Expert expedited service from $147 — Processing in as fast as 3 days with zero errors guaranteed
Ask me anything about getting your passport in dulles — instant expert answers
We’ll handle everything from your dulles home or office. Expert review, compliant photos included, delivered in 1-3 days.
Based on verified reports from dulles applicants (last updated: )
Need a passport for your next adventure from Dulles? Navigating the application process doesn’t have to be a confusing journey. This straightforward guide will walk you through each essential step, making your path to a brand-new passport clear and simple, right here in the Dulles area. Let’s get you ready for takeoff!
Before anything else, pause and clarify your situation: Is this your very first U.S. passport, or are you renewing an expired one? First-time applicants, or those replacing a lost/stolen passport, typically use Form DS-11 and must apply in person. If you’re simply updating an expired passport (issued within the last 15 years, when you were 16 or older, and in your possession), you’ll use Form DS-82 and can often mail it in. Don’t forget, applying for a minor requires specific steps for both parents. Confirm your exact needs early to pick the right path and form. This foundational step dictates all subsequent actions.
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.
Alright, it’s document hunting season! You’ll need proof of U.S. citizenship, which could be your original birth certificate (with a raised seal), a previous undamaged passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Next, round up a valid government-issued ID, like your Virginia driver’s license. For DS-11 applicants, you’ll need the original documents AND clear photocopies of both sides of your citizenship evidence and ID. Remember, no digital copies will do here – they want the physical paperwork. Ensure all names match across documents to avoid unnecessary delays in your application process.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Time to tackle the form! Head over to the Department of State’s website (travel.state.gov) and find either Form DS-11 (for first-timers or minors) or DS-82 (for renewals). Fill it out meticulously online and then print it single-sided. Avoid signing the DS-11 until you’re instructed to do so by an acceptance agent. Errors can cause delays, so double-check every entry, especially names, dates, and Social Security numbers. Don’t scribble; neatness counts! Filling it out electronically helps prevent legibility issues, ensuring a smoother processing experience for your new travel document.
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 federal guidelines: 2×2 inches, color, taken within the last six months, white background, no glasses, and a neutral facial expression. Seriously, no goofy faces! Many local pharmacies around Dulles can help. Consider places like the CVS in Sterling (various locations) or the Walgreens on Loudoun County Parkway; they offer passport photo services quickly and efficiently, often ensuring compliance. For AAA members, some offices, like the one in Ashburn, provide free photos. Get it done right the first time to avoid rejection.
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.
Now, where to submit all this hard work? For DS-11 applicants, you must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility. In the Dulles area, several U.S. Post Office branches serve this purpose. The Sterling Post Office (45100 Ruritan Cir, Sterling) or the Ashburn Post Office (44000 Ashburn Shopping Plz, Ashburn) are popular choices. Additionally, the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Loudoun County (18 E Market St, Leesburg) also processes applications. Always check their websites or call ahead for current hours and to schedule an appointment, as walk-ins are often not accepted and availability can vary.
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.
Head to your scheduled appointment with all your documents: your unsigned DS-11 (if applicable), proof of citizenship, ID, photocopies, and your passport photo. You’ll also need two separate payment methods. One payment, usually a check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State,” covers the passport application fee. The other, typically a separate check, money order, or credit card, covers the execution fee to the acceptance facility. The agent will witness your signature on the DS-11, verify your identity, and package everything for submission. Ask about expedited services if you’re in a rush!
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 dulles
Make sure you have everything needed for dulles facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ dulles 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 dulles’s 10 acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in Loudoun County and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no dulles facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from dulles.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in dulles. 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
Honest comparison to help dulles residents choose the right option
We compiled a list of answers to address your most pressing questions regarding our Services.
Please contact us, if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for.
Stay informed with our latest guides and tips
Everything you need to know when applying for your first U.S. passport, including required documents and fees.
Read More →
Discover which destinations welcome U.S. passport holders without additional visa requirements.
Read More →
A comprehensive guide to different visa categories and when you might need them for international travel.
Read More →