Cherry Hills Village, CO Passport Guide: Forms, Facilities & Tips

Passport Guide for Cherry Hills Village, CO

Cherry Hills Village residents, in this upscale Arapahoe County suburb, often need passports for frequent international business trips to Europe and Asia, family escapes, or student exchanges from elite local prep schools. With Denver International Airport (DEN) just 30-45 minutes away, travel is convenient, but high demand during spring breaks, summer vacations, and winter holidays overwhelms Denver-area facilities, leading to appointment waits of 4-6 weeks. For urgent cases like last-minute deals or emergencies, start planning immediately to sidestep 8-12 week delays.

This guide provides Colorado-specific steps aligned with U.S. Department of State guidelines, covering form choices (DS-11 vs. DS-82), checklists, frequent errors, timelines, and local options. Always cross-check travel.state.gov for changes.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Selecting the wrong form causes 20-30% of rejections in high-volume areas like metro Denver. Here's a quick decision tree:

• DS-11 (In-Person Only): First-time applicants, passports over 15 years old or issued before age 16, damaged/lost/stolen books, child under 16, or name changes after one year. Do not sign until instructed at the facility.

• DS-82 (Mail Renewal): Issued when 16+, less than 15 years old, undamaged, in your possession, and matches current name (include supporting docs like marriage certificates if changed). Eligible even if expired less than 5 years—ideal for busy Cherry Hills professionals.

• Lost/Stolen/Damaged: Report via DS-64 (online or mail first), then follow DS-11 or DS-82 rules.

• Corrections/Name Change: DS-5504 by mail if within one year of issuance; otherwise, DS-11 or DS-82.

• Minors Under 16: DS-11 mandatory, with both parents or notarized DS-3053 consent.

Use the State Department's wizard: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport.html.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities

Cherry Hills Village lacks its own agency, so head to nearby certified locations. Book appointments early—DEN-bound travelers fill them quickly. Agents verify documents, witness oaths, collect fees, and ship applications (routine processing: 6-8 weeks). Expect 15-30 minute interviews; arrive organized and 15 minutes early to beat lines. Skip Mondays and midday rushes.

• Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder (Littleton Office): 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO 80120 (~10 miles, 15-min drive). Handles DS-1

1, minors, renewals; on-site photos available. Appointments essential: https://www.arapahoeco.gov.

• Cherry Creek Post Office: 7750 E. Broadway, Denver, CO 80230 (5-10 min drive). Limited walk-ins; call 303-365-0692 for slots.

• Greenwood Village Post Office: 4800 S. Syracuse St., Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (~5 miles). Check USPS locator for availability.

Search more: https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport-acceptance&addressZip=80113. For travel in 14 days or less, call Denver Passport Agency (1-877-487-2778) with proof of itinerary.

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Top pitfalls: Premature signing, no photocopies, subpar photos (cause 40% returns). Prepare everything upfront.

1. Fill DS-11 online (https://pptform.state.gov); print unsigned on single-sided paper.

2. Original citizenship proof (e.g., Colorado long-form birth certificate from https://cdphe.colorado.gov/vital-records) + photocopy both sides.

3. Valid photo ID (Colorado driver's license preferred) + photocopy.

4. One 2x2" photo (specs below).

5. For minors: Both parents/guardians present or DS-3053 notarized consent + ID.

6. Fees (see table): Execution fee to facility; application fee to State Department.

7. Schedule appointment via phone or site.

8. At facility: Sign form, submit during interview—agent checks for fraud.

9. Track status after 7-10 days: https://passportstatus.state.gov.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos reject 25-40% of applications. Requirements: 2x2 inches, color, white/cream background, head 1-1 3/8 inches, neutral expression, even lighting, recent (<6 months), no glasses/hats/shadows (exceptions for medical/religious with proof).

Local options: CVS or Walgreens (e.g., 5840 S. Holly St., Greenwood Village), or on-site at clerks/post offices (~$15/pair). Avoid DIY—glare or smiles trigger denials. See examples: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html.

Fees and Payment

-| | Adult Book | $130 | $35 | +$60 (2-3 wks)| Agency + proof/fees | | Child Book (<16)| $100 | $35 | +$60 (2-3 wks)| Agency + proof/fees | | Adult Card | $30 | $35 | +$60 (2-3 wks)| N/A |

Pay execution fee in cash/check/money order at facility; application fee by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State." No cards or personal checks for app fee. Total: $165-250+ typically. No refunds on expedited services.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail return).
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60, Form 1-1405 or online).
• Urgent (Within 14 Days): Denver Passport Agency visit required (+$22+ shipping, itinerary proof).
• Life-or-Death: Call 1-877-487-2778.

