Passport Services in Bon Secour, AL: Forms, Facilities Guide

Passport Services in Bon Secour, Alabama

Bon Secour, in Baldwin County along Alabama's Gulf Coast, experiences high passport demand from year-round residents, seasonal snowbirds, and tourists planning cruises from nearby Mobile or Pensacola ports, international flights from regional airports like Pensacola or Mobile, or quick beach-hops to Mexico or the Caribbean. Demand surges during spring break (March-April), summer family vacations, and hurricane season (June-November) evacuations or relocations. To avoid delays, start 3-6 months ahead for routine service (4-6 weeks processing) or 2-3 weeks for expedited ($60 extra fee, 2-3 weeks). Common pitfalls include using the wrong form (e.g., DS-82 when DS-11 is needed), passport photos rejected due to glare from bright coastal sunlight or beach sand shadows, expired ID proofs, or missing parental consent for minors on family cruises. Double-check eligibility with the State Department's wizard first, and always bring photocopies (front/back on standard 8.5x11" white paper)—facilities won't make them for you. If traveling soon for a hurricane evacuation or cruise, opt for expedited service or private expediter services for 1-2 day rush options.

Determine Your Passport Service Type

Start with the official State Department passport wizard to pinpoint your exact needs—misclassifying your application forces a full restart, wasting weeks. Key decision factors for Bon Secour applicants: Are you a first-timer, renewing an older undamaged passport by mail to save a trip, or replacing a lost one after beach days or storms? Minors always need in-person DS-11. If your passport was issued over 15 years ago or you're under 16, it's treated as new. For damaged passports (e.g., water exposure from Gulf waves), always replace via DS-11.

• First-Time/New (DS-11): For no prior passport, issued before age 16, lost/damaged more than 5 years ago, or expired over 15 years. Requires in-person at an acceptance facility; do not sign until staff witnesses your oath. Decision tip: Choose this if any document is missing or outdated—safer than risking rejection.
• Renewal (DS-82): Eligible only if issued after age 16, within last 15 years, undamaged, and not lost/stolen. Adults mail it directly to the State Department (use USPS Priority with tracking); in-person required for name changes, minors, or if ineligible for mail. Decision tip: Quickest/cheapest for straightforward adult renewals—confirm condition first.
• Replacement: Report loss/theft immediately via DS-64 online or form, then apply with DS-11 (in-person) or DS-82 (mail if eligible). Add $60 expedite fee for urgent travel like impending cruises. Decision tip: Prioritize DS-64 to avoid fraud flags; expect extra scrutiny and fees.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Perfect for Bon Secour newcomers, minors, or replacements—acceptance facilities verify everything on-site (15-30 min process: ID check, oath, signature witness, sealed submission). No passports issued same-day; track status online after. Book appointments early via facility websites during peak seasons. Bring all in a folder to beat humid Gulf air.

1. Complete Form DS-11: Download here. Fill online then print, or by hand in black ink—do not sign. Tip: List parents' info accurately for minors; common error—illegible handwriting delays verification.
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship + photocopy (front/back on one 8.5x11" page). For Alabama births (common in Baldwin County), order expedited from Alabama Vital Records—allow 1-2 weeks, or same-day at their office if urgent. Mistake: Using hospital souvenir certificates (not legal—get official long-form).
3. Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government-issued photo ID + photocopy. AL driver's license? Ensure not expired; renew at probate office first. Tip: If no photo ID, use alternate like Social Security card + secondary docs—call facility ahead.
4. Passport Photo: One 2x2" color photo (taken within 6 months) on white/matte background, no glasses/headwear (unless medical/religious—get exception letter). Coastal tip: Avoid outdoor shots—glare from sun/water causes 30% rejections; use local pharmacies or UPS Stores for $15 compliant prints. Mistake: Smiling, uniforms, or digital edits.
5. Fees: $130 adult/$100 minor application fee (check/money order to "U.S. Department of State") + $35 execution fee (cash/check to facility). Expedite? Add $60 (check to State Dept). Total ~$165-225. Use fee calculator: travel.state.gov.
6. For Minors Under 16: Both parents/guardians present with ID/proof of custody, or notarized DS-3053 consent form from absent parent. Tip: Hurricane evacuations? Get consents pre-notarized; common error—single parent assuming solo approval (denied).
7. Submit & Track: At facility, staff process—get receipt with tracking number. Routine: 4-6 weeks; track at State Dept site. Urgent? Request expedited or Life-or-Death service (call 1-877-487-2778 with proof).

Pro tip: For Gulf Coast urgency (e.g., cruises), mail passport to delivery address postmark after travel date if close—State Dept holds mail-ins. Questions? Call National Passport Info Center at 1-877-487-2778.

](https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/) (1-2 weeks standard; rush options available). 3. Photo ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, or equivalent + photocopy. 4. Two Passport Photos: 2x2" specs (see photo section). 5. For Minors Under 16: Both parents present or DS-3053 notarized consent; include custody papers if applicable. 6. Book Appointment: Via USPS locator for nearby Baldwin County sites. 7. Fees: Personal check to "U.S. Department of State" ($130 adult book/$100 child); $35 execution fee to facility (cash/check). Add $60 expedite. 8. Submit In-Person: Facility forwards to State Department. 9. Track Status: Check passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

Strict eligibility: Passport must have been issued when you were 16+, less than 15 years ago, and undamaged/not lost/stolen.

