Passport Guide for Eaton, CO: Facilities, Checklists & Steps

Getting a Passport in Eaton, CO

Eaton residents in Weld County benefit from proximity to Greeley and Denver for passport services, amid Colorado's vibrant travel culture. Agriculture exporters head to Mexico and Asia, energy workers to international conferences, tech professionals to Europe, and families to ski resorts or beach escapes. UNC students in nearby Greeley often need passports for study abroad or J-1 exchanges, while urgent family or business trips spike demand. Facilities like post offices and county clerks book up fast during spring/summer peaks and winter holidays—plan ahead to dodge delays from photo rejections (e.g., poor lighting or incorrect head size) or overlooked minor documents [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Misjudging your eligibility wastes time; Eaton applicants often confuse renewals with new apps due to expired family passports.

• First-Time or New (DS-11): No prior passport, expired over 15 years, issued before 16, damaged, or lost/stolen ineligible for mail. Apply in person; agent witnesses signature. Common for young adults post-college or after name changes.

• Renewal (DS-82): Passport issued within 15 years, you were 16+, undamaged, no pages added needed. Mail it in—ideal for Eaton's routine travelers skipping in-person hassle.

• Lost/Stolen Replacement: File DS-64 online first, then DS-11/DS-82 based on prior passport status. Travel-season thefts (e.g., at DIA) complicate claims.

• Corrections/Name Change: DS-5504 (free, mail) for minor issues within 1 year; otherwise DS-82/DS-11.

• Children Under 16: DS-11 in person; both parents or affidavit required—custody gaps reject 20% of apps [2].

Use the State Department's wizard or call 1-877-487-2778 to confirm [1].

Gather Required Documents

Colorado's vital records backlog during rushes (e.g., pre-DIA summer flights) delays proofs—order early.

Core Documents Table:

harmacies: $15, specs-checked [5] | | Fees | $130 adult book/$100 child + $35 acceptance; expedited $60 | Two checks: State Dept (passport), facility (execution) [1] |

Minors: DS-3053 affidavit if one parent absent; court orders for custody.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Eaton

Eaton has no passport agency (Denver handles urgents by appointment). Use these local acceptance spots for DS-11—no walk-ins usually; call ahead.

• Eaton Post Office (301 S. Elm Ave, Eaton, CO 80615): DS-11 apps; call 970-454-3241 [6].
• Weld County Clerk and Recorder (1400 N. 17th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631): Full services, minor seals; UNC students flock here—book online [7].
• Greeley Post Office (945 9th St, Greeley): More slots for Eaton locals [6].

Search USPS locator for ZIP 80615; aim 4-6 weeks early. Mid-week walk-ins possible at clerks. Expect 30-60 min: agent verifies docs, you sign under oath, app forwards to processing center. View facilities on Google Maps.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or Child Passport (DS-11)

1. Fill unsigned DS-11 (travel.state.gov) [1].
2. Collect citizenship proof + front/back photocopies.
3. Get compliant photo locally.
4. Prep ID + photocopies.
5. Minors: DS-3053 + both parents/court docs.
6. Fees in two checks/money orders.
7. Book Eaton PO/Weld Clerk appt [6][7].
8. Arrive early; sign before agent—track online [8].
9. Standard 6-8 weeks; check alerts [10].

Common Mistakes: Signing early, wrong photo size, incomplete minor consent—rework delays 2+ weeks.

Renewal by Mail (DS-82) Checklist

1. Verify eligibility [1].
2. Complete DS-82; enclose old passport.
3. Add photo + $130 check.
4. Mail to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [1].
5. Track 6-8 weeks; use expedited mail.

Processing Times and Realistic Expectations

Routine: 6-8 weeks; expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60) [1]. Weld peaks add delays—ag exporters plan 3 months for Asia trade. Urgent (<14 days)? Denver agency needs life/death proof [9]. No same-day locally.

Special Considerations for Colorado Residents

• Vital Records: Weld Clerk ($20) or state ($20+); apostille for international use [3][12][13].
• UNC Students: Campus ID as secondary; post-passport, DS-160 for visas [14].
• Business Travel: Passport cards ($30) for Canada/Mexico land/sea [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

Peak apply timeline? 3-4 months; Eaton PO slots fill

fast [6].

Same-day possible? No; Denver urgent only [9].

Photo rejection reasons? Head too small/large, glare, uniforms/hats [5].

Child apps? Both parents or DS-3053/notary [2].

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited faster mail; urgent agency-exclusive [1].

Eaton PO renewals? No, mail DS-82 [6].

Lost abroad? DS-64 + police report, then reapply [1].

CO birth cert valid? Certified, full info only [3].

Additional Tips to Avoid Delays

Pre-check forms; use email/text tracking [8]. Private rush services: $200+, State-vetted [11]. For Weld ag/tourism, bundle with visas early.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
[3] Colorado Department of Public Health - Vital Records
[4] Colorado DMV - REAL ID
[5] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[6] USPS Passport Services Locator
[7] Weld County Clerk - Passports
[8] U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status
[9] U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies
[10] U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[11] U.S. Department of State - Expedited Services
[12] Weld County Vital Records
[13] Colorado Secretary of State - Apostilles
[14] U.S. Department of State - Student Visas