Getting a Passport in Barling, AR: Steps, Facilities & Fees

By GovComplete Team • Published on: January 28, 2026

Location: Barling, AR

Getting a Passport in Barling, AR

Barling residents in Sebastian County benefit from quick access to passport services via the local post office and nearby Fort Smith facilities, just minutes away across the Arkansas River. Demand surges locally during spring break trips to Mexico, summer Europe vacations, UAFS study abroad deadlines, and winter holidays—plan 8-11 weeks ahead to snag appointments amid these peaks. High volumes mean mornings fill fastest; recent local trends show Barling's post office handling dozens of apps weekly in peak season, with waits up to 4 weeks for slots.

This guide delivers a tailored, step-by-step process for Barling applicants, blending federal rules with Arkansas specifics like vital records ordering, photo tips to dodge 25% rejection rates, and facility intel. Key choices: DS-11 (in-person, first-time/minors/changes) vs. DS-82 (mail renewal if eligible). Expect 10-20 minute facility visits; staff verify docs on-site and ship apps same day. Always verify via official sites, as times/fees shift.

Last updated for fees/times: October 10, 2024. Check travel.state.gov for changes.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

DS-11 (In-Person Required): First-time, under 16 issuance, lost/stolen/damaged, name/gender change, or expired >15 years. Barling locals use this for most new apps—head to post office or clerk.

DS-82 (Mail Renewal Eligible If): Issued 16+, within 15 years, undamaged/in possession, no changes. Saves a trip; mail from home. Ineligible? Default to DS-11. Use travel.state.gov eligibility tool.

Quick Decision Tree:

Scenario	Form	Method
First-time or minor	DS-11	In-person
Eligible old passport	DS-82	Mail
Lost/stolen	DS-11 + DS-64	In-person
Name change	DS-11 + proof	In-person

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Barling

Prioritize Barling's post office for convenience, then Fort Smith for volume. All require appointments via USPS site (tools.usps.com) or phone—walk-ins rare. Use State Dept locator for real-time slots.

Barling Post Office: 304 Fort St, Barling, AR 72923. Phone: (479) 452-5506. Google Maps.
Sebastian County Clerk: 901 S 21st St, Fort Smith, AR 72901 (~1

0 min drive). Phone: (479) 783-1111. Google Maps.

Fort Smith Main Post Office: 1400 S 44th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Phone: (479) 494-2462. Google Maps.
Alternatives: Van Buren PO or Alma Clerk (~15-20 min).

USPS Appointment Tool – Embed to book directly.

Step-by-Step Checklist for DS-11 In-Person Applications

Complete DS-11: Online at travel.state.gov—don't sign yet. Black ink.
Citizenship Proof: Original certified birth cert (Arkansas DHS: vitalrecords.health.arkansas.gov, 501-661-2336; 2-4 wk delivery) + photocopy. No short forms.
Photo ID: AR DL/state ID + photocopy. Name mismatch? Add marriage cert.
2x2 Photo: White background, neutral face, no glare/shadows. Fort Smith Walgreens/CVS: $15. View examples.
Book Slot: Online/phone; arrive 15 min early.
At Facility: Sign DS-11, pay, get receipt. Originals returned same day.
Track: passportstatus.state.gov after 5-7 days.

Minors <16: Both parents/DS-3053 notarized consent + child's birth cert/parents' IDs. 5-yr validity.

Renewal (DS-82): Old passport + photo + fees to form address—no appointment.

Common Pitfalls: Signed DS-11 early (voids), blurry photos (25% rejected), uncertified birth certs. Prep night before.

Passport Photos: Nail It First Try

Rejections from glare (lights), shadows (hair), size (head 1-1⅜"), or smiles delay 4+ weeks. Pros beat DIY.

Local Spots: Barling-area Walgreens, CVS Fort Smith (2100 N 62nd St), FedEx. Request preview.
Specs Table:

Requirement	Do	Don't
Size	2x2", head 1-1⅜"	Cropped tight/wrong scale
Background	Plain white/cream	Patterns/shadows
Expression	Neutral, eyes open	Smiles/tilts/glasses

Interactive checker.

Fees and Processing Times

Last updated: October 10, 2024.

Service	State Dept Fee	Execution Fee	Expedite
Adult Book (10 yr)	$130	$35

+$60 | | Adult Card (10 yr) | $30 | $35 | +$60 | | Minor Book (5 yr) | $100 | $35 | +$60 | | Minor Card (5 yr) | $15 | $35 | +$60 |

State: Check/MO to "U.S. Dept of State". Execution: Cash/check/card. +$19.53 optional tracking.

Times: Routine 6-8 wks; Expedite 2-3 wks (+fee). AR peaks (summer/breaks) add 1-2 wks. Urgent (<14 days, emergencies): 1-877-487-2778 for agency appt (New Orleans ~5hr drive, proof/itinerary req'd).

Special Considerations for Barling & Fort Smith Area

Vital Records: Sebastian births via AR DHS (link); rush $20 extra.
UAFS Students: Passport first for J-1 visas/study abroad—coordinate with intl office; Mexico spring breaks common (card OK for cruises).
Local Travel: Fort Smith business to Mexico/Europe; families hit peaks—book early.
What to Expect: 15-30 min wait, doc review, oath. No fedex from PO—track online.

FAQs

Peak season timing in Barling? 8-11 wks early; facilities book 4 wks out.

Barling PO for renewals? No, mail only if eligible.

Missing parent for minor? DS-3053 notarized + ID copy.

Expedite vs. urgent? Expedite: routine speed-up. Urgent: emergencies/agency.

Photo rejected? New pro photo ASAP—exact specs.

Lost passport? Report here, DS-64 + DS-11 in-person.

County Clerk appt? Yes, call (479) 783-1111.

School ID OK? No, citizenship needs gov't docs.

Sources

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