Flagstaff AZ Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms, Processing Times

Getting a Passport in Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff, located in Coconino County, Arizona, serves as a hub for international travelers due to its proximity to the Grand Canyon, Northern Arizona University (NAU), and major highways connecting to Phoenix and beyond. Residents and visitors frequently apply for passports for business trips to Mexico or Europe, summer tourism peaks, winter ski vacations in the Southwest, and student exchange programs at NAU. However, high seasonal demand—especially during spring break, summer vacations, and winter holidays—often leads to limited appointments at local acceptance facilities. Unexpected urgent travel, like family emergencies abroad, adds pressure. This guide covers the full process, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you navigate common pitfalls like appointment shortages, photo rejections from glare or shadows (common in Flagstaff's bright sunlight), incomplete forms for minors, and confusion over renewal eligibility or expedited services.[1]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before starting, identify your situation to use the correct form and process. Mischoosing can delay your application by weeks.

• First-Time Passport: Use Form DS-11 if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16.[1] Requires in-person application at an acceptance facility.

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were over 16 when issued, it's undamaged, and issued in your current name (or you can document a name change).[2] Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or for a child.

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Use Form DS-64 for reporting (free) plus DS-11 or DS-82 depending on age and condition. Report loss immediately online.[3] In-person if urgent.

• Name Change, Data Correction, or Additional Pages: Form DS-5504 by mail if recent passport is less than one year old; otherwise, treat as renewal or new.[4]

• Child (Under 16) Passport: Always DS-11 in-person; both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent.[5] Common for NAU exchange students' families or summer trips.

For Flagstaff-area residents, check eligibility first via the State Department's online wizard.[6] Arizona's vital records office can help with birth certificates if needed.[7]

Passport Requirements and Documentation

All applications need:

• **Proof of U.S. Citizenship

**: Original birth certificate (or certified copy), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Photocopies on plain paper. Arizona birth certificates are issued by the Department of Health Services.[7]

• Proof of Identity: Driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Name must match citizenship document.
• Photo: One 2x2-inch color photo taken within 6 months, white background, no glasses/headwear (unless religious/medical), neutral expression. Rejections often stem from shadows, glare, or wrong size—Flagstaff's variable light makes professional photos advisable.[8]
• Fees: Paid separately—check or money order to "U.S. Department of State" for application fee; acceptance facilities take execution fee in cash/card.[9]
• For Minors: Parental consent, IDs for both parents.[5]

Local Acceptance Facilities in Flagstaff and Coconino County

Flagstaff has several passport acceptance facilities (PAFs), but book appointments early via their websites or by calling—walk-ins are rare and slots fill fast during peaks.[10] High demand from tourists and students means summer/winter waits of 4-6 weeks.

Rural Coconino areas like Page or Williams have PAFs, but Flagstaff centralizes most services. Use the State Department's locator for updates.[10] No passport agencies in northern AZ—nearest in Phoenix (3.5-hour drive).[14]

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or New Passport (DS-11)

Follow this checklist to avoid rejections. Prepare everything before your appointment.

1. Fill Out Form DS-11: Complete online (do not sign until in-person) or download/print.[15] Black ink, no corrections.
2. Gather Documents:

   • Citizenship evidence + photocopy.

   • ID + photocopy.

   • For minors: Both parents' IDs, consent form if one absent.[5]

3. Get Photo: Use CVS/Walgreens in Flagstaff (e.g., 2707 E Lake Mary Rd) or AAA (if member). Specs: 2x2 inches, head 1-1.375 inches, even lighting.[8] Avoid selfies.
4. Calculate Fees: Book (adult $130), card ($30 expedited), execution ($35 at PO).[9] Execution fee varies.
5. Book Appointment: Call or online 4-8 weeks ahead. Arrive 15 min early.
6. Attend Appointment: Sign DS-11 in front of agent. Submit all.
7. Track: Get tracking number; check status online.[16]
8. Receive Passport: 6-8 weeks standard; longer in peaks. No hard guarantees—plan ahead.

Pro Tip: For urgent travel <14 days, apply expedited ($60 extra) and contact National Passport Information Center post-submission.[17] No same-day service locally.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewal (DS-82, Mail-In)

Eligible renewals skip in-person—ideal for busy Flagstaff professionals.

1. Confirm Eligibility: Passport <15 years old, you >16 at issue, undamaged, current name.[2]
2. Fill DS-82: Online or print; sign.[18]
3. Include Old Passport: Mail it (they'll cancel/return).
4. Photo: One compliant photo.
5. Fees: Check/money order ($130 adult).[9]
6. Mail To: Address on form instructions. Use USPS Priority ($60 expedited).[19]
7. Track: Online after 5-7 days.[16]

Not eligible? Use DS-11 process. Arizona mail delays rare but possible in winter storms.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Standard: 6-8 weeks processing + mailing (10-13 total). Peaks add 2-4 weeks—no promises.[20] Expedited: 2-3 weeks + fees ($60 + overnight return). Urgent <14 days or life/death: Call 1-877-487-2778 after applying; may need Phoenix agency.[17] Avoid last-minute reliance—Flagstaff's seasonal surges overwhelm facilities. Business travelers to Canada/Mexico note REAL ID compliance for land/sea, but passports best.[21]

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Appointment Shortages: Book 1-2 months early; have backups like Phoenix USPS.[11]
• Photo Rejections (25% of issues): Use pros; check specs twice.[8]
• Incomplete Docs: Double-check minors' parental consent.[5]
• Renewal Mix-Ups: Wrong form = restart.
• Seasonal Delays: Spring/summer tourism, winter breaks spike volumes.

For vital records: Order AZ birth cert online ($20+).[7] Lost certs delay everything.

Passport Photos in Flagstaff

Local spots:

• Walgreens (multiple, e.g., 3330 E Rou

te 66): $14.99, digital review.[22]

• CVS (e.g., 2016 S Woodlands Village Blvd): Similar.[23]
• PostalAnnex or AAA Northern AZ (members).[24]

Print extras; reject rate high from home setups.

Fees Breakdown (as of 2023; verify current)

Cash/check for State; cards common for execution.[9]

FAQs

How long does it take to get a passport in Flagstaff?
Standard processing is 6-8 weeks plus mailing, but expect longer during spring/summer tourism or winter peaks. Expedited cuts to 2-3 weeks.[20]

Can I get a passport the same day in Flagstaff?
No routine same-day service. For life-or-death emergencies <14 days, apply expedited and call NPC—may require travel to Phoenix.[17]

Where do I get passport photos in Flagstaff?
Try Walgreens, CVS, or USPS. Ensure 2x2 inches, white background, no glare.[8][22]

Do both parents need to be present for a child's passport?
Yes, or provide notarized DS-3053 consent from absent parent. Common issue for exchange students.[5]

Can I renew my passport by mail if I live in Flagstaff?
Yes, if eligible (passport <15 years, etc.). Mail DS-82 to State Dept.[2]

What if my passport is lost?
Report via DS-64 online immediately, then apply for replacement via DS-11/DS-82.[3]

Is there a passport office at NAU?
Limited services for students; check One-Stop. Others use post offices.[13]

How do I expedite for urgent travel?
Add $60 at application; for <14 days, call after submitting.[17]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passport Application & Passport Renewal

[2]U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail

[3]U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passport

[4]U.S. Department of State - Corrections, Name Changes

[5]U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16

[6][U.S. Department of State - Passport Application Wizard](https://pptform.state.gov/

)

[7]Arizona Department of Health Services - Vital Records

[8]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements

[9]U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees

[10]U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search

[11]USPS - Flagstaff Main Post Office

[12]Coconino County Clerk of Superior Court

[13]Northern Arizona University - Student Services

[14]U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies

[15]U.S. Department of State - Form DS-11

[16]U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status

[17]U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service

[18]U.S. Department of State - Form DS-82

[19]USPS - Mailing Passports

[20]U.S. Department of State - Processing Times

[21]DHS - REAL ID

[22]Walgreens - Passport Photos

[23]CVS - Passport Photos

[24]AAA - Passport Photos