Getting a Passport in Alexander, AR: Benton & Bryant Facilities

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Alexander, AR
Getting a Passport in Alexander, AR: Benton & Bryant Facilities

Guide to Getting a Passport in Alexander, AR

In Alexander, Arkansas—a quiet Saline County town 15 miles southwest of Little Rock—you're minutes from I-30 and I-430, making passport facilities in Benton and Bryant easily accessible by car. Demand runs high from Little Rock commuters heading to Mexico cruises, European family trips, or Canada business jaunts, especially during spring break (March-April), summer (June-August), and holiday rushes (November-December). Plan 3-6 months ahead: standard processing averages 6-8 weeks, expedited 2-3 weeks. Avoid pitfalls like wrong forms (DS-11 for new/first-time vs. DS-82 for eligible renewals), subpar photos (2x2 inches, white background, no glare—test via State Department app), or missing originals, which trigger 4-6 week rejections. Start with the travel.state.gov wizard for personalized checklists [1].

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Needs

Pick the wrong path, and you'll restart—accounting for 30% of errors. Use this decision tree:

Situation Form Method Key Triggers
First-time (adult/child) or prior passport >15 years old, issued <16, damaged, or name change DS-11 In person at facility No old passport or ineligible for mail
Adult renewal (issued at 16+, <15 years ago, undamaged, current name) DS-82 Mail Saves trip; include old passport
Lost/stolen DS-64 (report first) + DS-11 In person Can't mail without old passport
Damaged (even if otherwise renewable) DS-11 In person Submit damaged one
Urgent (<14 days) DS-11 + proof In person, expedite ($60+) Itinerary required; call agency if needed
Minor (<16) DS-11 In person Both parents or notarized consent (DS-3053)

Verify at travel.state.gov. For Alexander locals: In-person spots cluster in Benton/Bryant (10-15 min drive); book ahead as slots vanish fast.

Quick Tips and What to Expect In Person

Agents verify docs (10-20 min), witness signature, collect fees—expect lines, so arrive 30 min early with organized folder. No on-site printing; bring photos/fees exact.

Gather Required Documents and Fees

Arkansas birth certificates (certified long-form only, $12 via ADH at vitalcheks.com or 501-661-2336) prove citizenship—hospital abstracts get rejected [5]. Photocopy everything front/back on 8.5x11 white paper.

DS-11 Checklist (First-Time/Minor/Replacement)

  • DS-11 unsigned [2]
  • Original citizenship proof + copy (AR birth cert, naturalization)
  • Photo ID + copy (AR DL, passport card)
  • 2x2 photo (recent, compliant)
  • Fees: $130 app (check to State Dept) + $35 exec (check/money order to facility); kids $100 app
  • Minors: DS-3053 if one parent absent + ID copy

DS-82 Checklist (Adult Renewal)

  • DS-82 [3]
  • Old passport
  • New photo
  • $130 check to State Dept
  • Name change docs if needed

Non-refundable; add $60 expedite, $21.36 1-2 day return [6].

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25% of returns stem from photos [7]. Strict rules: 2x2 inches, color photo paper, <6 months old, white background, 50-69% face height, neutral expression, no glasses/hats/shadows/glare. For kids, soft smile OK—try Walgreens/CVS in Benton (~$15). Use State Dept tool to preview; local lighting often causes glare.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Alexander, AR

No facility in Alexander; nearest are in Saline County hubs (Benton/Bryant, 10-20 min via AR-5 or I-30). Book via USPS.com scheduler (tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?location-type=passport) or travel.state.gov locator [1]. Expect 15-45 min visits: agent reviews docs, you sign/pay. Appointments essential—walk-ins rare during peaks (Mon mid-day, summers). Early weekday mornings best.

  • Saline County Circuit Clerk's Office (Benton): 200 N Main St, Benton, AR 72015. (501) 303-5605. Saline locator.
  • Benton Post Office: 142 S Market St, Benton, AR 72015. (501) 778-3721. Book: USPS Benton.
  • Bryant Post Office: 2901 N Reynolds Rd, Bryant, AR 72022. (501) 847-2357. Book: USPS Bryant.

Little Rock options if backups occur. Confirm hours/appointments same-day [8].

Step-by-Step Checklist: Applying In Person (DS-11)

  1. Gather docs/photos (order AR birth cert early [5]).
  2. Book appt (USPS.com or call, 4-6 weeks pre-travel).
  3. Arrive early, organized.
  4. Review/complete DS-11.
  5. Sign with agent.
  6. Pay dual fees.
  7. Track online (7-10 days for status #) [9].

Mail Renewal (DS-82): Fill, attach, mail to form address; USPS track.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Service Time Cost Add-On
Routine 6-8 weeks None
Expedited 2-3 weeks $60
Urgent (<14 days) Varies $60+ + itinerary; call 1-877-487-2778
Life-or-death 3 weeks abroad Regional agency [10]

Peaks add 2 weeks mailing/backlogs. Track at passportstatus.state.gov [9].

Special Notes for Saline County/Arkansas Residents

  • Birth Certs: Long-form certified from ADH (not short/wallet)—rush via VitalCheks [5].
  • Name Changes: County clerk or ADH marriage/divorce docs.
  • Local Demand: Bryant/Benton fill for UA Little Rock students, Saline business travel—book 2 weeks ahead.
  • Cards: $30 cheaper for land/sea to Mexico/Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Alexander Post Office for passports? No—use Benton/Bryant [8].

Renew in Saline County? Mail DS-82 if eligible; else in-person [3].

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited: faster routine. Urgent: <14 days needs proof/agency [6].

Quick child passport? Both parents/consent; expedite, appt now—peaks slow summers [4].

Photo rejection reasons? Size/shadows—CVS fix, check specs [7].

Same-day in AR? No routine; Little Rock agency for emergencies [10].

Appointment always? Yes, high volume [1].

Minor validity? 5 years [4].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Apply In Person
[3] U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[4] U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
[5] Arkansas Department of Health - Birth Certificates
[6] U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[7] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[8] USPS - Passport Services
[9] U.S. Department of State - Track My Application
[10] U.S. Department of State - Get My Passport Fast

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations