Getting a Passport in Evans, CO: Facilities, Steps & Tips

Getting a Passport in Evans, CO

Evans, a small town in Weld County, Colorado, sits near major travel hubs like Denver International Airport, making passports essential for residents engaging in Colorado's vibrant international travel scene. The state sees frequent business trips to Europe and Asia, tourism to Mexico and Canada, and seasonal spikes in spring/summer for outdoor adventures abroad and winter breaks for ski trips to Europe or South America. Students from nearby University of Northern Colorado participate in exchange programs, while urgent last-minute trips for family emergencies or work add pressure. High demand at acceptance facilities often leads to limited appointments, especially during peaks, so planning ahead is crucial [1].

This guide walks you through the process tailored to Evans residents, addressing common pitfalls like photo rejections from shadows or glare (prevalent in Colorado's sunny climate), confusion over forms for renewals versus first-time applications, and incomplete documents for minors. Always verify details on official sites, as requirements can change.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before starting, determine your needs to use the correct process and form. Misusing a renewal form for a first-time application, for example, will delay you.

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16. Use Form DS-11; must apply in person at an acceptance facility [2].

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you're over 16, and it's undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82; mail it in—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or it's a child passport [3]. Colorado travelers often overlook eligibility; check the issue date carefully.

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Use DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (mail) depending on age and condition. Report loss online first [4].

• Name Change or Correction: DS-5504 by mail if within a year of issuance; otherwise, treat as new [5].

• Child (Under 16) Passport: Always DS-11 in person with both parents/guardians [6].

For urgent travel (within 14 days), life-or-death emergencies (within 3 days), or expedited service (2-3 weeks), note differences: Expedited is for any travel but costs extra; urgent requires proof like flight itinerary and in-person at a passport agency (nearest in Denver) [7]. Don't confuse them—expedited doesn't guarantee s

ame-day during Colorado's busy seasons.

Locating Acceptance Facilities Near Evans

Evans lacks its own passport acceptance facility, so head to nearby options in Weld County. Use the State Department's locator tool for real-time availability [8].

• Weld County Clerk and Recorder (Greeley, ~10 miles from Evans): 915 10th St, Greeley, CO 80631. By appointment; handles first-time, minors, and replacements. Call (970) 352-3568 x 6420 [9].

• USPS Locations: Greeley Main Post Office (2820 11th Ave, Greeley) or Evans Post Office (approx. 1400 32nd St, Evans)—check if passport services offered via locator, as not all branches do. Appointments recommended; walk-ins rare due to demand [10].

• Other Nearby: Kersey Post Office or libraries like Weld Library District (may vary). Denver Passport Agency for urgent only (by appointment) [11].

Book early—Colorado's seasonal travel (e.g., summer festivals abroad, winter escapes) fills slots fast. High demand means waits of weeks for routine appointments.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing Your Application

Follow this checklist to avoid common rejection reasons like incomplete docs or wrong forms. Gather everything before booking.

1. Determine Your Form: DS-11 (new/minor/replacement), DS-82 (renewal), DS-5504 (corrections). Download from travel.state.gov [2][3].

2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (Colorado vital records if needed), naturalization certificate, or prior undamaged passport. Photocopy front/back. For births in Colorado, order from CDPHE if lost [12]. Minors need parents' birth/marriage certs.

3. Proof of Identity: Driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Photocopy.

4. Passport Photo: One 2x2-inch color photo taken within 6 months. White/neutral background, no glasses/shadows/glare (Colorado sunlight causes issues—use indoor studios). Specs: head 1-1 3/8 inches, even lighting [13].

5. Completed Form: Fill out but don't sign DS-11 until instructed. DS-82 can be signed/mailed.

6. Fees: Check current amounts—execution fee ($35 adults) paid to facility, application fee ($130 adults/$100 minors) by check/money order to State Dept. Expedited +$60 [14].

7. For Minors: Parental consent (both parents or court order), photos without parental holding [6].

8. Travel Proof (if urgent): Itinerary printout.

Print two photo copies of IDs/citizenship docs on standard paper.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Application Day and Submission

1.

Book Appointment: Use facility websites or call. Arrive 15 mins early.

2. At Facility: Present docs, swear oath, sign DS-11. Pay execution fee (cash/check/card varies).

3. Mail or In-Person: Facility mails to State Dept (routine 6-8 weeks; track online). Keep receipt.

4. Expedited: Request at facility (+$60, FedEx return); track via email [7]. No guarantees during peaks.

5. Urgent: Prove travel <14 days; go to Denver agency [11].

6. Renewal by Mail: To National Passport Processing Center (use USPS form 2976 for tracking) [3].

Monitor status at travel.state.gov/passport-status [15]. Avoid last-minute reliance—Colorado winters and summers overload systems.

