Getting a Passport in Hope, AR: Facilities, Steps & Requirements

By GovComplete Team • Published on: January 23, 2026

Location: Hope, AR

Getting a Passport in Hope, AR

Residents of Hope, Arkansas, in Hempstead County, often need passports for international business trips, family vacations, or student exchange programs. Arkansas sees steady travel demand, with peaks in spring and summer for tourism and winter breaks for holidays, alongside urgent last-minute trips for work or family emergencies. Local acceptance facilities can get busy during these periods, so planning ahead is key to avoid delays. This guide covers everything from determining your service type to application steps, drawing on official U.S. Department of State guidelines [1].

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before starting, identify which service fits your situation. Using the wrong form or process can lead to rejection and extra trips to facilities in Hope.

First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16. Apply in person at an acceptance facility [1].
Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you're at least 16, and it's not damaged or reported lost/stolen. Most adults can renew by mail using Form DS-82 [2]. Check eligibility carefully—using DS-11 (first-time form) when renewal qualifies adds unnecessary steps.
Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Use Form DS-64 to report it, then DS-11 or DS-82 depending on age and issue date. In-person for most cases [3].
Name Change or Correction: Provide legal proof (e.g., marriage certificate). Renew if eligible; otherwise, new application [1].
Child (Under 16) Passport: Always in-person with both parents/guardians. Renewals for minors under 16 require new in-person applications every time [4].

For urgent travel within 14 days, note the difference: Expedited service (2-3 weeks) is available at application, but "urgent" life-or-death emergencies allow in-person at a passport agency (nearest is Little Rock, 2+ hours drive) [5]. Expedited isn't guaranteed same-day; don't rely on it for last-minute plans during peak seasons like summer [1].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Hope, AR

Hope has limited facilities, and high demand means appointments fill quickly, especially seasonally. Book via the online locator [6].

Hope Post Office (USPS): 104 W Avenue A, Hope, AR 71801. Offers passport acceptance; call (870) 777-2000 or check usps.com for hours and appointments [7]. Popular for its convenience.
Hempstead County Clerk's Office: 434 Spring Hill St, Hope, AR 71801. Handles passports; contact (870) 777-2381. Verify services as county clerks vary [8].

For photos, many facilities don't provide them—plan to get them elsewhere (details below). If slots are full, check nearby Texarkana (30 miles) or Prescott [6].

Required Documents

Gather originals; photocopies aren't accepted. Common pitfalls include missing birth certificates for first-timers or parental consent for minors.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (long form preferred; order from Arkansas Vital Records if needed [9]), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Arkansas birth certificates cost $12 online/mail [9].
Proof of Identity: Driver's license, government ID. Must match citizenship name exactly or provide name change docs.
Photos: One 2x2 inch color photo (details in next section).
Forms: DS-11 (in-person), DS-82 (mail renewal). Download from state.gov [1].
For Minors: Both parents' IDs, consent form DS-3053 if one absent. Presence of both parents/guardians required [4].

Fees (as of 2023; verify current): $130 adult book first-time + $35 execution + optional expedited $60 [10]. Pay execution fee by check/money order to facility; passport fee by check to State Department.

Passport Photos: Avoiding Rejections

Photo issues cause 25% of rejections [1]. Specs are strict:

2x2 inches, color, white/cream/off-white background.
Head 1-1 3/8 inches from chin to top.
Neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses (unless medically necessary), no hats unless religious/medical.
Taken within 6 months, full face forward, no shadows/glare/uniforms.

Local options: Walmart or CVS in Hope (confirm passport service); or UPS Store. Cost ~$15. Selfies or home prints often fail dimensions/shadows [11].

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Follow this for in-person applications (first-time, minors, replacements). Allow 1-2 hours.

