Guide to Passports in Applewood, CO: Forms, Facilities, Steps

Getting a Passport in Applewood, CO

Residents of Applewood in Jefferson County, Colorado, often need passports for frequent international business trips, family vacations, or student exchange programs. Colorado sees high travel volumes, especially during spring and summer tourism peaks, winter ski breaks, and last-minute urgent trips. This guide provides practical steps tailored to local needs, addressing common hurdles like limited appointment slots at busy facilities, photo rejections, and documentation mix-ups. Always verify details with official sources, as requirements can change.[1]

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

Before gathering documents, identify your specific need to use the correct form and process. Misusing forms, such as submitting a first-time application for a renewal, leads to delays.

• First-Time Passport: Use Form DS-11 if you've never had a U.S. passport. This requires an in-person application at an acceptance facility. Common for new travelers, families with minors, or those whose previous passport was issued before age 16.[1]

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16 or older, is undamaged, and was received within the last 15 years. Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing name/gender.[1] Many Colorado residents overlook eligibility and default to DS-11, causing unnecessary trips.

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Report it first with Form DS-64 (free statement of loss). Then, apply for replacement using DS-5504 if abroad or DS-11/DS-82 domestically, depending on validity.[1][2] Include evidence like a police report for theft.

• Name or Gender Change: Use DS-5504 or DS-82 with supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate, court order).[1]

• Correcting Errors: Contact the National Passport Information Center; minor fixes may use DS-5504.[1]

For minors under 16, always use DS-11 with both parents' consent—renewals aren't an option.[1] Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm: travel.state.gov wizard.[1]

Gather Required Documents

Incomplete applications are a top rejection reason, especially for minors needing birth certificates or parental IDs. Start early, as Colorado's vital records office processes requests quickly but peaks overwhelm it.[3]

Adults (16+):

• Proof of U.S. citizenship: Original birth certificate (long-form preferred), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Photocopies required.[1]
• Proof of identity: Driver's license, military ID, or government-issued photo ID. Name must match citizenship document exactly.[1]
• Passport photo: One 2x2-inch color photo (details below).[1]
• Form: DS-11 (first-time/replacement) or DS-82 (renewal).[1]
• Fees: $130 application + $35 execution (first-time) or $130 renewal. Expedited adds $60.[4]

Minors (under 16):

• DS-11 only.
• Both parents'/guardians' presence or notarized consent (DS-3053).[1]
• Child's birth certificate, parents' IDs, and photos.
• Fees: $100 application + $35 execution.[4]

Obtain birth certificates from Jefferson County Public Health or Colorado Vital Records.[3] Order online at vitalrecords.colorado.gov—allow 3-5 business days locally.[3]

Photocopy everything single-sided; originals returned at acceptance facilities.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Colorado applicants frequently face rejections due to glare from indoor lights, head shadows, or wrong sizing—facilities like USPS turn away 20-30% on photos alone.[5] Specs are strict:[1]

• 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• Color photo on white/cream background, taken within 6 months.
• Neutral expression, eyes open, full face view (mouth closed).
• No glasses (unless medically necessary, no glare), hats (unless religious), uniforms, or shadows.
• Even lighting, matte finish.

Local options in Applewood/Jefferson:

• CVS/Walgreens: $16.99, instant.[6]
• USPS or county clerks: Some offer on-site ($15-20).
• AAA (if member): Free digital specs check.

Print multiple; facilities won't accept edits. Use State Department samples:[1]

Local Acceptance Facilities Near Applewood

Applewood lacks a dedicated facility, so head to Jefferson County hubs or nearby USPS. High demand during Colorado's seasonal travel (spring break March-April, summer June-August, winter December-February) means book appointments 4-6 weeks ahead via travel.state.gov locator or facility sites.[7] Walk-ins rare.

Key spots:

• Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder (Lakewood): 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Ste 2520. Appointments Mon-Fri, handles first-time/minors. Phone: 303-271-8100.[8]
• Golden Post Office: 300 10th St, Golden (10 min drive). Mon-Fri 10am-3pm by appt. Phone: 303-279-1926.[9]
• Wheat Ridge Post Office: 5500 W 44th Ave (near Applewood). Mon-Fri appts. Phone: 303-424-9152.[9]
• Lakewood Post Office: 7455 W 32nd Ave. Busy; book early.[9]

Verify hours/fees at tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport (ZIP 80033 for Applewood).[7]

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing Your Application

Use this checklist to avoid 80% of local rejections from incomplete packets.

