Getting a Passport in Elkins, AR: First-Time & Renewal Guide

Getting a Passport in Elkins, AR

Residents of Elkins, Arkansas, in Washington County, frequently apply for passports for international trips tied to the University of Arkansas in nearby Fayetteville, family vacations, or business travel through Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA). Demand peaks in summer for tourism, spring break for students, and holidays, with facilities booking up quickly. This guide streamlines the process, highlighting pitfalls like invalid photos (glare or poor sizing), missing minor consent forms, and renewal eligibility mix-ups that delay 20-30% of local applications.

Standard processing takes 4-6 weeks routine or 2-3 weeks expedited (excluding mailing; verify at travel.state.gov). First-timers and minors use DS-11 in person; eligible renewals use DS-82 by mail.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Match your situation to avoid extra trips or fees. Use the State Department's wizard at travel.state.gov for confirmation.

First-Time Passport

Never had a U.S. passport? Issued one over 15 years ago (or as a minor)? Apply in person with DS-11—no mailing. Common for Elkins families on first trips abroad, youth sports abroad, or UA study programs.

Steps for Washington County applicants:

• Download DS-11 from travel.state.gov (complete online; do not sign until agent instructs).
• Original citizenship proof (birth certificate), photo ID (Arkansas driver's license), 2x2 photo (white background, pharmacies like Walmart in Fayetteville), fees.
• Expect 4-6 weeks routine; add $60 to expedite to 2-3 weeks.

Avoid these errors:

• Signing DS-11 prematurely (voids it).
• Photocopies only (originals required; photocopy on-site if needed).
• No minor consent: Both parents or notarized DS-3053.
• Late booking: Facilities fill during UA breaks.

DS-11 vs. DS-82: No prior passport or ineligible renewal? DS-11. Eligible (issued <15 years ago, age 16+ at issue, no major changes)? DS-82 by mail saves time.

Renewal

Mail DS-82 if passport issued at 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, no name/gender changes. Ideal for repeat Elkins travelers—many skip in-person hassle.

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

File DS-64 (free report), then DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11. Add $60 if valid passport lost/stolen.

Quick Checklist:

• Mail-eligible? DS-82.
• First-time/minor/ineligible? DS-11.
• Lost? DS-64 first.

Eligibility and General Requirements

Prove citizenship (original birth/naturalization certificate + photocopy) and ID (driver's license + photocopy). Minors under 16 need both parents or DS-3053.

Local Tip: Arkansas birth certificates from Department of Health ($12 first copy + ID; 1-4 weeks, longer in peaks). Order early for school-year travel.

Current Fees (verify at travel.state.gov):

• Adult book first-time: $130 application + $35 execution.
• Minor book: $100 + $35.
• Renewal (DS-82): $130.
• Expedited: +$60.
• Optional 1-2 day delivery: +$21.36. Execution fee to facility (check/money order); application fee separate to State Dept.

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

1. Complete unsigned DS-11 (online for accuracy).
2. Original citizenship proof + photocopy (Arkansas vital records certified).
3. Valid ID + photocopy (Real ID OK).
4. Two 2x2 photos (specs below).
5. Minors: Both parents or DS-3053/court order ($100 fee).
6. Fees calculated (use online tool).
7. Book Washington County facility appointment.
8. Arrive 15 min early: Agent verifies docs, you sign/oath, they mail app.
9. Track online after 7-10 days.

Printable:

□ Unsigned DS-11
□ Citizenship original + copy
□ ID + copy
□ Two photos
□ Minor docs
□ Fees (separate payments)
□ Appointment

What to Expect: 20-45 min visit. Agent checks completeness (rejections rare if prepared). No passport issued on-site—mailed later.

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

1. Confirm eligibility.
2. Signed DS-82 (online).
3. Old passport on top.
4. One photo.
5. Name proof if changed.
6. $130 check to "U.S. Department of State."
7. Priority Mail to address on form (trackable).
8. Track online.

Printable:

□ Signed DS-82
□ Old passport
□ Photo
□ Name proof (if any)
□ Single check
□ Priority envelope

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25% of apps returned nationwide for photos. Rules:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1⅜ inches from bottom (50-69%).
• White background, even light, no shadows/glare/glasses glare.
• Neutral face, recent (6 months).

Elkins area: CVS/Walgreens (Elkins Rd), Walmart (Fayetteville), USPS ($15-17). Some facilities on-site.

Where to Apply Near Elkins, AR

No Elkins facility; use Washington County post offices/libraries (10-20 min drive to Fayetteville/Springdale). Appointments required—book 4-6 weeks ahead via usps.com or phone, especially UA peaks.

• Fayetteville Main Post Office (35 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701): 479-443-2412.
• Springdale Post Office (2590 N Thompson St, Springdale, AR 72764).
• University of Arkansas International Center (Fayetteville): ua.edu for students.
• Full search: iadfbs.travel.state.gov (ZIP 72727).

Urgent (<14 days travel)? Expedite + call 1-877-487-2778 for Little Rock agency (proof required).

Tips: Early mornings/Tues-Thurs least busy. Bring organized folder.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 4-6 weeks.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Peaks add delays—apply 8-10 weeks early. Track at travel.state.gov.

Common Challenges and Washington County Tips

• Bookings: UA proximity spikes demand; use usps.com alerts.
• Expedited: Speeds processing only; proof for urgent.
• Minors: Notarize DS-3053 ahead (local banks).
• Birth Certs: Order from healthy.arkansas.gov now.
• Renewals: DS-82 avoids lines for pros/families.

Pro Tip: UA affiliates check international.uark.edu for group sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Elkins? No; Little Rock for emergencies only (<14 days proof).

Routine vs. expedited? 4-6 vs. 2-3 weeks (+$60); mailing extra.

Appointment needed? Yes, most post offices.

Expiring soon? Renew 9 months early via DS-82 if eligible.

Single parent minor? DS-3053 notarized.

Track app? Yes, after 7-10 days.

Real ID OK? Yes.

Name change? Proof with DS-82 or DS-11.

Sources

[1] Passports: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] Processing Times: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/processing-times.html
[3] Renewals: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html
[4] Arkansas Vital Records: healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/birth-certificates
[5] USPS Passports: usps.com/international/passports.htm
[6] Photo Requirements: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/photos/photo-composition-template.html
[7] USPS Priority: usps.com/ship/priority-mail.htm
[8] UA Passports: international.uark.edu/passport
[9] Facility Search: iafdb.travel.state.gov