A Comprehensive Guide to obtaining a New Passport in Maryland

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In a world that’s increasingly interconnected, having a passport is not just a document for international travel; it’s a gateway to exploration, adventure, and opportunities. If you're a US citizen planning to embark on a journey abroad, whether it’s for business, pleasure, or personal reasons, obtaining a passport is the first step in making your travel dreams a reality. In Maryland, the process is straightforward but requires attention to detail and adherence to specific requirements. This guide aims to walk you through the process of obtaining a new US passport in Maryland, covering requirements, application procedures, and tips to streamline the process.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the requirements and process of obtaining a new US passport, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Understanding Passport Basics

Before delving into the passport application process, it’s essential to understand what a passport is and its significance:

What is a Passport?

A passport is an official government document that certifies the identity and nationality of its holder. It allows the bearer to travel internationally and serves as a primary form of identification.

Types of US Passports:

  • Regular Adult Passport (Form DS-11): This is the standard passport issued to US citizens for personal and business travel for adults over the age of 16.  This passport is issued for 10 years.
  • Regular Child Passport (Form DS-11): This is the standard passport issued to US citizens who are under the age of 16. Minor passports are issued for 5 years and are not renewable.
  • Official Passport: Issued to US government employees or officials traveling abroad for government business.
  • Diplomatic Passport: Issued to diplomats or other government officials for travel related to diplomatic duties.

Requirements for Obtaining a US Passport in Maryland

Before initiating the new passport application process in Maryland, it's crucial to understand the requirements for obtaining a US passport. Here are the primary prerequisites:

Eligibility: 

Before getting into the new passport application process, let’s ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a new US passport.

To be eligible to apply for a US passport, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. US Citizenship: You must be a citizen of the United States to apply for a US passport.
  2. Proof of Identity: You must present evidence of your identity, such as a valid driver's license, government-issued ID, or previous passport.
  3. Proof of Citizenship: You need to provide a certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previously issued US passport as proof of citizenship.
  4. Documents Required for a New Passport in Maryland: Obtaining a new US Passport in Maryland requires the following passport application documents be gathered.
  5. New Passport Application Form (DS-11): Available online or at passport acceptance facilities, this form must be filled out accurately and completely.  You’ll present this form at your Passport Acceptance Appointment and have them adjudicate (effectively witness) the signing of the document in front of the agent.
  6. Proof of Identity: Provide a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or military ID to prove your identity in applying for your passport.
  7. Proof of Citizenship: Present a certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previously issued US passport.
  8. Passport Photo.  You’ll need 2 passport photos that meet the passport agency criteria which includes the color photo:
  9. on a white background, 
  10. Includes a clear image of your face,
  11. No eyeglasses or headgear in photo,
  12. Is printed on photo quality paper in a 2x2 inch size
  13. Payment for new passport: The routine fee for a new passport application is $130 and if expedited is $190 (the $60 is an expedite fee).  Also, the Passport Acceptance agent will charge $35 for their execution services.  The application fee is payable via a money order or check.
  14. Additional Documents (if applicable): If you've changed your name, provide legal documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order.

The New Passport Application Process in Maryland

Now that you have gathered all the necessary documents, it's time to proceed with the application process in Maryland:

Step 1: Complete the Application Form (DS-11)

  • Fill out Form DS-11 accurately and legibly. You can complete the form online and print it out or obtain a copy from a passport acceptance facility in Maryland.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

  • Collect all the necessary documents, including proof of identity, proof of citizenship, passport photo, and any additional documentation required for special circumstances.

Step 3: Locate a Passport Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency

  • Find the nearest Maryland passport acceptance facility or passport agency where you can submit your new passport application. Passport acceptance facilities include post offices, public libraries, and clerk of court offices and many require appointments.  Be sure to check the offices operating hours and appointment requirements. Typically the process takes 15 minutes or so and you can make an appointment at a post office with this link.
  • Passport Agencies require travel within 14 calendar days and appointments be set. You can make an appointment at the Passport Agency appointment system.

Tips for a Smooth Application

  • Double check that all information on your forms is accurate and legible before mailing.
  • Make copies of all documents for your records.
  • Do not sign the application before your acceptance agent gives you instructions to do so.
  • If your passport has six months' validity remaining at the time of application, consider renewing it three months before its expiration date for routine service in Maryland.

If you perform the above procedures, then your passport renewal in Maryland shouldn't be a hassle.

