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Ready to explore the world? Getting your U.S. passport from Hendersonville, TN, is a straightforward process, but it involves a few key steps. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through everything from gathering your vital documents to your final visit at a local acceptance facility, ensuring your application goes smoothly so you can start planning your adventure!
Before anything else, figure out if you’re applying for a brand-new passport or simply refreshing an expired one. If you’ve never held a U.S. passport, are under 16, or your previous passport was lost/stolen or issued over 15 years ago, you’ll be considered a ‘first-time’ applicant using Form DS-11. If you still have your most recent passport, it’s less than 15 years old, and you were at least 16 when it was issued, you’re likely eligible for a simpler renewal process using Form DS-82. Knowing this upfront dictates which forms and supporting documents you’ll need to gather.
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.
This step is all about proving who you are and that you’re a U.S. citizen. For first-time applicants (DS-11), you’ll need your original U.S. birth certificate (not a copy!), a previous undamaged U.S. passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization. You also need a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as your Tennessee driver’s license. Remember to bring both the original and a photocopy (front and back) of your citizenship evidence and ID. For renewals (DS-82), your previous passport typically serves as both proof of citizenship and identity. Ensure all documents are in good condition and current.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Once you know which form (DS-11 for new, DS-82 for renewal) you require, head to the official travel.state.gov website to access and complete it. The online form filler is highly recommended as it helps prevent common errors. Take your time and ensure every field is accurately filled. Crucially, if you’re completing a DS-11, **DO NOT SIGN** the form yet! That signature must be witnessed by an agent at a passport acceptance facility. For DS-82 renewals, you can sign and date the form before mailing it in.
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 needs to meet strict guidelines: it must be a recent (within the last six months) 2×2 inch color photo, taken against a plain white or off-white background. No glasses, hats, or uniforms are allowed, and you should have a neutral facial expression or a slight, natural smile. Don’t try to take this yourself unless you’re confident in meeting all rules. In Hendersonville, you can easily get compliant passport photos taken at most local pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, or shipping centers like The UPS Store. They’re familiar with the requirements and can usually print them while you wait.
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.
There are usually two main fees: the passport application fee and the execution fee. The application fee (for the passport book itself) must be paid directly to the U.S. Department of State by check or money order only. The execution fee, paid to the acceptance facility, can often be paid by credit card, check, or money order, depending on the location. Check the current fee schedule on travel.state.gov. If you’re opting for expedited service to receive your passport faster, there will be additional charges for both the processing and potentially for faster return shipping.
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.
This is the final hurdle for first-time applicants (DS-11). You’ll need to visit an official passport acceptance facility with all your documents: your completed (but unsigned!) DS-11 form, proof of citizenship (original and copy), valid photo ID (original and copy), your passport photo, and your payment for both the State Department and the execution fee. In Hendersonville, your primary option is typically the **Hendersonville Post Office** located at 393 East Main St. Call ahead to confirm their passport acceptance hours and if an appointment is necessary. For minors, both parents generally need to be present with their IDs and the child’s birth certificate.
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 hendersonville
Make sure you have everything needed for hendersonville facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ hendersonville 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 hendersonville’s 10 acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in Sumner County and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no hendersonville facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from hendersonville.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in hendersonville. 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
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