Passport Photos: Avoiding Rejections

Photo issues reject 25%+ of apps. Colorado's variable light (snow glare, high altitude sun) worsens shadows.

• Specs: 2x2 inches, recent, head size 1-1 3/8 inches, full face forward, neutral expression, even lighting [13].

• Where to Get: CVS/Walgreens ($15), USPS, or studios. Avoid selfies—digital prints often fail dimensions.

• Common Errors: Glasses reflections, hats, open mouth, busy backgrounds. Test against State Dept sample [13].

Pro tip: Get extras; facilities don't provide.

Fees, Payments, and Processing Times

Payments: Facility—cash/check/money order/card; State Dept—check/money order only [14]. No fee waivers typically.

Times: Routine 6-8 weeks (longer peaks); expedited 2-3 weeks; urgent 1-3 days at agency. Add mailing. Track but don't call early—delays common in high-volume Colorado [7]. Warn: Spring break/summer rushes extend waits; apply 3-6 months ahead.

Special Considerations for Colorado Residents

• Vital Records: Order birth certs from Colorado Dept of Public Health [12]. Weld County doesn't issue birth certs.

• Students/Exchanges: UNC Greeley students—campus intl office for guidance.

• Urgent Scenarios: Last-minute business/family trips common; have itinerary ready but note agencies prioritize life/death [7].

• Name Changes: Colorado DMV updates match passport.

FAQs

How far in advance should I apply for a passport in Evans?
Apply 3-6 months befor

e travel, especially for Colorado's peak seasons. Routine processing is 6-8 weeks, longer during spring/summer and winter [7].

Can I renew my passport at the Evans Post Office?
Check via locator—Evans may not offer acceptance services; try Greeley USPS or Weld Clerk. Renewals mail-in if eligible [10].

What if my child passport is expiring soon?
Under 16 always requires in-person DS-11 with both parents. Plan for holidays when facilities book up [6].

How do I prove urgent travel for faster service?
Show non-refundable itinerary for <14 days at agency. Expedited at acceptance facility doesn't need proof but adds cost [7].

My photo was rejected—what now?
Retake per specs: no glare/shadows. Common in sunny CO—use professional service [13].

Lost my passport abroad—what to do from Evans?
Report via travel.state.gov; apply for replacement upon return [4].

Can I track my application status?
Yes, enter receipt number at travel.state.gov/passport-status after 7-10 days [15].

Is there a fee for name correction?
Free if <1 year post-issue via mail [5].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Apply in Person (DS-11)
[3]Renew by Mail (DS-82)
[4]Lost or Stolen Passports
[5]Corrections (DS-5504)
[6]Children Under 16
[7]Expedited Service
[8]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[9]Weld County Clerk - Passports
[10]USPS Passport Services
[11]Passport Agencies
[12]Colorado Vital Records
[13]Passport Photo Requirements
[14][Passport Fees](https://travel.state.

Passport Fees

Visit the official U.S. Department of State Passport Fees page for the most up-to-date amounts, as they can change.

Key Fees for First-Time Applicants (Routine Service):

• Adult (16+) passport book: $130 application fee (paid to Dept. of State) + $35 execution fee (paid to acceptance facility).
• Minor (under 16) passport book: $100 application fee + $35 execution fee.
• Optional passport card (land/sea travel to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean): $30 application fee for adults (+ $35 execution).
• Expedited service adds $60; 1-2 day delivery adds $21.36 (where available).

Practical Tips for Evans, CO Residents:

• Total cost often $165+ for adults (book); budget for 2 passport photos (~$15 locally).
• Payment rules: Application fee by personal check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." Execution fee varies by facility (often cash, check, or card—confirm ahead).
• Common mistakes to avoid: Writing check to wrong payee (causes rejection), forgetting execution fee, using cash for application fee, or underpaying by skipping optional fees like expedite if time is short.
• Decision guidance: Choose routine (6-8 weeks) if travel >3 months away; expedite (2-3 weeks) if sooner. Skip passport card unless you only travel by land/sea. In rural areas like Evans, factor in drive time to nearest acceptance facility—apply early.

Check Application Status

Track your application anytime at the official Online Passport Status System. You'll need your last name, date/place of birth, and last four digits of SSN (if provided).

Practical Tips:

• Allow 7-10 days after mailing/submitting for status to update—don't check daily.
• Common mistakes: Entering wrong personal details, checking too early, or forgetting to note your tracking number.
• Decision guidance: If over 4 weeks routine or 2 weeks expedited with no update, contact National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (Mon-Fri 8am-10pm ET). For Evans-area applicants, standard times apply—no local delays typical.