Determine Eligibility: Use state.gov wizard [1]. First-time/renewal/replacement?
Gather Documents: Citizenship proof (original birth cert), ID, photos (2 for minors), forms. For AR birth certs, apply via vitalcheks.com or mail to Arkansas DHS [9].
Complete Form: Fill DS-11 by hand (black ink, no staples). Do not sign until instructed [1].
Book Appointment: Use usps.com or call facility. Peak seasons (spring/summer/winter) book 4-6 weeks out [6].
Arrive Prepared: Bring all docs, fees (two payments), unsigned form. For minors, both parents + child.
At Facility: Present docs, sign form in front of agent, pay execution fee. Agent seals application.
Track Status: After 1 week, use online tracker [12]. Standard 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (no guarantees in peaks) [5].
Receive Passport: Mailed to address on form. Allow extra time for AR rural delivery.

For mail renewals (DS-82 eligible adults): Print form, include old passport, photo, fees. Mail to address on form. No execution fee [2].

Child-Specific Checklist Addendum:

Both parents/guardians present with IDs.
DS-3053 notarized if one absent.
Child's birth cert + parents' IDs.
Two photos. Expect longer processing for minors.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks from receipt [5]. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). During Arkansas's busy travel seasons (spring break, summer vacations, holidays), add 2-4 weeks due to volume—don't count on last-minute [1]. For travel in 14 days, call passport agency (Little Rock: 1-877-487-2778) only for verified emergencies [13]. Students on exchange programs should apply 3+ months early.

Track weekly at travel.state.gov [12]. No updates until 1 week after mailing.

Common Challenges and Tips for Hope Residents

High demand at Hope's USPS/Clerk strains appointments—book early or drive to larger facilities. Photo rejections spike from glare (common in AR sunlight) or wrong size. Minors' apps fail without full parental docs. Renewals misused as new apps waste time. For urgent business trips (common in AR's ag/manufacturing sectors), expedited helps but plan buffers.

Arkansas students (e.g., via UCA or exchange to Europe) face seasonal rushes—apply post-holidays.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Hope

Passport acceptance facilities are official sites authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for processing. These locations do not issue passports on-site; instead, they review your completed forms, verify your identity, administer the required oath, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency or processing center. Common types of facilities include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Hope, you'll find such facilities in the local area and nearby towns, offering convenient options for residents and visitors alike.

When visiting a passport acceptance facility, come prepared with a completed DS-11 application form (for first-time applicants or renewals that require it), a valid photo ID (like a driver's license or military ID), a passport photo meeting State Department specifications, and payment for the application and execution fees (typically by check or money order). Expect a wait for service, document review for completeness and eligibility, and guidance on any issues. Processing times vary from standard (6-8 weeks) to expedited options, but facilities cannot guarantee faster turnaround. Always check the State Department's website for the latest requirements before heading out.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays often start busy as people catch up from the weekend, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can fill up quickly due to lunch-hour crowds. To minimize waits, aim for early mornings shortly after opening or late afternoons near closing. Many facilities offer appointments—book ahead online or by phone if available, and confirm policies in advance. Arrive with all documents organized to speed things up, and consider off-peak weekdays like Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Flexibility helps, as unexpected rushes can occur year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply without an appointment at Hope facilities?
No, most require appointments via usps.com [7]. Walk-ins rare and not during peaks.

How do I get an Arkansas birth certificate quickly?
Order online at vitalcheks.com ($26 incl fees) or mail to AR DHS Vital Records [9]. Walk-in Little Rock only.

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited is for any applicant (extra fee, faster mail processing). Urgent (14-day travel) requires agency visit for emergencies only [5].

My passport expired 16 years ago—can I renew by mail?
No, use DS-11 in-person if over 15 years [2].

Do I need my Social Security number?
Yes, write it on form (even without card). Failure delays processing [1].

Can a grandparent apply for a grandchild?
No, both parents/guardians must consent in person or via notarized DS-3053 [4].

What if my trip is in 3 weeks during summer?
Apply expedited now, but success isn't guaranteed—consider travel insurance or delays [5].

Where do I get passport photos in Hope?
Try Walmart (1600 N Hervey St) or CVS; call to confirm specs compliance [11].

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