Complete Guide: Passport Application in Brush, CO

Getting a Passport in Brush, CO

Residents of Brush, Colorado, in Morgan County, often need passports for frequent international business travel tied to agriculture and energy sectors, summer tourism to Europe or Mexico, winter ski trips abroad, and student exchange programs from nearby universities like Colorado State University. High seasonal demand during spring breaks, summer vacations, and winter holidays can strain local facilities, leading to limited appointment slots. Urgent last-minute trips for family emergencies or sudden business opportunities add pressure. This guide covers the full process, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you navigate common pitfalls like photo rejections, form confusion, and documentation gaps [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right service prevents delays and extra trips. Here's how to decide:

First-Time Applicants

If you've never had a U.S. passport, you must apply in person at an acceptance facility. This includes children under 16 and adults whose previous passport was issued before age 16 or more than 15 years ago. In Brush, head to the local post office [2].

Renewals

You may qualify to renew by mail if:

• Your most recent passport was issued within the last 15 years.
• It was issued when you were age 16 or older.
• It is undamaged and in your possession.

Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing data [1]. Non-qualifiers must apply as first-time.

Replacements for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports

Report loss/theft online first via Form DS-64 [1]. Then:

• If within 1 year of issue and undamaged otherwise: Renew by mail with DS-82 and DS-64.
• Otherwise: Apply in person like first-time, using Form DS-11 and Form DS-64.

Name Changes or Data Corrections

Determine your change type first: Minor corrections fix simple printing errors like a misspelled middle name or date format (not legal name changes). Major changes involve legal updates, such as name after marriage, divorce, adoption, or court order.

Minor corrections (passport issued within 1 year):
Use Form DS-5504—no fee. Mail your current passport, form, explanation letter, and evidence (e.g., birth certificate for typos). Processing takes 4-6 weeks.
Common mistake: Submitting photocopies instead of originals; always send originals (they'll be returned).
Tip for Brush area: Mail from a secure USPS location to avoid delays in rural delivery.

Major changes:

• If eligible for mail renewal (e.g., passport valid, you're a U.S. citizen residing abroad or meet DS-82 criteria): Renew by mail with Form DS-82 ($130 fee), original marriage certificate/divorce decree/court order, and current passport. Name updates automatically reflect legal docs.
• If NOT eligible for mail renewal (e.g., first-time applicant, passport expired >5 years, major travel plans): Apply in person using Form DS-11 ($130+ fee). Bring original proof docs plus certified copies.
  Decision guide:

  Scenario	Action	Why?
  Typo only, recent passport	Mail DS-5504	Fastest, no fee
  Name change + eligible renewal	Mail DS-82	Convenient if qualified
  Complex change or ineligible	In person	Required for new book

Common mistakes: Assuming all name changes qualify for mail (check eligibility online first); forgetting certified docs (must be originals); delaying in-person due to rural location—book appointments early and plan travel. Track status online after submission [1].

Additional Pages (No New Passport Needed)

Request a large book (52 pages) during application or add pages later—no full reapplication [1].

For urgent travel under 14 days, contact the National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778) after starting your application; this differs from standard expedited service (2-3 weeks extra fee) [1]. Avoid assuming last-minute processing during Colorado's peak seasons like summer or winter breaks.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Brush

Brush lacks a passport agency (those are for life-or-death emergencies, nearest in Denver [3]). Use acceptance facilities for routine applications:

• Brush Post Office: 670 Howard St, Brush, CO 80723. Offers photo service; call (970) 842-2662 for appointments. Limited slots due to high demand [2].
• Morgan County Clerk and Recorder: 231 Ensign St, Fort Morgan, CO 80701 (20 miles east). Handles passports; appointments recommended via (970) 542-1141. Website lists hours [4].
• Other Nearby: Sterling Post Office (25 miles north) or Fort Morgan Post Office for backups [2].

Search the State Department's locator for updates: Enter "Brush, CO" [5]. Book early—Colorado's travel volume from Denver International Airport (2-hour drive) causes backlogs [1].

Required Documents and Forms

Gather everything before applying to avoid rejections, especially for minors where both parents' consent is mandatory.