Facility Name Street Address City State Zip Phone
CUMBERLAND CIRCUIT COURT CLERK 30 WASHINGTON STREET CUMBERLAND MD 21502 3017775922
USPS CUMBERLAND POST OFFICE 215 PARK STREET CUMBERLAND MD 21502 3017228190
USPS MIDLOTHIAN POST OFFICE 19911 OLD MIDLOTHIAN ROAD SW MIDLOTHIAN MD 21543 3016898143
USPS WESTERNPORT POST OFFICE 72 MAIN ST. WESTERNPORT MD 21562 3013599261
ANNAPOLIS CIRCUIT COURT CLERK 7 CHURCH CIRCLE ANNAPOLIS MD 21404 4102221434
USPS ANNAPOLIS - US NAVAL ACADEMY POST OFFICE 101 WILSON ROAD ANNAPOLIS MD 21402 4102933787
USPS ARNOLD POST OFFICE 1521 RITCHIE HIGHWAY ARNOLD MD 21012 4107578802
USPS BROOKLYN CURTIS BAY POST OFFICE 10 16TH AVENUE BALTIMORE MD 21225 4103546271
USPS DAVIDSONVILLE POST OFFICE 820 WEST CENTRAL AVENUE DAVIDSONVILLE MD 21035 4109568352
USPS DEALE POST OFFICE 650 DEALE RD. DEALE MD 20751 4108676135
USPS EASTPORT STATION POST OFFICE 821 CHESAPEAKE AVENUE EASTPORT MD 21403 4102677051
USPS EDGEWATER POST OFFICE 39 STEPNEY LANE EDGEWATER MD 21037 4109560480
USPS FT MEADE POST OFFICE 2789 MACARTHUR ROAD FT MEADE MD 20755 3016217071
USPS GAMBRILLS POST OFFICE 388 GAMBRILLS ROAD GAMBRILLS MD 21054 4109231554
USPS GLEN BURNIE POST OFFICE 7596 RITCHEY HWY GLEN BURNIE MD 21061 4107668882
USPS HARWOOD POST OFFICE 4450 SOLOMONS ISLAND RD. HARWOOD MD 20776 4108673800
USPS JESSUP POST OFFICE 2851 JESSUP ROAD JESSUP MD 20794 3016211082
USPS LINTHICUM HEIGHTS POST OFFICE 515 S CAMP MEADE ROAD LINTHICUM HEIGHTS MD 21090 4108599886
USPS LOTHIAN POST OFFICE 5471 SOUTHERN MARYLAND BOULEVARD LOTHIAN MD 20711 3015743558
USPS MILLERSVILLE POST OFFICE 221 NAJOLES ROAD MILLERSVILLE MD 21108 4109873468
USPS PASADENA POST OFFICE 4301 MOUNTAIN ROAD PASADENA MD 21122 4104370813
USPS RIVA POST OFFICE 3123 RIVA ROAD RIVA MD 21140 4109562187
USPS SEVERNA PARK POST OFFICE 21 MAGOTHY BRIDGE RD SEVERNA PARK MD 21146 4106472904
USPS TRACYS LANDING POST OFFICE 5889 SOLOMONS ISLAND ROAD TRACYS LANDING MD 20779 4108670296
USPS MONKTON POST OFFICE 16944 YORK ROAD MONKTON MD 21111 4103578869
USPS ARLINGTON POST OFFICE 3500 DOLFIELD AVENUE BALTIMORE MD 21215 4106642701
USPS BALTIMORE MAIN POST OFFICE 900 E FAYETTE STREET RM 118 BALTIMORE MD 21233 4103474202
USPS CARROLL STATION POST OFFICE 340 SOUTH LOUDON AVENUE BALTIMORE MD 21229 4106440525
USPS DRUID STATION POST OFFICE 1826 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE BALTIMORE MD 21217 4106691477
USPS FRANKLIN POST OFFICE 2401 ASHTON STREET BALTIMORE MD 21223 4102335384
USPS GOVANS POST OFFICE 4904 YORK ROAD BALTIMORE MD 21212 4104350343
USPS HAMPDEN STATION 919 WEST 34TH STREET BALTIMORE MD 21211 4104675209
USPS HIGHLANDTOWN POST OFFICE 6221 EASTERN AVEUE BALTIMORE MD 21224 4106333730
USPS MT WASHINGTON STATION 5730 COTTONWORTH AVENUE BALTIMORE MD 21209 4103232741
USPS NORTHWOOD STATION POST OFFICE 1800 E NORTHWOOD PARKWAY BALTIMORE MD 21239 4103238896
USPS RASPEBURG STATION 6502 BELAIR ROAD BALTIMORE MD 21206 4104260619
USPS ROLAND PARK FINANCE 732 DEEPDENE ROAD BALTIMORE MD 21210 4103233896
USPS SOUTH STATION POST OFFICE 146 WEST OSTEND STREET BALTIMORE MD 21230 4103546270
USPS WALBROOK POST OFFICE 1908 N ELLAMONT STREET BALTIMORE MD 21216 4102253206
USPS WAVERLY STATION POST OFFICE 3000 HOMEWOOD AVENUE BALTIMORE MD 21218 4104678378
USPS CATONSVILLE FINANCE POST OFFICE 1001 FREDERICK ROAD CATONSVILLE MD 21228 4108697204
USPS COCKEYSVILLE POST OFFICE 115 WIGHT AVENUE COCKEYSVILLE MD 21030 4107710783
USPS DUNDALK POST OFFICE 44 SHIPPING PLACE BALTIMORE MD 21222 4102844326
USPS ESSEX POST OFFICE 444 MARYLAND AVENUE BALTIMORE MD 21221 4106870326
USPS GLEN ARM POST OFFICE 12112 LONG GREEN PIKE GLEN ARM MD 21057 4105929658
USPS GWYNN OAK BRANCH 6101 LIBERTY ROAD BALTIMORE MD 21207 4109442435
USPS HALETHORPE POST OFFICE 6 WAELCHLI AVENUE BALTIMORE MD 21227 4102421483
USPS KINGSVILLE POST OFFICE 7363 SUNSHINE AVENUE KINGSVILLE MD 21087 4105923503
USPS LOCH RAVEN BRANCH 808 GLEN EAGLES COURT TOWSON MD 21286 4108281430
