Getting a Passport in Erie, CO: DIA Trips & Ski Adventures

Getting a Passport in Erie, Colorado

Erie residents in Weld County frequently apply for passports to catch flights from Denver International Airport (DIA) for international business, European summer getaways, or Mexico beach trips. Winter ski adventures in the Rockies often extend into Canada, requiring valid documents, while University of Colorado students pursue exchange programs abroad. Families juggle seasonal rushes around spring break and holidays, but statewide facility backlogs—especially peaks in spring, summer, and winter—mean appointments vanish quickly. Pitfalls like rejected photos (wrong size or glare), missing minor consent forms, DS-82 renewal ineligibility confusion, and assuming expedited service fits trips over 14 days out can derail plans 1. This guide provides tailored steps, checklists, and tips to navigate it smoothly, with Erie-specific advice for DIA departures and Rocky Mountain cross-border jaunts.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Assess your eligibility first to pick the right form—many Erie locals qualify for mail-in renewals but default to in-person, wasting time.

First-Time Applicants (DS-11)

Use DS-11 in person if it's your first passport, for children under 16, or your prior passport was issued before age 16. Covers most new adult and all minor apps.

Decision Tree:

• Old passport issued at/after 16 and within 15 years? Renew via DS-82 (mail, cheaper). Else: DS-11.
• Minors: Both parents/guardians must attend or submit notarized DS-3053 consent.

Checklist (Originals Only):

• Proof of citizenship: Certified birth certificate (long-form, raised seal—order from Colorado county clerk or CDPHE 3; hospital versions fail).
• Photo ID: CO driver's license (photocopy both sides).
• 2x2" photo (recent, pro-taken).
• Unsigned DS-11 2.

Erie Tips: Fees: $130 adult/$100 child application (to State Dept) + $35 execution (facility). Routine: 6-8 weeks; expedited +$60 (2-3 weeks). Book via facility sites; expect 15-45 min visits.

Avoid: Early signing, non-certified docs (90% rejection), parental no-shows for kids.

Renewals (DS-82)

Eligible if passport: issued at/after 16, within 15 years, undamaged/in possession, no major changes. Mail it—no facility needed, ideal for busy DIA commuters 1.

Ineligible? DS-11.

Replacements (Lost/Stolen/Damaged)

Follow these steps for Erie-area residents—processing is federal but local reporting applies.

1. Report immediately: Submit DS-64 online 1 to invalidate the passport (print the confirmation statement). If stolen, also file a police report with your local Erie police department—common mistake: skipping this delays replacement as it's required proof. Keep the report number handy.

2. Choose the right form:

   • Use DS-82 (mail renewal) if eligible (you were 16+ when issued, it's undamaged/not altered, issued <15 years ago, U.S. mailing address). Take the quick eligibility quiz: travel.state.gov/passport/renew-online.
   • Otherwise, use DS-11 (in-person, new passport book/card).
     Decision guidance: Quiz first—90% of adults qualify for DS-82 if passport meets criteria; don't assume; wrong form = restart. Download forms from travel.state.gov.

3. Submit with: Recent passport photo (2x2", white background, <6 months old—common mistake: selfies or old photos rejected 70% of time; use CVS/Walgreens), valid photo ID (driver's license), citizenship evidence (original birth cert if needed), and fees ($130+ for book; checks/money order). Track fees/processing at travel.state.gov.

Ski Trip Tip (CO-Specific): Lost on nearby slopes (e.g., Eldora, Loveland)? Report to ski patrol/resort lost & found first—they often forward details to the National Passport Information Center; then do DS-64/police report to prevent identity theft.

Urgent Travel (<4 Weeks):

• Routine: 6-8 weeks (avoid if traveling soon).
• Expedite: 2-3 weeks (+$60; include self-addressed prepaid envelope).
• <14 days: Proof of travel (itinerary/flight confirmation) required; call 1-877-487-2778 for emergency fee-based options or agency appointment guidance. Pro tip: Apply early—CO holidays/weather add mail delays.

Name Changes/Corrections

DS-5504 (mail, free if <1 year post-issue); else DS-11/DS-82 with court docs 1.

Forms: 2 (single-sided, black ink).

Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

DS-11 (In-Person):

• ✓ Unsigned DS-11 2
• ✓ Citizenship proof (certified birth cert 3)
• ✓ ID + photocopy
• ✓ 2x2" photo 4
• ✓ Fees (check to "U.S. Department of State"; execution cash/card 5)
• Minors: Parental consent/attendance

DS-82 (Mail):

• ✓ Signed DS-82 + old passport
• ✓ Photo
• ✓ Fees
• Mail tracked to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. Track: 6

CO birth certs: $20+, 1-2 weeks via CDPHE 3.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Rejections spike in CO peaks—must be 2x2", head 1-1⅜", white background, no glasses/hats/shadows/glare, neutral face 4. Erie pros: Walgreens/Pharmacies ($15); show specs sheet. Infant tip: Eyes open, no propping.

Local Acceptance Facilities Near Erie, CO

Erie (80516) options are limited—book early via USPS locator 7. Facilities verify docs, oath/sign, forward apps (6-8 weeks routine). Expect peaks Mon/midday; arrive early.

• Erie Post Office: 515 Main St, Erie, CO 80516. (303) 828-3309. Appts for DS-11 7.
• Longmont Post Office: 1200 Timbervale Dr, Longmont, CO 80503 (~10 mi). Online booking 7.
• Lafayette Post Office: 511 S Public Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026 (~10 mi) 7.
• Weld County Clerk & Recorder (Greeley): 915 5th St, Greeley, CO 80631 (~25 mi). Appts M-F 8.

Urgent (<14 days): Denver Agency (1-877-487-2778, itinerary req'd) 9. Emergencies: 202-485-8000.

Step-by-Step Application Process

In-Person (DS-11):

1. Gather checklist.
2. Book appt (4-6 wks ahead peaks).
3. Arrive early; staff oaths/signs/seals.
4. Pay dual fees.
5. Track 7-10 days later 10.

Mail (DS-82):

1. Complete/enclose all.
2. Tracked mail.
3. Track online 10.

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Routine: 6-8 wks (peaks +2-4 for CO travel surges). Expedited: +$60/2-3 wks. <14 days: Agency. No same-day local—plan 3 mo for DIA/ski trips 10.

Special Cases for Colorado Residents

• Minors: DS-11, CDPHE birth certs 3.
• Students: CU Boulder intl office for groups.
• Low-income: DS-5525 waiver 1.
• Cards (land/sea Mexico/Canada): $30, same process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day in Erie? No; Denver agency for urgents 9.

Lost birth cert? CDPHE rush ($20+) 3.

Expired 16+ yrs? DS-11 1.

Baby photos? Pro studios, eyes open 4.

Peak delays? +2-4 wks; apply early 10.

Lost abroad? U.S. embassy 1.

Sources

1 U.S. Dept of State - How to Apply
2 Passport Forms
3 CDPHE Vital Records
4 Photo Requirements
5 Fees
6 USPS Informed Delivery
7 USPS Passport Locations
8 Weld County Clerk
9 Denver Passport Agency
10 Status Check