Local surges around DEN travel peaks add 1-2 weeks—plan 8-10 weeks ahead for school trips or business. Track online after 7 days.

Special Considerations for Minors and Renewals

Minors: Presence of both parents or notarized consent mandatory—omissions delay 30% of cases. Apply 3 months before exchanges.

Renewals: Use DS-82 by mail if eligible to bypass lines. Include old passport and name-change docs.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

1. Confirm eligibility: Issued at 16+, <15 years old, undamaged, your name.

2. Complete DS-82 online (https://pptform.state.gov); print single-sided.

3. Include old passport book.

4. Add one compliant photo.

5. Fees by check/money order to State Department (+expedited if needed).

6. Mail via USPS Priority Express (tracked) to address on form.

7. Track after 7-10 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Cherry Hills Village? No local service; Denver agency for <14 days with proof.

Expedited or urgent—which for a 3-week school trip? Expedited DS-11 suffices; both parents required.

Lost passport abroad? Report DS-64 online; visit embassy or apply anew upon return.

Expired 10 years—can I renew? Yes, DS-82 if otherwise eligible.

Colorado birth certificate tips? Order certified originals only (5-7 days standard); photocopy matches exactly.

Missed appointment? Reschedule daily via USPS; buffer 8-10 weeks.

Passport card for flights? No—land/sea to Mexico/Canada/Caribbean only.

Sources

[1] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/apply-in-person.htm

[3] Renewing an Adult Passport: Check eligibility for mail-in renewal (10-year passport, undamaged, issued in last 15 years). Colorado residents often qualify; common mistake: assuming all passports renew by mail—new or damaged ones require in-person. Use if not traveling soon.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/renew.html

[4] Lost or Stolen Passports: Report immediately online; replace via Form DS-64/DS-11 in person. Tip for locals: Pair with police report for faster processing; don't delay as it freezes your travel.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/lost-stolen.html

[5] Correcting or Changing Passport Info: For name changes (e.g., marriage) or errors. Decision guide: Minor errors? Mail form; major? In-person. Colorado vital records needed for some changes—get certified copies first.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/change-correct.html

[6] Passports for Children Under 16: Both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent. Common pitfall: Forgetting notarized DS-3053 form. Valid only 5 years; renew in person every time.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html

[7] International Arrival/Departure Search: Verify travel history if needed for visa/passport issues. Useful for Colorado applicants with prior international travel complications.
https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/

[8] Arapahoe County Clerk & Recording - Passports: Local option for Cherry Hills Village residents for first-time, renewals, or child passports. Decision guide: Choose county over USPS if needing birth certificate certification same-day; appointments fill fast—book early.
https://www.arapahoeco.gov/your_county/clerk_and_recording/passports.php

[9] USPS Passport Services: Nationwide post offices accept applications. Practical tip: Many near Cherry Hills Village offer this; confirm "passport acceptance facility" status. Fees paid by check/money order—cash often not accepted.
https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm

[10] USPS Location Finder: Search for passport-acceptance post offices by ZIP. Guidance: Filter for "Passport Acceptance" to avoid walk-ins; call ahead for wait times and photo services.
https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport-acceptance

[11] Expedited/Urgent Passport Agencies: For travel in 14 days or less (or 28 with visa). Not for routine use; Colorado applicants may drive to Denver-area options—proof of travel required.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/agencies.html

[12] Colorado Vital Records (CDPHE): Order birth/death certificates for passport apps. Common mistake: Using short-form copies—must be long-form certified. Order online/mail; allow 3-5 days processing.
https://cdphe.colorado.gov/vital-records

[13] Passport Photo Requirements: 2x2 inches, white background, no selfies. Pitfall: Glasses reflections or smiles—practice with specs. Many pharmacies/USPS near Cherry Hills Village provide for $15.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html

[14] Passport Fees: Use fee calculator; execution fee extra at acceptance facilities. Tip: Pay State Dept. fees by check; locals often overlook $35 execution fee at county/USPS.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html

[15] Check Passport Status: Track after 7-10 days (routine). Expedited: 3-5 days. Don't call early—delays common first week.
https://passportstatus.state.gov/