Getting a Passport in Show Low, AZ: Steps, Facilities, Tips

Getting a Passport in Show Low, Arizona

Show Low residents in Navajo County rely on passports for trips to Mexico, Europe, or family abroad, with demand spiking during Arizona's spring/summer breaks and winter getaways. Local facilities like the post office handle high volumes, so book early to avoid delays from photo rejections or missing documents. This guide uses U.S. Department of State data to outline steps, eligibility decisions, and pitfalls [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose based on your history to avoid rejections:

*DS-82 if recent change with docs. Use the State Department's wizard for confirmation [4]. Pitfall: Attempting DS-82 renewal when ineligible causes full reapplication delays.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Show Low

Show Low's primary spot is the Post Office at 2401 E. Huntsman Dr., Show Low, AZ 85901 (928-537-3751) [5]. Nearby: Pinetop-Lakeside Post Office (15 miles, 1648 W. White Mountain Blvd., Pinetop, AZ 85935). Check Navajo County Superior Court Clerk in Holbrook (~50 miles) via official tools [6].

Search ZIP 85901 on the State Department's locator for full list and appointments [7]. Not all county offices or libraries participate—verify. During peaks, try Snowflake/Taylor post offices.

What to Expect: 10-20 minute visit for document review, oath, and sealing. Walk-ins possible but appointments preferred; arrive with unsigned DS-11, photo, originals, and fees (check/money order). Facilities forward to processing centers—no on-site issuance.

Busy Times & Tips: Peaks mid-week noon-2pm, Mondays, summer/holidays. Go early mornings or Tuesdays/Wednesdays. Confirm hours/phone via [5] or [7].

Required Documents and Forms

• Citizenship: Original birth/natu

ralization cert or old passport (no photocopies/laminates) [1]. AZ births: Order from AZDHS Vital Records [8].

• ID: AZ driver's license + front/back photocopy.
• Photos: 2x2-inch, <6 months old [10].
• Forms: DS-11 (in-person, unsigned until oath); DS-82 (mail renewals) [9][2].
• Minors <16: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent + birth cert [1].

Current fees (2024): Adult book $130 (State Dept) + $35 execution (facility). Child $100 + $35. Expedited +$60. Cards cheaper ($30 adult). Pay separately [11].

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications

1. Confirm need/book appt via [7] (e.g., Show Low PO: 928-537-3751).
2. Order citizenship proof if needed [8].
3. Get photo at Walgreens (1200 E. Deuce of Clubs), Walmart, or USPS—strict specs [10].
4. Fill DS-11 online, print blank [9].
5. Prep ID photocopy + fees.
6. Arrive early, sign during oath.
7. Agent seals; track at [12].

Pitfalls: Photo glare/shadows (40% rejections), no parental consent, expired ID. Timeline: 6-8 weeks routine.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals by Mail

Eligible only per table above:

1. Verify via [2].
2. New photo [10].
3. Complete/sign DS-82 [2].
4. Old passport + fees to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [13].
5. Track after 5-7 days [12].

Ineligible? Use in-person.

Passport Photos: Avoiding Rejections

25-40% fail specs [1][10]:

• 2x2 inches; head 1-1⅜ inches.
• White background, even light, no shadows/glare.
• Neutral expression, eyes open; glasses OK if visible.
• No uniforms/white clothes.

Show Low spots: USPS ($15), Walmart (1201 N. 27th Ave.), CVS. Indoor for AZ sun glare. Bring samples.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks total (4-6 processing + mail). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Peaks add 2-4 weeks [1].

Urgent (<14 days): Phoenix/Tucson agencies only for life/death + itinerary (3+ hour drive) [14]. Expedited ≠ same-day.

Apply 9+ weeks early; track [12].

Special Considerations for Minors and Arizona Residents

Minors: Both parents or notarized DS-3053 (AZ banks/USPS notaries). Name changes: Navajo County Clerk docs [15]. Lost abroad: Embassy, replace on return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day in Show Low? No; urgent at agencies [14].
Lost AZ birth cert? Expedite via [8] (1-2 weeks).
AZ DL as ID? Yes + photocopy [1].
Renew expiring passport? Mail DS-82 early [2].
Passport card? $30 for Mexico/Canada land/sea [1].
**Smile/glasses in photo

?** No teeth; glasses if no glare [10].
AZ peak delays? +2-4 weeks; book now [1].

Sources

[1]Passports
[2]Renew by Mail
[3]Lost or Stolen
[4]Passport Wizard
[5]USPS Locator
[6]Navajo County Clerk
[7]Facility Search
[8]AZ Vital Records
[9]DS-11
[10]Photo Requirements
[11]Fees
[12]Track
[13]Renewal Address
[14]Agencies
[15]Navajo Recorder