USPS LUTHERVILLETIMONIUM POST OFFICE 9603 DEERECO ROAD LUTHERVILLE MD 21093 4102520741
USPS MIDDLE RIVER BRANCH POST OFFICE 200 WILSON POINT ROAD MIDDLE RIVER MD 21220 4103919428
USPS NOTTINGHAM BRANCH 4990 MERCANTILE ROAD BALTIMORE MD 21236 4109314844
USPS PARKTON POST OFFICE 645 HAPPY LANE PARKTON MD 21120 4103579255
USPS PARKVILLE BRANCH POST OFFICE 8201 HARFORD ROAD PARKVILLE MD 21234 4106631346
USPS PIKESVILLE FINANCE OFFICE 1325 BEDFORD AVENUE PIKESVILLE MD 21208 4106022761
USPS REISTERSTOWN POST OFFICE 5 GLYDON DRIVE REISTERSTOWN MD 21136 4108334259
USPS ROSEDALE POST OFFICE 7000 GOLDEN RING ROAD BALTIMORE MD 21237 4103919257
USPS STEVENSON POST OFFICE 10421 STEVENSON ROAD STEVENSON MD 21153 4106535613
USPS WHITE MARSH POST OFFICE 5422 EBENEZER ROAD WHITE MARSH MD 21162 4103357215
USPS WINDSOR MILL POST OFFICE 2513 N ROLLING ROAD BALTIMORE MD 21244 4109443251
USPS DUNKIRK POST OFFICE 10383 SOUTHERN MARYLAND BOULEVARD DUNKIRK MD 20754 3018555384
USPS NORTH BEACH POST OFFICE 9132A BAY AVENUE NORTH BEACH MD 20714 3018121597
USPS PRINCE FREDERICK POST OFFICE 35 DUKE STREET PRINCE FREDERICK MD 20678 4105351449
USPS DENTON POST OFFICE 503 MARKET STREET DENTON MD 21629 4104792363
USPS GREENSBORO MAIN POST OFFICE 202 W. SUNSET AVENUE GREENSBORO MD 21639 4104828366
USPS MARYDEL POST OFFICE 114 HALLTOWN ROAD MARYDEL MD 21649 4104828081
USPS PRESTON POST OFFICE 301 MAIN STREET PRESTON MD 21655 4106732166
USPS FINKSBURG POST OFFICE 2999 DEDE ROAD FINKSBURG MD 21048 4105260420
USPS HAMPSTEAD POST OFFICE 4005 HOUCK AVEUE HAMPSTEAD MD 21074 4103740605
USPS MOUNT AIRY POST OFFICE 505 WINDY KNOLL DR. MOUNT AIRY MD 21771 3018291199
USPS SYKESVILLE POST OFFICE 1363 PROGRESS WAY SYKESVILLE MD 21784 4107950350
USPS TANEYTOWN POST OFFICE 13 MIDDLE STREET TANEYTOWN MD 21787 4107566411
USPS WESTMINSTER POST OFFICE 345 WOODWARD ROAD WESTMINSTER MD 21157 4108762944
USPS CHESAPEAKE CITY POST OFFICE 2551 AUGUSTINE HERMAN HIGHWAY CHESAPEAKE CITY MD 21915 4108852110
USPS COLORA POST OFFICE 2167 LIBERTY GROVE RD. COLORA MD 21917 4106585743
USPS ELKTON POST OFFICE 137 WEST MAIN STREET ELKTON MD 21921 4103984040
USPS BRYANS ROAD 6960 INDIAN HEAD HWY BRYANS ROAD MD 20616 3012836460
USPS HUGHESVILLE POST OFFICE 15485 PRINCE FREDERICK ROAD HUGHESVILLE MD 20637 3012743133
USPS INDIAN HEAD POST OFFICE 4050 INDIAN HEAD HIGHWAY INDIAN HEAD MD 20640 3017433911
USPS LAPLATA POST OFFICE 100 CENTENNIAL DRIVE LAPLATA MD 20646 3019348463
USPS POMFRET MAIN OFFICE 8205 MARSHALL CORNER RD. POMFRET MD 20675 3019343117
USPS WALDORF POST OFFICE 150 POST OFFICE ROAD WALDORF MD 20601 3016451581
USPS CAMBRIDGE POST OFFICE 301 HIGH STREET CAMBRIDGE MD 21613 4102281484
USPS BRUNSWICK POST OFFICE 315 BRUNSWICK STREET BRUNSWICK MD 21716 3018349944
USPS FREDERICK POST OFFICE 201 E PATRICK STREET FREDERICK MD 21701 3016248019
USPS MIDDLETOWN POST OFFICE 7227 HOLLOW ROAD MIDDLETOWN MD 21769 3013716880
USPS MYERSVILLE POST OFFICE 1 WOLFSVILLE ROAD MYERSVILLE MD 21773 3012931180
USPS NEW MARKET POST OFFICE 168 W MAIN STREET NEW MARKET MD 21774 3018653333
USPS THURMONT POST OFFICE 110 WATER STREET THURMONT MD 21788 3012712226
USPS ACCIDENT POST OFFICE 103 SOUTH STREET ACCIDENT MD 21520 3017468420
USPS FRIENDSVILLE POST OFFICE 836 FIRST AVENUE FRIENDSVILLE MD 21531 3017465985
USPS SWANTON POST OFFICE 3320 SWANTON ROAD SWANTON MD 21561 3013876425
BEL AIR POST OFFICE 202 BLUM COURT BEL AIR MD 21014 4104207544
HARFORD COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 E PENNSYLVANIA AVE BEL AIR MD 21014 4106383151
USPS ABERDEEN POST OFFICE 30 WEST BELAIR AVENUE ABERDEEN MD 21001 4102721610
USPS ABINGDON POST OFFICE 2945 EMMORTON ROAD ABINGDON MD 21009 4105694421
USPS EDGEWOOD POST OFFICE 2290 HANSON ROAD EDGEWOOD MD 21040 4106769378
USPS FALLSTON POST OFFICE 2416 WATERVALE ROAD FALLSTON MD 21047 4108772846
USPS FOREST HILL MAIN POST OFFICE 2329 ROCKSPRING ROAD FOREST HILL MD 21050 4108380820
USPS HAVRE DE GRACE POST OFFICE 301 N JUNIATA STREET HAVRE DE GRACE MD 21078 4109392335

