Your initial move is figuring out if you’re a first-timer or simply updating an expired travel document. If you’ve never held a U.S. passport, or your previous one was issued when you were a minor (under 16), or it’s been lost/stolen, you’ll be completing the DS-11 application. This requires an in-person appearance. However, if you’re just renewing an adult passport that’s still relatively recent (issued within the last 15 years, after age 16, and undamaged), the DS-82 form is your ticket. This typically allows for mail-in renewal, saving you a trip. Double-check these criteria on the official State Department website to confirm your path.

Before you can hit the road, you’ll need to prove precisely who you are. This means gathering your official identity documents. For a brand-new passport, bring your original birth certificate (or previous U.S. passport if you had one as a child) and a valid government-issued photo ID like your South Carolina driver’s license. For renewals, your most recent passport is usually enough, provided it meets specific criteria. Make sure to grab clear photocopies of *both* the front and back of your IDs; these are separate from the original documents you’ll present. If your birth certificate is nowhere to be found, the York County Register of Deeds, located at 6 S Congress St in York, SC, can assist you with obtaining a certified copy. Don’t forget, these are crucial, so keep them safe!

Now it’s time to tackle the application form itself. Whether you’re completing the DS-11 for a new passport or the DS-82 for a renewal, you can find and fill out these forms online at travel.state.gov. It’s often easier to complete them digitally and then print them out. Make sure to use black ink if you’re filling by hand, writing neatly within the boxes. Pay meticulous attention to every field – accuracy is paramount! For the DS-11, **do not sign the form** until you are explicitly instructed to do so by the acceptance agent at your appointment. An unsigned DS-11 could cause delays, so resist the urge to complete that final flourish too early.

Your passport photo is a critical element, so make sure it meets all the strict requirements. It needs to be a recent (taken within the last six months), color photo, 2×2 inches in size, with a plain white or off-white background. Look straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression or a slight, natural smile. Absolutely no eyeglasses, hats, or uniforms are permitted! Fortunately, several places around Rock Hill offer passport photo services that are well-versed in these rules. Consider popping into your local CVS or Walgreens, or even The UPS Store on Dave Lyle Blvd or Celanese Road – they typically provide quick and compliant photos for a small fee.

Getting your passport involves a couple of different fees, so it’s essential to understand them. There’s the application fee, which goes directly to the U.S. Department of State, and an execution fee (or acceptance fee), paid to the facility processing your application. The application fee *must* be paid by check or money order, made out to ‘U.S. Department of State.’ The execution fee can usually be paid by check, money order, or sometimes credit card, depending on the facility. Expedited processing, if you’re in a hurry, will cost you an additional amount. Always check the current fee schedule on the official passport website before you go to ensure you bring the correct payment methods and amounts. Having everything prepped prevents any last-minute scrambling.

With all your documents, forms, photo, and payments ready, it’s time for the final step: submitting your application. If you’re a first-time applicant using the DS-11, you *must* appear in person at an acceptance facility. In Rock Hill, the U.S. Post Offices are your best bet. Try scheduling an appointment at the Cherry Road location (2320 Cherry Rd) or the Dave Lyle Boulevard branch (1820 Dave Lyle Blvd) to avoid long waits. Bring all your original documents, photocopies, your unsigned DS-11 form, your passport photo, and your payment. The acceptance agent will review everything, witness your signature, and send your application off for processing. Now, the exciting wait for your passport begins!