Forms (Free Downloads)

Determine the right form first to avoid rejection—common mistake: picking the wrong one based on assumptions. Check eligibility on travel.state.gov [1]:

• Renewal (DS-82): Use if your last passport was issued when you were 16+, within the past 15 years, undamaged, and issued in your current name (or name change by marriage). Eligible? Mail it. Not? Use DS-11. Download if mailing from Brush, CO—must be printed single-sided [1].
• First-time/Replacement/In-person (DS-11): For new passports, children under 16, name changes (not by marriage), damaged passports, or if ineligible for renewal. Do not sign until instructed by an acceptance agent—top rejection reason. Both parents/guardians typically required for minors [1].
• Lost/Stolen (DS-64): Report first via this form (submit with DS-11 or DS-82). Include police report if stolen for faster processing—delays common without it [1].
• Minors under 16: Both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent. Use DS-3053 if one parent/guardian applies (notary required); DS-5525 for sole authority (e.g., court order, custody docs)—get legal proof first to avoid denials [1].

Printing tips: Always single-sided on 8.5x11" white paper, black ink only (no pencils/highlighters). Common errors: double-sided prints, colored ink, or low-quality scans—agents in areas like Brush, CO, reject these immediately. Verify form version dates on site [1].

Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Original + Photocopy)

• U.S. birth certificate (raised seal, from vital records) [6].
• Naturalization Certificate.
• Previous passport (if renewing). Colorado birth certificates: Order from Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment ($20+ fees) or Morgan County Vital Records [6][7]. Photocopy front/back on standard paper.

Proof of Identity (Original + Photocopy)

• Valid driver's license (Colorado DMV) [8].
• Military ID, government employee ID. Enhance with Social Security card photocopy (not required but helpful).

For Minors Under 16

All children under 16 must apply in person with at least one parent/guardian. Processing follows federal rules but plan for local availability in small towns like Brush, CO (standard 6-8 weeks; expedite option adds fees and urgency).

• Both parents/guardians present, or notarized written consent (use official DS-3053 form only) from the absent one.
  Practical tip: Download DS-3053 from travel.state.gov; it must be signed in front of a notary within the last 90 days and include a photocopy of the absent parent's ID.
  Common mistake: Submitting a homemade letter or outdated form – this causes automatic rejection and delays.
  Decision guidance: If travel is imminent, both parents attending avoids consent hassles; otherwise, confirm notary access locally first.

• Child's original birth certificate (U.S. birth abroad report also accepted).
  Practical tip: Bring the long-form version with parents' names and raised seal; order replacements from Colorado Vital Records if needed (allow 2-4 weeks).
  Common mistake: Photocopies, short-form abstracts, or hospital mementos – originals only, returned after processing.
  Decision guidance: Verify certificate details match IDs exactly to prevent mismatches.

• Valid government-issued photo IDs for all present parents/guardians (e.g., driver's license, passport, military ID, or CO ID card).
  Practical tip: Bring photocopies too; if no ID, use secondary proofs like utility bills (but primary ID preferred).
  Common mistake: Expired IDs or non-photo options – check expiration dates ahead.
  Decision guidance: Renew IDs first if close to expiry to streamline approval.

No passport fee for child under 16; parental fees apply [1]. Pro tip: Budget for photos ($15-20 locally) and execution fee (~$35); total per parent ~$200+ for first-time books. Bring cash/check as preferred.

Fees (Cash, Check, Money Order; Exact Change)

Pay execution fee ($35 adult/$30 child) to facility; application fee to State Department. Current rates [1]:

1-3 day urgent: Extra $ + overnight delivery ($21.36) [1]. Fees updated; check travel.state.gov.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25%+ rejections in high-volume areas like Colorado [1]. Specs [9]:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• Color, white/cream background.
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No glasses (unless medical), hats (unless religious), shadows/glare.
• Taken within 6 months.

Brush Post Office offers ($15-20); confirm via USPS [2]. Selfies/digital uploads rejected—print professionally. Common issues: Phone booth shadows, uneven lighting, wrong size (measure with ruler).

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Use this checklist for in-person applications (DS-11). For mail renewals, adapt accordingly.

