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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We’ll handle everything from your Southern Shops home or office. Expert review, compliant photos included, delivered in 1-3 days.
Based on verified reports from Southern Shops applicants (last updated: )
Let’s walk through your passport journey, Southern Shops style.
First things first – are you a first-time applicant or looking to renew? New passports require more documentation, so grab that birth certificate and be prepared for a bit more paperwork. Renewals are typically smoother, especially if your previous passport is still in good condition.
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.
We’re talking original birth certificate, valid photo ID, and proof of citizenship. No photocopies, no shortcuts. Pro tip: swing by the Palmetto Plaza notary if you need any quick certifications before your appointment.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Forget those awkward drugstore pictures. Our local facility offers professional photo services that meet strict government requirements. No weird shadows, no glasses, just a clean, standard passport headshot that’ll get you through international checkpoints.
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 form for new passports, DS-82 for renewals. Fill these out meticulously – one wrong box can send you back to square one. Our staff can review your forms to catch potential mistakes before submission.
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 everything to Southern Shops processing center. Our team will verify documents, check your application, and ensure everything meets federal standards. We’re not just processing paperwork; we’re your passport preparation partners.
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.
Fees vary based on book or card, expedited or standard processing. We accept multiple payment methods and can provide tracking information. Most standard passports arrive within 6-8 weeks, expedited in about 2-3 weeks.
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 Southern Shops
Make sure you have everything needed for Southern Shops facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ Southern Shops 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 Southern Shops’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 Southern Shops facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from Southern Shops.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in Southern Shops. 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 Southern Shops.
Honest comparison to help Southern Shops 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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