Also, for the copies of the parents' licenses, you need front AND back. That one got us.

Walk in at Merrifield. As of this month, no appointment required.

East Columbia library in howard county does walking. You get a buzzer and go play in the kids area or whatever until your turn. Took us less than an hour on a Saturday morning.

Anonymous wrote:I made an appointment at the USPS near Montgomery Mall - the lead time wasn't bad at all. Haven't been yet, though, so can't speak of the experience.

we have used this one 3 times. Parking is easy. Make sure you have 2 checks per kid to pay for the passport and the fees to the USPS. Also need a copy of your passport as well.

If both parents can't go, you can get an affidavit (on the state dept web site) from the parent who can't be there. It just has to be notarized.

Some post offices have "first come, first served" times. We did this at Merrifield. Go early - get there 20-30 minutes BEFORE the passport office opens - and be prepared to wait. It's painful, especially with an antsy 3 year old, but it got the job done.

Some libraries even take applications. Go to the U.S. Dept of State acceptance locations and you might be surprised.

I made an appointment at the USPS near Montgomery Mall - the lead time wasn't bad at all. Haven't been yet, though, so can't speak of the experience.

Got an appointment in one week at the post office in the capital. Few people think to bring their kids there for passport appts is what I've been told.

there is an office downtown DC- photo available nearby

We have to go in person to renew our child's passport and all the post offices in NOVA are booked at least a month out. Any tips?