1. Determine eligibility: First-time/renewal/replacement? Gather docs accordingly [1].
2. Complete form: DS-11 unsigned; double-check name/DOB matches IDs [1].
3. Get photos: 2 identical, compliant [9].
4. Photocopy docs: Front/back of citizenship/identity proofs on 8.5x11 white paper [1].
5. Calculate/pay fees: Separate checks; expedite if needed [1].
6. Book appointment: Call Brush Post Office or Morgan Clerk; arrive 15 min early [2][4].
7. Attend in person: All minors must appear; sign DS-11 before agent.
8. Track status: Online after 7-10 days via email confirmation [10].
9. Receive passport: Mail or pick up (specify); keep tracking.

For mail: Use USPS Priority ($20+ insurance); send to address on DS-82 [1]. Checklist for renewals:

1. DS-82 + old passport + photo + fee check.
2. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [1].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks processing + mailing (total 10+ weeks). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Peaks (spring/summer/winter) add 2-4 weeks—plan 3+ months ahead for Colorado's busy seasons [1]. No guarantees; check status weekly [10].

Urgent (<14 days): After routine app, call for appointment at Denver Passport Agency (1999 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202; 303-331-5510). Proof of travel (itinerary) required; $60+ fees [3]. Not for expedited confusion—urgent is separate.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Minors need both parents; alternatives: notarized DS-3053 or court order. Colorado exchange students: Universities like UNC Greeley assist but follow State Dept rules [1]. High youth travel for programs increases local demand.

Colorado Travel Context and Tips

With DIA as a major hub, Brush residents face competition from Front Range travelers. Business pros in ag/energy often need quick renewals; tourists plan summer Europe trips. Tips:

• Apply off-peak (fall).
• Vital records delays: Order birth certs early [6].
• Lost abroad: Contact U.S. embassy [1].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Brush

Passport acceptance facilities are official sites authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and minor passports. These locations do not process passports themselves; instead, they verify your identity, review forms for completeness, administer oaths, and forward applications to a regional passport agency. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In Brush and surrounding areas like nearby towns in Morgan County, such facilities can typically be found at postal service branches, local government offices, and community centers. Travelers should verify eligibility and current authorization through the official State Department website or by contacting facilities directly, as designations can change.

When visiting, expect to bring a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on your situation), a valid photo ID, passport photos meeting State Department specs, and payment for application and execution fees—often separated between checks or money orders. Minors under 16 require both parents' presence or notarized consent. Appointments are increasingly common to streamline service, so booking ahead is wise. Processing times start at 6-8 weeks for routine service, longer during peaks, with expedited options available at higher cost. No passport is issued on-site; track status online after submission.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer vacations and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays tend to be crowded as people start their week, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) frequently peak due to lunch breaks and shift changes. To avoid long waits, aim for early mornings, late afternoons, or less busy weekdays like Tuesdays through Thursdays. Always confirm if appointments are required or walk-ins accepted, and prepare documents meticulously to prevent rescheduling. Check seasonal trends via the State Department's locator tool and plan months ahead for international trips. Flexibility and patience help navigate variability in local traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Brush?
No—nearest agency is Denver for urgent cases only, with proof of imminent travel. Routine requires weeks [3].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited ($60, 2-3 weeks) for any app; urgent (<14 days, appointment needed) for verified travel. Don't confuse—expedited won't guarantee under 14 days [1].

My photo was rejected—what now?
Retake immediately meeting specs (no shadows/glare, exact size). Facilities like Brush USPS can redo [9].

How do I renew if my old passport is lost?
File DS-64 online, then apply in person as new with Form DS-11 and fees [1].

Do I need an appointment at Brush Post Office?
Yes, call ahead—high demand from seasonal travel fills slots fast [2].

Can my child get a passport without both parents?
Yes, with notarized consent (DS-3053) from absent parent or proof of sole custody [1].

Where do I get a birth certificate in Morgan County?
County Clerk (Fort Morgan) for recent; state for older. Processing 1-2 weeks [7].

Is a passport card enough for international travel?
Valid for land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Bermuda/Caribbean; not air or elsewhere [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]USPS Passport Services
[3]Denver Passport Agency
[4]Morgan County Clerk
[5]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[6]Colorado Vital Records
[7]Morgan County Vital Records
[8]Colorado DMV
[9]Passport Photo Requirements
[10]Check Application Status