Getting a Passport in Fayetteville, AR: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a Passport in Fayetteville, AR: A Step-by-Step Guide

Nestled in Washington County, Fayetteville buzzes with international travel needs—from University of Arkansas students jetting off for study abroad or Razorback fans heading overseas, to Walmart execs from nearby Bentonville and Ozark hikers escaping to Europe during spring break. Peak demand hits hard March-April (spring break) and June-August (summer travel), straining local facilities and delaying appointments. This guide cuts through federal red tape with Fayetteville-specific strategies, like dodging photo fails from indoor glare, securing UA-timed slots, and ordering Arkansas birth certificates early to sidestep 2-4 week waits. Skip common traps: renewing in-person when mail works, or showing up without notarized minor consent.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Match your scenario to the right form—wrong choice means extra trips or delays. Use the State Department's wizard (https://pptform.state.gov/) for confirmation.

Decision tip: Got an old passport in hand? DS-82 by mail saves time unless damaged/minor. UA students: Renew mail if eligible before fall deadlines.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Fayetteville and Washington County

All require appointments—no reliable walk-ins, especially with university volume. Photos often on-site, but confirm. Search real-time: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. Book 4-6 weeks early; check daily as UA study abroad spikes fill slots.

• **Washington County Clerk's Offic

e** (Fayetteville): 280 N College Ave, Suite 2010. First-time/minors OK. Call 479-444-3500 or online.

• Fayetteville Main Post Office: 47 E Devinton Ave. Call 479-443-2222 for passport slots.
• University of Arkansas: Check CIES office (https://international.uark.edu/) for advising; submit at official spots.
• Nearby: Springdale Post Office or Benton County Clerk if backed up.

What to expect: 30-60 min visits. Agent verifies docs, you sign DS-11, get receipt. Arrive 15 min early, organized folder in hand.

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Applications (DS-11 Form)

Prep everything pre-visit—agents won't assist. Download forms: https://pptform.state.gov/.

1. Form DS-11: Fill online/print single-sided, black ink. Don't sign yet.
2. Citizenship Proof: Original + photocopy (e.g., AR birth cert from https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/birth-death-certificates—order expedited if needed).
3. ID Proof: Driver's license + photocopy (AR DHS valid?).
4. Photo: 2x2", <6 mos old, neutral expression/background. Avoid glare/shadows (AR indoor lights tricky—use natural light at CVS).
5. Minors: DS-3053 notarized if one parent absent (AR banks free).
6. Fees: See table. Separate checks: State fee to "U.S. Department of State"; execution to "Washington County Clerk."
7. Appointment: Book, arrive 15 min early with checklist/folder.
8. At Facility: Sign form, submit. Get receipt—snap photo.
9. Track/Deliver: https://passportstatus.state.gov/. Routine 6-8 wks; expect mail to Fayetteville address.

Mail Renewal (DS-82) Checklist:

1. Fill/sign DS-82, include old passport/photo/fees ($130 book).
2. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
3. Track receipt via USPS + status site (updates in 1-2 wks).

Common Challenges and Tips for Fayetteville Applicants

• Appointment Crunch: UA peaks book out—alternate facilities, check am/pm.
• Photos: 25% rejection rate; extras from Walgreens (E Joyce Blvd). Specs: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html.
• Docs: AR certs delay apps—order now. Name mismatches? Marriage cert.
• Expedited: +$60, 2-3 wks; urgent (14 days) needs agency appt (Dallas/Little Rock, prove travel).
• Students: UA requires 60+ days pre-departure; mail renewals from dorms.

Fees Breakdown

| Applicant Type | Passport Book | Passport Card | Execution Fee | Expedited | 1-2 Day Delivery | |----

-----------|---------------|---------------|---------------|-----------|------------------| | Adult First-Time | $130 | $30 | $35 | +$60 | +$21.36 | | Adult Renewal (Mail) | $130 | $30 | N/A | +$60 | +$21.36 | | Minor (<16) | $100 | $15 | $35 | +$60 | +$21.36 |

Exact amounts/checks only; cards sometimes for execution.

Processing Times and Tracking

Routine: 6-8 wks post-submission (peaks +2-4 wks). Expedited: 2-3 wks. Track: https://passportstatus.state.gov/ (receipt # needed). Mailed apps? USPS confirm first. No status? Wait 2 wks. Regional agencies: Little Rock (2-hr drive) or Dallas for urgent.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Both parents or DS-3053 (notarized). AR sole custody? Court order. UA families: Early slots for spring breaks.

FAQs

How long for a Fayetteville passport?
Routine 6-8 wks + local processing; expedited 2-3 wks. Peaks delay—plan 10+ wks.

Same-day possible?
No locally. Urgent (14 days) at agencies only, travel proof required.

Photo spots?
Clerk/USPS/CVS/Walgreens. Exact specs or reject.

Clerk appointment needed?
Yes, 479-444-3500/online; limited.

UA students renew by mail?
Yes, DS-82 if eligible—ideal pre-semester.

Arkansas birth cert?
https://healthy.arkansas.gov/—expedited 2-4 days.

Expired passport for Mexico/Canada?
No for air; enhanced ID for land/sea.

Name change post-marriage?
Attach cert to app.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] Forms: https://pptform.state.gov/
[3] Lost/Stolen: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/lost-stolen.html
[4] Children Under 16: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html
[5] Processing Times: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html
[6] Washington County Clerk: https://www.washingtoncountyar.gov/government/county-clerk/passport-services
[7] USPS Finder: https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport&addressZip=72701
[8] UA International Services: https://international.uark.edu/
[9] Facility Search: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
[10] AR Vital Records: https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/birth-death-certificates
[11] Photos: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
[12] Fees: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.htm

l
[13] Status Check: https://passportstatus.state.gov/
[14] Agencies: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/agencies.html
[15] International Travel: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

Additional Resources for Fayetteville Residents

Passport Status Check (https://passportstatus.state.gov/)
Updates 1-2 wks post-submission (use receipt #). Tip: Pair with USPS tracking; don't check day-of.

Passport Agencies (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/agencies.html)
Urgent (14 days) only—call 1-877-487-2778. Fayetteville tip: 3-5 hr drives; prove imminent travel or get turned away.

International Travel Info (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html)
Advisories/entry rules. Tip: 6-mo validity; match names to tickets, include minor forms.