Colorado Springs Passport Guide: Apply, Renew, Facilities

Getting a Passport in Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs residents often need passports for frequent international business trips, tourism to Europe or Mexico, or family visits abroad. The city's proximity to military bases like Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base adds to demand from service members and their families deploying overseas. Seasonal peaks occur during spring and summer vacations, winter breaks, and student exchange programs through local universities like the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). Urgent needs arise from last-minute trips for family emergencies or work. However, high demand at acceptance facilities can limit appointments, especially in peak seasons. This guide covers everything from determining your needs to submission, drawing on official requirements to help you avoid common pitfalls like photo rejections or incomplete forms.[1]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before starting, identify your situation to use the correct process and forms. Misusing forms, such as submitting a first-time application for a renewal, leads to rejections and delays.

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport. Use Form DS-11. Both parents or guardians must appear with minors under 16.[1]
• Renewal: Eligible if your previous passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, and is undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person appearance needed.[1]
• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: If lost/stolen, report it first via Form DS-64 (optional) or DS-11 for replacement. For damaged passports, use DS-82 if eligible or DS-11 otherwise.[1]
• Name Change or Correction: Use DS-5504 within one year of passport issuance (no fee) or DS-82/DS-11 later.[1]
• Child Passport (under 16): Always DS-11 with both parents; renewals every 5 years max.[1]

For Colorado Springs locals, check your prior passport first. If renewing by mail and your prior book is expiring soon, mail it to the address on DS-82. Business travelers or students might qualify for expedited service.[2] Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm: travel.state.gov passport wizard.[1]

Gather Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Incomplete documentation causes most rejections in busy areas like El Paso County. Start early—vital records for birth certificates can take weeks via mail.[3]

Checklist for First-Time or Replacement (DS-11, In-Person):

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy): U.S. birth certificate (raised seal), naturalization certificate, or prior undamaged passport. Colorado birth certificates order from Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) Vital Records: $20 first copy, 1-2 weeks mail or expedited.[3] No hospital certificates—must be state-issued.
2. Proof of Identity (original + photocopy): Valid driver's license (Colorado DMV), military ID, or government ID. Name must match citizenship proof exactly.
3. Passport Photo: 2x2 inches, color, white background (details below).
4. Form DS-11: Fill out but do not sign until before agent.
5. Fees: See fees section.
6. For Minors: Parental consent, both parents' IDs, court order if one absent.

Checklist for Renewal (DS-82, Mail):

1. Current Passport: Must submit it.
2. Form DS-82: One per person.
3. Photo.
4. Fees.

Photocopy front/back of all docs on standard 8.5x11 paper. For name discrepancies (e.g., marriage), add legal proof like certificate.[1]

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Photos fail 25-30% of the time due to shadows, glare, or wrong size—common in Colorado Springs' bright sunlight or home printers.[1] Specs:

• 2x2 inches (51x51mm), head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• Color photo <6 months old.
• White/neutral background, even lighting, no glasses/uniforms/headwear unless religious/medical (doctor's note).
• Full face view, neutral expression, eyes open.

Get at CVS, Walgreens, or UPS Stores in Colorado Springs (e.g., 3676 Austin Bluffs Pkwy). Confirm "passport compliant" for $15-17. Selfies or booth prints often rejected.[1]

Find an Acceptance Facility in Colorado Springs

You must submit DS-11 in person at a passport acceptance facility—no mail option. El Paso County has high volume; book 4-6 weeks ahead via USPS online scheduler or facility sites, especially spring/summer.[2]

Key locations:

• El Paso County Clerk and Recorder (main downtown): 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Rd or satellite offices. Handles passports Mon-Fri; call (719) 520-6200. Walk-ins rare during peaks.[4]
• USPS Branches: Briargate Station (9475 Briargate Pkwy), North Academy (5375 N Academy Blvd), Powers Blvd (6130 Powers Blvd)—all offer appointments. Peak season slots fill fast.[2]
• Public Libraries: East Library (5550 N Union Blvd) or others via passport facility locator[2]
• UCCS or Military: On-base facilities for eligible; check Peterson AFB ID cards.

