.
Bring your perfectly assembled packet to our county office. Fees vary depending on book or card, so have multiple payment methods. We accept cash, check, and that special Lowcountry charm. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks, but expedited options exist for spontaneous travelers.
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.
When your passport arrives, it’s time to celebrate Edisto-style. Stop by Edisto Island Bookstore, grab a travel guide, and start planning your next adventure. Your little blue book is more than documentation – it’s a ticket to global exploration from our tiny, magnificent corner of South Carolina.
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 Edisto
Make sure you have everything needed for Edisto facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ Edisto 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 Edisto’s acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no Edisto facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from Edisto.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in Edisto. 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
There are no passport facilities currently listed for Edisto.
Honest comparison to help Edisto residents choose the right option
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Everything you need to know when applying for your first U.S. passport, including required documents and fees.
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