Guide to Getting a Passport in Derby, CO: Steps, Forms, Locations

Getting a Passport in Derby, CO

Derby, in Adams County just northeast of Denver, offers easy access to passport services despite lacking its own post office. Proximity to Denver International Airport (DIA)—a 20-30 minute drive—fuels demand from business travelers, families heading to Europe or Mexico, ski trips, and student exchanges. Peak seasons (spring break, summer, holidays) strain appointments at nearby facilities in Commerce City, Brighton, and Thornton, so book early to avoid delays amid DIA's high-volume international flights.

This guide provides Derby residents with tailored steps, checklists, DS-11 vs. DS-82 decision tools, common pitfalls (like Colorado sunlight glare on photos), timelines, and local options. Use the State Department's wizard for personalized confirmation.

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

Mischoosing forms causes 20-30% of rejections. Key decisions:

Name changes? Always add certified marriage/divorce decree. Test eligibility via State Department wizard[4]. Ineligible renewals default to DS-11.

Required Documents and Forms

Originals + photocopies (front/back on 8.5x11 plain paper). Order Colorado birth certificates early (4-6 weeks via CDPHE vital records)[5]—vital for Derby/Adams County applicants.

Core Requirements Table:

assport, military ID (+photocopy; 2 docs if no photo ID) | Book: $130 adult/$100 child; +$35 execution | DS-3053 consent or court order if one parent absent | | DS-82 (Mail Renewal) | DS-82 | N/A (old passport suffices) | N/A | Book: $130; no execution fee | N/A | | Lost/Stolen | DS-11 + DS-64 | Same as DS-11 | Same as DS-11 | +$60 replacement fee possible | N/A |

Separate payments: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" (app fees); cash/check to facility (execution). Expedite +$60.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25-50% of returns stem from photos. Must be: 2x2", color, white/off-white background, head 1-1 3/8", <6 months old, neutral expression, no glasses/selfies/uniforms[7].

Derby-Specific Pitfalls:

• Glare from bright Colorado sun/windows (use shaded indoor spots).
• Home prints too glossy/dark.
• Incorrect sizing (print at CVS/Walgreens/UPS in Thornton; $15).

Adams County Clerks offer on-site photos ($10-15). Validate with State Dept tool/template[8].

Where to Apply Near Derby, CO

No Derby post office, but Adams County Clerks and nearby USPS serve residents (10-20 min drives). Book appointments online/phone—slots vanish in peaks (March-Aug, Dec)[9]. Expect: Document review, oath, sealing (no on-site printing; mailed to agency).

Key Facilities (verified acceptors; confirm via locator[12]):

• Adams County Clerk & Recorder - Commerce City: 5885 E. 71st Ave., Commerce City, CO 80022. (303) 288-8600. Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm. Photos available[10].
• Adams County Clerk - Brighton: 4430 S. Adams County Pkwy., Brighton, CO 80601. Similar hours[10].
• Thornton Post Office: 2501 E. 104th Ave., Thornton, CO 80233. usps.com appointments[11].
• Commerce City Post Office: 7185 Monaco St., Commerce City, CO 80022[11].

Planning Tips:

• Book 4-6 weeks ahead; Mondays/midday busiest due to DIA-area traffic.
• Early mornings/afternoons best; limited walk-ins.
• Check iafdb.travel.state.gov[12] for updates.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or New Adult Applicants

1. Fill DS-11 (don't sign)[2].
2. Get certified birth cert (CDPHE for CO births)[5].
3. Valid photo ID + photocopy.
4. 2x2" photos[7].
5. Photocopy all docs.
6. Fees/checks ready.
7. Book appointment.
8. Attend: Sign/witness on-site.
9. Track after 2 weeks[13].

Minors: +Parental IDs/photo

s/consent (DS-3053 notarized if absent).

Renewing Your Passport

Eligible? Mail DS-82 from Derby (no traffic):

1. Confirm eligibility[3].
2. DS-82 + old passport + photo + fees.
3. Mail to: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
4. Track[13].

Else: DS-11 process.

Expedited and Urgent Travel Services

• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).
• Urgent (<14 days, life/death): 1-877-487-2778 for Denver Agency (5889 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village; 45-min drive). Itinerary proof needed[14].

DIA peaks amplify delays—submit 8+ weeks early.

Common Challenges and Colorado-Specific Tips

• Appointment Shortages: Multi-facility check; Adams/Thornton book fast for DIA travel.
• Photo Fails: Matte, sunlight-free; Thornton pharmacies reliable.
• Birth Cert Delays: 4-6 weeks via CDPHE—order now[5].
• Minor Hurdles: 40% rejections from missing DS-3053.
• Renewal Errors: >5 years expired? DS-11 only.
• DIA Context: Print itineraries for urgent; backups for business/student trips.

Pro Tip: Mail renewals save Derby-Thornton commute.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Derby? No; Denver agency for urgents only[14].

Child processing time? 6-8 weeks; both parents in person[2].

Lost abroad? DS-64 + embassy[15].

Adams Clerk walk-ins? Rare; book[10].

CO REAL ID as ID? Yes[16].

Post-marriage renewal? +Marriage cert[3].

Passport card for flights? No; land/sea only[6].

DIA proximity help? Yes, but plan for I-70 traffic to facilities.

Sources

[1]Passports
[2]Apply In Person
[3]Renew by Mail
[4]Passport Wizard
[5]Colorado Vital Records
[6]Passport Fees
[7]Passport Photo Requirements
[8]Photo Tool
[9]USPS Passports
[10]Adams County Clerk Passports
[11][US

[11] USPS Passport Acceptance Facility Locator (tools.usps.com/find-location.htm)
For Derby-area residents, search by ZIP code or city to find nearby Post Offices that accept routine passport applications (processing 4-6 weeks). Practical tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, appointment needs, and photo services—many require appointments post-COVID. Common mistake: Assuming all Post Offices handle passports; only designated ones do. Use for first-time, renewals, or child passports if not urgent.

[12] State Department Passport Acceptance Facility Locator (iafdb.travel.state.gov/)
Official list of all Colorado acceptance facilities (includes libraries, clerks). Cross-check with USPS locator for Derby proximity. Decision guidance: Prefer facilities with extended hours or walk-ins if you're near Denver suburbs; avoid peak times (Mondays, summer).

[13] Application Status Tracker (passportstatus.state.gov/)
Enter your application locator number (from receipt) to track after submission. Practical tip: Check 1-2 weeks after mailing; status updates lag. Common mistake: Forgetting to use the exact locator/control numbers—have your receipt handy.

[14] Passport Agencies for Urgent Travel (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/agencies.html)
For life-or-death emergencies or travel within 14 days (Denver has one). Decision guidance: Only use if routine options won't work—requires proof of travel and in-person visit by appointment. Derby folks: Factor in drive time to urban agencies.

[15] Lost/Stolen Passport Reporting (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/lose-stolen.html)
Report immediately online or by phone (1-877-487-2778), then reapply. Practical tip: File police report if stolen; expedite if needed for travel. Common mistake: Delaying report, which complicates replacement.

[16] Colorado DMV REAL ID (dmv.colorado.gov/real-id)
Get compliant ID/license for domestic flights post-May 2025 (no passport needed). Derby residents: Visit any CO DMV; bring docs early. Decision guidance: Pair with passport app if flying internationally soon—REAL ID covers domestic only. Common mistake: Not gathering all docs (birth cert, SS card, 2 proofs residency) upfront; check list online.