I went to visit my brother in BFE. No appt. Walked into the courthouse. The longest part of the process was the small talk I had to make with the clerk. My brother knew her though so there was lots of talk about who I was and why I was there.

It was nice to be able to get it done so quickly.

Anonymous wrote:We made an on-line appointment with the post office. Had them do the photos. Both parents had to be there. Was quick and easy. Did not request expedited service and got the passports in the mail 10 days later.

If you have an appointment, you won't be there all day!

Sorry for the exaggeration of all day. It is more of an all day affair from a not being able to have the adults work.
Drop off at school 1
Drop off at school 2
Pick up at school 1 90 minutes later
Pick up at school 2 90 minutes later
Go to post office - wait and get 4 passport processed
Drop kids at school #1 and #2

Drive to work.

You don't need both parents. One parent can get the permission form notarized.

Don't forget the kid!

We made an on-line appointment with the post office. Had them do the photos. Both parents had to be there. Was quick and easy. Did not request expedited service and got the passports in the mail 10 days later.

If you have an appointment, you won't be there all day!

Gaithersburg city hall. Easy to get a quick appointment.

Anonymous wrote:We went to the main post office on Brentwood on a Saturday morning and it didn't take long at all (less than an hour). If you're able to go on a weekday, it will probably take even less time.

Me too. They have plenty of parking and also do the photos there. Much less painless than a trip to dmv or as office.

Another vote for the library. It made the wait bearable for my kids.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We went to the main post office on Brentwood on a Saturday morning and it didn't take long at all (less than an hour). If you're able to go on a weekday, it will probably take even less time.

Thanks - I was unaware of a location that had a Saturday option. I am making an appointment now!

I got a Saturday appointment at the post office in Westover in Arlington.

The Beatley library is indeed a great place, with a huge travel section.
Brentwood works, too.
Good luck, OP.

Anonymous wrote:Some of the Alexandria libraries have passport services now. Maybe your library does?

+1 Even if you don't live in Alexandria, the Beatley Library is worth a drive. You can have photos taken at the CVS next door. Sign in at the reference desk, they give you a pager so you can go hang out in the children's section until it's your turn. It is the perfect place to get children's passports.

Anonymous wrote:We went to the main post office on Brentwood on a Saturday morning and it didn't take long at all (less than an hour). If you're able to go on a weekday, it will probably take even less time.

Thanks - I was unaware of a location that had a Saturday option. I am making an appointment now!

Did ours at the Tyson’s post office. Took 20 minutes total for 3 passports (mine and 2 young kids.) You don’t need to “make a day of it” - you have an appt.

We went to the main post office on Brentwood on a Saturday morning and it didn't take long at all (less than an hour). If you're able to go on a weekday, it will probably take even less time.

Some of the Alexandria libraries have passport services now. Maybe your library does?

In general I avoid going to our local post office. Is there an easier place to go or do I just bring a bunch of things to entertain the children and make a day out of it?