1. Confirm Eligibility: Use wizard above.
2. DS-82: Download; complete and sign.
3. Place Old Passport on Top.
4. One 2x2" Photo: Staple loosely.
5. Name Change Proof: Marriage certificate, court order (if applicable).
6. Fee Check: $130 to "U.S. Department of State."
7. Mail To: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (use trackable mail; alternate for expedite).
8. Track: After 7-10 days online.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Bon Secour

No facility in Bon Secour—head to these Baldwin County options for DS-11 executions. Coastal cruise season (March-June) books up 4-6 weeks out; aim for early mornings or mid-week. Call ahead for current hours; arrive with all docs organized. Expect document review, oath, and envelope sealing (15-30 min).

2nd%20Ave%2C%20Gulf%20Shores%2C%20AL%2036542) | | Fairhope Post Office | Fairhope, AL 36532 / 251-928-3002 | ~25 miles east; quieter option | Book Appointment; or Fairhope Probate | | Bay Minette Probate Office | Bay Minette, AL 36507 / 251-937-0260 | ~30 miles north; county alternative | Baldwin County Probate; verify passport services |

For ultra-urgent (<14 days): Nearest passport agency in New Orleans (appointment-only). Full list: State Department.

Pro Tip: Gulf Shores suits beachgoers; Foley for quicker inland access. No on-site photos—get them locally first.

Passport Photo Requirements and Common Pitfalls

Rejections hit 25-30%—coastal glare or beachwear selfies are culprits. Specs:

• 2x2" on matte/glossy photo paper.
• White/off-white background; head size 1-1⅜" from chin to top.
• Neutral expression, eyes open; no glasses, hats, uniforms, shadows, or filters. Taken within 6 months.

Local Options: Walgreens or CVS in Foley (e.g., 3640 AL-59; ~$15, confirm specs). Avoid home printers. If rejected, resubmit entire application with new photos—no partial fixes.

Fees, Payment, and Processing Times

Pay execution fees at facility (cash/check); application fees by check to State Dept. No cards.

Timelines: Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (plus 1-2 weeks mail). Peaks (spring/summer) add 2-4 weeks. Track after 7-10 days. Passport card alternative ($30 adult/$30 child) for Western Hemisphere cruises/land travel from Mobile.

Handling Special Cases

• Minors Under 16: $100

app + $35 execution; both parents or DS-3053. Notarization often needed.

• Urgent Travel (<14 days): Life-or-death proof for agency appt; expedite ≠ same-day.
• Lost/Stolen: DS-64 report first; abroad? Seek emergency passport at U.S. embassy.
• Name/Gender Changes: Supporting docs required.
• Alabama Birth Certificates: State Vital Records for copies; Baldwin County Clerk for recent records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day service in Bon Secour? No—nearest agency requires proof of imminent travel.

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited ($60, 2-3 weeks); urgent needs agency visit with docs.

Passport expired 16+ years? Treat as new (DS-11).

Lost during coastal trip? File DS-64; replace upon return.

Passport card for Mobile cruises? Yes, for closed-loop Western Hemisphere sailings.

Photo rejected? New set + full resubmission.

Track right away? Wait 7-10 days post-submission.

Walk-ins OK? Rare; always book via USPS.

Sources

[1] U.S. Passports
[2] Processing Times
[3] Forms
[4] Lost/Stolen
[5] Wizard
[6] How to Apply
[7] AL Vital Records
[8] Photos
[9] Under 16
[10] USPS Locator
[11] Baldwin Probate
[12] Fees
[13] Status Check
[14] Renew by Mail
[15] Urgent Services
[16] [Passport Card](https://travel.st

Passport Card

The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized, fully compliant passport alternative ideal for Bon Secour, AL residents who frequently take cruises from Gulf Coast ports or drive to Mexico and Canada. It's cheaper ($30 for adults vs. $130 for the book), valid for 10 years (adults) or 5 years (minors), but limited to land and sea travel only—it cannot be used for international flights.

Key Benefits and When to Choose It

• Perfect for coastal locals: Great for quick trips to Mexico via cruises (common from nearby ports) or drives across borders—no bulky book needed.
• Decision guidance:

  Scenario	Choose Card	Choose Book
  Cruises to Mexico/Caribbean, driving to Canada	✅ Yes (saves money/space)	❌ Unless flying later
  Any international air travel	❌ No	✅ Required
  First-time or renewal with air plans	❌ No	✅ Versatile

Application Tips

Apply in person at any passport acceptance facility (same process as the book). Bring Form DS-11 (first-time), proof of citizenship, ID, photo, and fees. Expedited service available for 2-3 week delivery.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Assuming it's valid for planes—always double-check your itinerary.
• Skipping photos: Use facilities with on-site service or get 2x2" compliant ones (white background, no glasses/selfies).
• Underestimating timelines: Standard processing is 6-8 weeks; apply 4-6 months early for peak summer cruise season.
• Forgetting kids need their own: No family/group cards.

For full details: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/card.html