Find the passport acceptance facility nearest you by using the search page on the U.S. Department of State website. The searchable database lists locations throughout the country. South Carolina has 106 locations, nearly all U.S. Post Offices, which accept passport applications. Search results provide all contact information, hours of operation and other information about passport services.
Contact the passport acceptance location of your choice and confirm the hours of operation for passport services, whether an appointment is required and whether the location has on-site photography services.
Apply in person for a new passport. The U.S. Department of State requires new passport applicants, and those under the age of 16, to apply in person.
Complete steps one through seven on the passport application page of the U.S. Department of State website.
Fill out the DS-11 application for a U.S. passport. Do not sign the passport application until you appear in front of the passport acceptance agent at the South Carolina passport acceptance facility.
Gather the required citizenship documentation. The U.S. Department of State requires passport applicants to submit the documentation with the passport application. The documentation is returned to the applicant. Acceptable citizenship documentation is a previously issued U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, consular report of birth abroad, certification of birth or certificate of citizenship. The U.S. Department of State provides information about acceptable forms of secondary evidence of U.S. citizenship.
Submit the passport application, the originals and copies of the citizenship documentation and two identical color 2 by 2 inch passport photos to the passport acceptance agent at the passport acceptance facility in South Carolina.
Pay the current passport fee to the South Carolina passport acceptance facility. The U.S. Department of State provides a list of current fees on its website. Processing of passport applications takes about six weeks. Information about expedited processing is available on the State Department's website.