1. Confirm eligibility: Use online wizard.[1]
2. Gather citizenship proof: Order birth certificate if needed (Jefferson: jeffco.us/vitalrecords).[3]
3. Get photo: Check specs twice; get extras.[1]
4. Complete form: DS-11 (unsigned until in-person), DS-82 (mail-ready). Download from pptform.state.gov.[1]
5. Photocopy docs: Front/back, single-sided.
6. Calculate fees: Use fee calculator; pay execution fee to facility (check/money order).[4]
7. Book appointment: Call facility; note peak seasons.
8. Parental consent (minors): Both present or DS-3053 notarized.[1]

Step-by-Step Checklist: Submitting Your Application

For First-Time/Replacement/Minors (In-Person):

1. Arrive 15 min early with all items.
2. Present to agent; sign DS-11 on-site.
3. Pay fees (applicant fee to State Dept via check; execution to facility).
4. Get receipt; track at passportstatus.state.gov.[10]
5. Pick up or mail delivery (extra $21.36).[4]

For Renewals (Mail):

1. Complete DS-82.
2. Include old passport, photo, fees (check to "U.S. Department of State").
3. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.[1]
4. Track online.[10]

Expedited and Urgent Travel Services

Standard processing: 6-8 weeks (routine), 2-3 weeks expedited.[11] No guarantees—peaks like summer add delays.

• Expedited: Add $60 at acceptance or online Life-or-Death fee ($60 +1-2 day).[11] For travel in 2-3 weeks.
• Urgent (<14 days): Only for proven imminent travel (itinerary). Call 1-877-487-2778 for appt at Denver Passport Agency (2-hour drive, 1515 Stout St).[12] Not for routine; appointment-only, high demand.

Warning: Don't rely on last-minute during Colorado peaks—students miss exchanges, families delay honeymoons. Apply 9+ weeks early.[11]

Special Considerations for Colorado Residents

Jefferson County families with minors often scramble for parental docs. Exchange students need DS-3053 if one parent absent. Business travelers: Add extra pages ($50+).[1] Track status weekly; inquiries after 2 weeks expedited.[10]

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Applewood

Obtaining a passport often requires visiting an acceptance facility, which is an authorized location where you can submit your completed passport application for processing. These facilities, designated by the U.S. Department of State, are typically staffed by trained personnel who verify your identity, witness your signature, and ensure your application meets basic requirements before forwarding it to a regional passport agency. Common types of acceptance facilities include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Applewood, such facilities can be found in nearby towns and urban centers, offering convenient options for residents. Surrounding areas like regional post office branches, courthouse annexes, and community centers often host these services, making it accessible without long travel.

When visiting, expect to bring your filled-out DS-11 form (for first-time applicants) or DS-82 (for renewals), passport photos meeting specifications, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment via check or money order—cash is rarely accepted. Facilities do not process passports on-site; they handle submission only, with standard processing taking 6-8 weeks or expedited options for an extra fee. Some locations offer appointments via an online system, while others accommodate walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Always confirm eligibility and prepare documents meticulously to avoid delays, as incomplete applications are commonly rejected.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to experience higher volumes during peak travel seasons, such as summer months and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays often see the heaviest crowds as people start their week, and mid-day hours (around 10 AM to 2 PM) are typically busiest due to standard work schedules. To minimize wait times, consider visiting early in the morning, late afternoon, or on weekdays outside peak seasons. Booking appointments where available is advisable, and checking general facility guidelines online can help. Plan at least a few weeks ahead for summer or holiday periods, and have backups like nearby locations in mind to avoid frustration from long lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my passport at a USPS in Applewood?
No dedicated Applewood office; use Wheat Ridge/Golden. Renewals mail-only if eligible—check DS-82 criteria.[1][7]

How long for a child's first passport?
Same as adults: 6-8 weeks routine. Both parents required; no renewals under 16.[1]

What if my appointment is full?
Try nearby facilities or waitlist. Peaks book 1-2 months out—plan ahead.[7]

Is expedited guaranteed for travel in 10 days?
No; urgent services for <14 days need agency appt/proof. Routine/expedited risks delays.[11][12]

My photo was rejected—what now?
Retake immediately; common issues: glare/shadows. Facilities may snap on-site.[1][5]

Lost passport abroad?
Contact U.S. embassy; DS-5504 for replacement upon return.[1]

Can I track my application?
Yes, enter receipt number at passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days.[10]

Birth certificate from another state?
Order from issuing state vital records; Colorado accepts all U.S.[3]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Report Lost/Stolen
[3]Colorado Vital Records
[4]U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees
[5]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[6]USPS - Passport Photos
[7]USPS Passport Facility Locator
[8]Jefferson County Clerk - Passports
[9]USPS Location Finder Example (for ZIP 80401 Golden)
[10]Passport Status Check
[11]U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[12]National Passport Information Center