Getting a Passport in Nashville, AR: Howard County Guide

Getting a Passport in Nashville, Arkansas

Nashville, the county seat of rural Howard County in southwest Arkansas, supports international travel for its agriculture, manufacturing, and energy workers, as well as families heading to Mexico, Europe, or beyond. Nearby University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT, ~30 minutes away) students often need passports for exchanges. Demand peaks in spring break, summer, and holidays, straining the few local facilities—leading to booked slots, photo rejections from bad lighting, missing minor docs, or DS-11/DS-82 confusion. This guide cuts through with Howard County specifics, checklists, and tips from official sources [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick the right form and method upfront to avoid restarts. Use the State Department's wizard for instant guidance [4].

DS-11 vs. DS-82 Quick Decision: DS-82 saves time/money if eligible (no execution fee, mail from home). Otherwise, DS-11 requires in-person oath at Howard County Clerk or post office. For Nashville's limited spots, mail renewals dodge peak waits. Minors always DS-11 with both parents or notarized DS-3053 [1].

Gather Required Documents and Photos

Delays hit 40% of apps from incomplete kits. Prep 4–6 weeks early for Howard County backlogs.

Key Documents

• Citizenship: Original birth cert (raised seal) or naturalization cert. Arkansas orders via Dept. of Health (online/mail, 1–4 weeks standard; rush extra) [5]. No photocopies.
• ID: Driver's license, passport card, or gov't ID. Arkansas standard DL works [1].
• SSN: Write on form (no card) [1].
• Minors <16: Both parents/IDs or DS-3053 (notarized) + absent parent's ID copy. Over 16<21 needs parental awareness [1].
• Prior Passport: Submit if renewing/replacing.

Photocopy everything (front/back, 8.5x11") [1].

Common Mistakes: Expired ID, unsigned forms, no parental consent, or using short-form birth certs (needs full certified).

Passport Photos

2x2" color, white/off-white background, head 1–1⅜", eyes open, neutral face, no glare/shadows/glasses [6]. Rejections spike here—check twice.

• Where in Nashville: Walmart Supercenter (1518 E Main St), Walgreens (2203 E Main St), CVS. Post office: Call to confirm availability [7][8]. $15–$17.
• DIY Tip: Natural light, plain wall; apps like Passport Photo Online for specs.
• Pitfalls: Selfies too blurry; religious headwear OK with face visible.

Find a Passport Acceptance Facility in Nashville

Howard County's rural setup means two main spots—book early via USPS site or phone, as walk-ins vanish in peaks [8]. No on-site processing; they oath/seal/send.

Nearby Options: Texarkana (45 min, more slots); Little Rock agency (3 hrs, urgent only). No Nashville-area agency [10].

What to Expect: 15–30 min appt. Agent reviews docs/photos, you sign DS-11, pay execution fee (cash/check), get receipt. Arrive early; no kids' toys/distractions.

Busy Times: Mondays/midday worst; try early AM/Friday PM. Peaks add 1–2 wk delays [14].

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Application

1. Wizard Check: Confirm DS-11/DS-82 [4]. Order birth cert [5].
2. Fill DS-11: Online/black ink (sign on-site only) [12]. Error = restart.
3. Photos: 2 identical, spec-perfect [6].
4. Book: Call/online [8][9]. 15 min early.
5. Fees (2024; check [13]):

   Type	App Fee (State Dept)	Execution (Facility)	Expedite (+$60)
   Adult Book/Card	$130/$30	$35	Yes
   Minor Book/Card	$100/$15	$35	Yes
   Check to "U.S. Dept of State"; facility cash/check (some cards) [13].

6. Attend: Present all; agent verifies/seals. Common issue: Forgot photocopies.
7. Service: Routine (6–8 wks), Expedite (2–3 wks +$60). Urgent <14 days? Agency proof [11].
8. Track: After 7–10 days [15].

Mail DS-82: Old passport + photo + fees to Natl Processing Center [2]. No local drop.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6–8 weeks; expedite 2–3 (+$60). Howard peaks (Mar–Aug, Dec) +2–4 weeks—plan 10–12 weeks total. Track online [15]. Urgent: Itinerary proof at agency; no local rush [11][14].

Special Considerations for Arkansas Residents

• Vitals: Arkansas Health Dept (1-888-804-3531) [5]. UAHT group apps possible.
• Rural Drives: Factor gas/time to Texarkana/Little Rock.
• Business/Minors: Employer letter helps expedites; dual custody prep key.

Tracking and Receiving Your Passport

USPS Priority, signature. ~1 week post-print. Lost? Report [1]. No local pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summer timelines in Nashville? 6–8+ weeks routine; book facilities/facilities now [14].
Clerk photos? No; Walmart etc. [6].
Expedite vs urgent? Expedite nationwide fast; urgent life/death agency only [11].
Post office appt? Required, online [8].
Solo parent minor passport? DS-3053 + ID copy [1].
Travel with old passport? Yes + receipt if unexpired [1].
Lost replacement? DS-64 then DS-11 [3].
AR mail renewal? Natl Center per DS-82 [2].

Additional Tips for Success

• Top Mistakes: Early DS-11 signature, blurry photos, short birth certs, no appt.
• Howard Hacks: Off-peak (Tue–Thu) = faster; call verify hours/services.
• Scams: Official sites only [16]. Students: UAHT intl office.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Renew by Mail
[3] Lost/Stolen
[4] Apply Wizard
[5] Arkansas Vital Records
[6] Photo Requirements
[7] USPS Photos
[8] USPS Locator
[9] Howard County Clerk
[10] Passport Agencies
[11] Urgent Travel
[12] Forms
[13] Fees
[14] Processing Times
[15] Check Status
[16] Scams