Where Do I Apply For A Passport In Maryland?
My husband and I have been talking about getting passports for years. Since he was in the military, he never needed one, mine expired many years ago and since we haven't gone outside of the U.S., we kept putting it off.
I finally said "Enough! We need to get them done!" I grabbed the applications the last time I was at the Post Office and completed them. My husband took our daughter to get their photos done at the Fed Ex store around the corner one Saturday morning and I stopped in on my way to an appointment later in the week.
I called the local post office and found that an appointment was weeks off (WHAT? We have already waited for 20 years, I can't wait several more weeks!!). I also found that there is only one local post office that offers walk-ins now and when I called that post office I was told that there were people waiting more than 3 hours! YEP! 3 hours! No thanks!
I did some research online and found that some of the local libraries have walk in hours, who knew? You can check where you can apply locally here.
Since I live in Catonsville, MD, I found the Arbutus branch of the Baltimore County Library offered walk-in service 3-7 PM Mon-Thurs and 10AM -3PM on Friday and Saturday. Since we were getting my daughter's passport as well, both my husband and I needed to be present, evenings work best.
We stopped in this evening at 6:50 PM. We were running a bit behind schedule and afraid that after all this time they would turn us away and we'd need to come back. Instead, we were assisted by at least 3-4 people at the front desk who worked together to help expedite our application process by copying driver's licenses and ensuring that the paperwork was complete and that we had all the required supporting documentation. We were then pointed to the Passport Desk where we were met by Anthony, "Mr. Passport", who efficiently and easily completed our application and accepted payment ($110 per adult and $80 for children, plus a $75 fee paid to the library). Overall, it was a great experience and I am glad that it's finally in process!
We were told that the library just begun offering the service in January. This is their "slow" season, processing 10-15 applications per day. In February and March they processed at least 30-40 per day. If you have International travel plans (or want to make some), get over to the library soon!
The passport will take about 6 weeks to process for regular service. With imminent travel plans, you can pay to expedite and even overnight the passport. If you have documented international travel plans within 2 weeks or need a foreign visa within 4 weeks, you are going to have to take the drive to Washington, DC to the Washington Passport Agency. You will need an appointment.
Now that we have finally applied for the passports, I guess it's time to add our dream trips to my vision board. We already have talked about going to:
Ireland (come on, my name is Bridget McGee!)
Italy (my friend just opened an Italian Travel Agency!)
Kenya (I have a Kenyan daughter I sponsor through Mother's Fighting For Others I NEED to wrap my arms around!)
Australia (I have a friend there, just need to make plans to visit!).
Whew! Guess I better get to work!
Where Do I Apply For A Passport In Maryland?
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