Eielson AFB, AK Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms & Military Tips

Guide to Obtaining a Passport in Eielson AFB, AK

Residents near Eielson Air Force Base (AFB), 26 miles southeast of Fairbanks in Alaska's Fairbanks North Star Borough, frequently need passports for international travel. Military TDY to Asia, PCS moves to Korea or Japan, family vacations to Denali or coastal cruises, and winter aurora trips drive demand. Seasonal peaks (May-August, December-February) overwhelm facilities, so apply 8-11 weeks ahead, factoring in Alaska's weather delays for travel or mail1.

Common pitfalls: Scarce appointments, photo rejections from glare (summer midnight sun) or shadows (winter dimness), DS-11 vs. DS-82 confusion, missing minor consent forms, and assuming mail renewals don't qualify. This guide provides tailored steps, checklists, and decision tools for Eielson AFB military, dependents, and civilians.

Choose the Right Passport Service

Use the State Department's form wizard (https://pptform.state.gov/) to select DS-11 (new passports: first-time, child under 16, ineligible renewals) or DS-82 (mail-in adult renewals). DS-11 requires in-person at an acceptance facility; DS-82 does not if your passport was issued at 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, and signed2.

Quick DS-11 vs. DS-82 Decision Tree:

• Never had passport / issued before 16 / expired >15 years / name change without docs? → DS-11 in person.
• Qualifies but urgent? → DS-11 expedited.
• Eligible and no urgency? → DS-82 by mail (saves time/money for Eielson residents avoiding drives).

First-Time Adult Passport (Age 16+)

In-person DS-11 only. Expect 10-15 minutes at facility if prepared.

Steps:

1. Fill DS-11 online, print unsigned.
2. Gather: Original citizenship proof (birth cert, naturalization), photo ID (CAC works), photocopies (front/back on plain paper), 2x2" photo.
3. Book appointment; pay fees (check/money order).

Eielson Tips: PCS season books slots fast—schedule via https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. Base exchange photos often fail specs; use Fairbanks pros.

Avoid: Signing DS-11 early, expired ID only, poor photos (no uniforms/glasses), forgetting family apps.

Adult Renewal

DS-82 by mail if eligible. Include old passport, photo, fees. No facility visit—ideal for remote Eielson2.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport (Replacement)

1. Report via DS-64 online (travel.state.gov) immediately.
2. File police report with local AK enforcement.
3. Apply DS-11 in person (new app rules).

Military Notes: Attach PCS/TDY orders for expedite ($60, 2-3 weeks). No mail option.

Avoid: Skipping DS-64/report (delays/denials), blurry photos.

Child Passport (Under 16)

DS-11 in person; both parents or notarized DS-3053 from absent one (include photo/travel details). Original birth cert required.

Eielson Families: Base notaries for deployed parents; apply early for OCONUS PCS.

Avoid: Photocopy birth certs, incomplete DS-3053.

Additional Scenarios

• Name changes: Add court/marriage docs.
• Military: Check base MPF first.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Eielson AFB

Eielson AFB has no public acceptance facility, but active duty, retirees, and dependents should contact the Military Personnel Flight (MPF) at (907) 377-3154 or 354th Force Support Squadron (https://eielsonfss.com/) for DoD guidance, notarizations, or DEERS support11. Civilians use nearby Fairbanks sites—drive 20-40 minutes; book online as walk-ins are limited.

Key options:

• North Pole Post Office (closest, ~10 miles): 301 N Santa Claus Ln, North Pole, AK 99705. (907) 488-16395.
• Fairbanks Post Office: 315 Barnette St, Fairbanks, AK 99701. (907) 452-33215.
• Fairbanks North Star Borough Clerk: 907 Terminal St, Fairbanks, AK 99701. (907) 459-14016.

Search/filter ZIP 99702 at https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/[4]. Peaks hit Mondays/mid-days; book 4-6 weeks early, aim for early/late weekdays. Bring prepped docs for quick 10-15 minute reviews/oaths.

Required Documents and Eligibility Proof

Originals only (photocopy ID/citizenship front/back):

• Citizenship: Certified AK birth cert (order: https://www.vitalrecords.alaska.gov/, 2-4 weeks)7.
• ID: CAC/enhanced AK DL.
• Forms/photos/fees.
• Minors: DS-3053/court order. Military: LES/orders help, but not citizenship proof2.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25% rejections from Alaska lighting issues. Specs: 2x2", head 1-1 3/8", white background, neutral face, no glasses/uniforms/selfies, <6 months old8.

Get at: USPS/CVS Fairbanks, base PX (test specs first). Samples: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html.

Fees and Payment Methods

*14-day travel proof. Checks to "U.S. Dept of State"; cash/checks at facilities9.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks +2 mailing. Expedite: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent: Call 1-877-487-2778 (14 days proof). Life-or-death: 3 days. Track: https://passportstatus.state.gov/. Alaska mail adds delays—use Priority1.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or Child Passport

1. Wizard: https://pptform.state.gov/[2].
2. DS-11 unsigned2.
3. Photo8.
4. Photocopies.
5. Fees ready.
6. Book appt4.
7. Attend/sign/pay.
8. Track after 5-7 days1.

Renewal: DS-82 mail2.
Military Add: MPF/DEERS first, LES/orders10.

Special Considerations for Alaska and Eielson AFB

Winter ice/snow delays drives to Fairbanks; summer glare ruins photos. TDY/PCS: Use orders for expedite proof. UAF students: Check international office. No base facility—confirm MPF options11.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Eielson? No; Anchorage agencies 4+ hours away. Urgent only <14 days1.
Expedited vs. urgent? Expedite 2-3 weeks ($60); urgent phone/proof1.
Expired 16+ years? DS-11 in person2.
Deployed parent minor passport? Notarized DS-3053 (base help)2.
AK birth cert? https://www.vitalrecords.alaska.gov/[7].
Military ID citizenship? No, photo ID only2.
Rejection? Fix photos/docs; reapply (fees non-refundable)1.
Summer travel? 8-11 weeks1.

Sources