Search travel.state.gov locator for 20+ sites in 809xx ZIPs. Facilities verify docs but forward to State Dept—no printing forms on-site usually.[1]

Fees and Payment

Pay acceptance facility fee ($35 for DS-11, check/money order) + State Dept fee (personal check/money order):

• Book (10yr adult): $130 + $35.
• Card (adult): $30 + $35.
• Expedited (+$60), 1-2 day urgent (+$22.05 + overnight).[1]

No credit cards at most facilities. Track payments separately.[1]

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail) or 4-6 weeks (in-person from facility).[1] Avoid relying on last-minute during Colorado's travel peaks—spring break or summer can add 2-4 weeks.[5] No guarantees.

• Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks. Available at acceptance or mail.[1]
• Urgent (travel <14 days): Life-or-death only; call National Passport Info Center (1-877-487-2778) for appointment at regional agency (e.g., Denver, 6hr drive).[1]
• Status Check: State Dept tracker.[1]

Business pros or students: Life-or-death exception rare; plan ahead.

Special Cases: Minors and Military

For kids: Both parents required; Form DS-3053 if one absent. High rejection rate from incomplete consent—common for exchange students.[1] Military: Use DEERS for births, on-base facilities.

Full Application Process: Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Assess need (30min): Use wizard, gather prior passport/birth cert.
2. Order docs (1-4 weeks): CDPHE for CO birth cert online.[3]
3. Get photo (1 day): Pharmacy near you.
4. Complete form (DS-11/82): Download travel.state.gov/forms.[1]
5. Book appointment (now): USPS/County site, aim 4+ weeks early.
6. Prepare photocopies/fees (day before).
7. Attend (1hr): Arrive 10min early, sign DS-11 on-site. Agent seals.
8. Track (weekly): Online after 7-10 days.
9. Receive: Mail signature required; damaged? Contact immediately.[1]

Repeat for errors = full restart.

Common Challenges and Tips for Colorado Springs

High demand overwhelms facilities—Briargate USPS books months out in summer. Confusion: Expedited ≠ urgent; <14 days needs agency, not just fee. Renewals ineligible if passport >15yrs old. Minors: 50% rejections from missing parental ID. Vital records backlog in peaks—order early.[3][4] Pro tip: Weekday mornings quieter; bring extras.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Colorado Springs

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and other eligible cases. These facilities do not issue passports on-site; instead, they review your completed forms, verify your identity and eligibility, administer the oath, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Colorado Springs, such facilities are typically found in urban post offices, government centers, and community libraries, with additional options in nearby towns like Pueblo or Monument.

When visiting, expect to present a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on your situation), two passport photos, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment for application and execution fees. Minors under 16 must apply in person with both parents or guardians. Most facilities handle walk-ins but recommend appointments to avoid delays. Processing times vary from 6-8 weeks for routine service to 2-3 weeks expedited, plus mailing time. Always double-check requirements on the official State Department website before going, as policies can change.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring break, and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays and mid-day periods (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) tend to be busier due to end-of-weekend rushes and lunch-hour crowds. To plan effectively, schedule appointments well in advance, especially seasonally, and aim for early mornings, late afternoons, or weekdays outside peak times. Confirm availability online or by phone, arrive prepared with all documents to minimize wait times, and consider less central locations for potentially shorter lines. If urgent, explore expedited options through passport agencies, but note these require proof of imminent travel. Patience and preparation go a long way in streamlining your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Colorado Springs?
No routine same-day; urgent travel <14 days to Denver agency only, with proof. Plan 6+ weeks.[1]

Where do I get a birth certificate in El Paso County?
CDPHE Vital Records online/mail/in-person Denver; county clerks issue marriage/death. $20+, 1-4 weeks.[3]

My renewal passport is expiring—can I travel with it?
No, must be valid; apply 9 months early. Use DS-82 if eligible.[1]

Do I need an appointment at El Paso County Clerk?
Yes, highly recommended; walk-ins limited. Book via clerk site.[4]

What if my name changed after getting my passport?
DS-5504 free within 1yr; else DS-82/11 with marriage cert.[1]

Is expedited service guaranteed during summer peaks?
No—demand surges; routine can hit 10+ weeks. Check status often.[1]

Can a friend pick up my child's passport?
No, parent/guardian only with ID.[1]

Military families: Where to apply?
On-base (Peterson/Fort Carson) or civilian facilities; DEERS for docs.[6]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]USPS - Passport Services
[3]Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment - Vital Records
[4]El Paso County Clerk and Recorder - Passports
[5]U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[6]Defense Finance and Accounting Service - Passports