Step 4: Submit Your New Passport Application

Visit the selected passport acceptance facility or agency in person. Present your completed application form, supporting documents, and passport photo.

If you're applying for a child's passport (under 16 years old), both parents or guardians must be present, or you must provide notarized consent from the absent parent through a Passport Form DS-3053.

Step 5: Pay the Fees

Pay the applicable fees, including the passport application fee and execution fee. Payment methods may vary depending on the location, so be prepared to pay with cash, check, or credit/debit card.

Step 6: Await Passport Processing

After submitting your application in Maryland, your passport will undergo processing. Routine processing times vary but generally range from 6 to 8 weeks. You can check the status of your passport application online.

Step 7: Receive Your Passport

Once processed, your new passport will be mailed to you at the address you provided on the passport application form. It's essential to double-check the information on your passport upon receipt to ensure accuracy.

Expedited New Passport Processing Options

If you require your passport urgently, expedited processing options are available for an additional fee:

Expedited Service: The expedited service option at the USPS option shortens the processing time to 3 to 4 weeks. You can request expedited service when submitting your application at a passport acceptance facility or agency and the extra fee is $60.

Expedited Appointment at Passport Agency: In cases of emergency travel (within 72 hours), you can schedule an appointment at a passport agency for expedited processing.

Expedited through a private passport expediting service like us.  At Passports and Visas.com, we can expedite passports as fast as 3 days.

Conclusion

Obtaining a new US passport in Maryland may seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and preparation, it can be a straightforward process. By understanding the requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and following the step-by-step application process outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to holding a valid passport and embarking on your next adventure with confidence. Whether you're planning a vacation, studying abroad, or conducting business internationally, your passport opens doors to endless possibilities and experiences around the world. So, seize the opportunity, and let your passport be your ticket to new horizons!

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