Complete Guide to Getting a Passport in Evergreen, CO

Guide to Getting a Passport in Evergreen, CO

Evergreen, in Jefferson County, Colorado, attracts residents who love international adventures like hiking the Alps, skiing in Japan, or exploring Patagonia—mirroring the area's outdoor passion but on a global scale. Local demand spikes in spring/summer for European treks, fall for cultural festivals, and holidays for family reunions abroad, often overwhelming nearby acceptance facilities. Common mistake: Waiting until peak seasons (May-August or December) for last-minute trips, leading to 6-8 week routine processing delays. Plan 3-6 months ahead; if urgent (travel within 14 days), prioritize expedited options immediately. Use the State Department's online wizard at travel.state.gov to check timelines tailored to your travel dates.

This guide provides Evergreen-specific steps based on U.S. Department of State rules, including checklists for first-time applicants, renewals, minors, and lost/stolen passports. It flags pitfalls like incorrect photos (must be 2x2 inches, recent, no selfies) or missing signatures, plus tips for mountain residents: Account for potential snow delays in winter when mailing or driving to facilities. Always cross-check travel.state.gov for updates.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Start by matching your needs to the correct form and service level to avoid rejections—40% of applications fail due to form errors [2]. Use this decision tree:

• First-time adult (16+), replacing lost/stolen, or major name change? Use Form DS-11 (in-person only, no mail). Do not sign until instructed.
• Renewal for adult passport issued 15+ years ago or when 16+? Eligible for simpler Form DS-82 (mail-in). Common mistake: Using DS-82 if your passport is damaged or issued before age 16—switch to DS-11.
• Child under 16? Always DS-11 in-person; both parents/guardians typically required.
• Timeline crunch? Routine (6-8 weeks, $130 adult book): Fine for planned trips. Expedited (2-3 weeks, +$60): Add for 30-60 day windows. Urgent (within 14 days, +$229.10 life-or-death): Call 1-877-487-2778 after in-person submission.

Pro tip for Evergreen: If mailing DS-82, use USPS Priority with tracking—avoid standard mail in variable mountain weather. Verify eligibility via the State Department's online tool before printing forms.

First-Time Adult Passport (Age 16+)

Use Form DS-11 if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one meets any of these criteria: issued before age 16; expired more than 15 years ago; issued in your previous name (without name change docs like marriage certificate or court order); or issued outside the U.S. [3]. You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility—no mail-in option.

Quick Decision Guide:

• Yes to DS-11? Never held one, or old/child passport? → DS-11.
• No? Recent adult passport (under 15 years expired, same name)? → Likely DS-82 renewal (by mail possible).
• Download DS-11 free from travel.state.gov; common mistake: grabbing the wrong form (e.g., DS-82) and getting rejected at the counter—always verify first.

Evergreen, CO Practical Tips:

• Search travel.state.gov for "passport acceptance facility" using ZIP 80439 or nearby to find local post offices, libraries, or clerks (many require appointments—book early, especially summer travel season).
• Pro tip: Facilities in mountain areas like Evergreen can have shorter hours or weather delays; arrive early with completed (unsigned) form, 2x2 photo, original citizenship proof (birth cert/passport), photo ID, and photocopies of all.
• Avoid delays: Don't forget fees in exact check/money order (personal checks often rejected); kids under 16 must come too if on app. Processing takes 6-8 weeks standard—expedite if needed.

Adult Renewal

Eligible passports can be renewed by mail using Form DS-82 if: your passport is undamaged; issued when you were 16+; issued within the last 15 years; and your name, gender, date of birth, and place of birth haven't changed [4]. Evergreen residents with straightforward renewals can mail directly to the State Department, saving a trip to a facility.

Child Passport (Under 16)

Always use Form DS-11 in person. Both parents/guardians must appear with the child, or provide notarized consent [5]. Common issue: incomplete documentation for minors leads to rejections.

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport

• If valid: Use DS-82 by mail or DS-11 in person for urgent needs.
• If expired: Follow renewal rules above [6].

For urgent travel (within 14 days), note the difference: expedited service (2-3 weeks) vs. life-or-death emergency service (as fast as 72 hours at a regional agency) [7]. Expedited isn't guaranteed for "urgent" non-emergencies—plan accordingly.

Local Acceptance Facilities Near Evergreen

Jefferson County has several passport acceptance facilities, but Evergreen's options are limited—book early via the online locator [8]. High demand in Colorado means appointments fill fast, especially pre-summer and holidays.

• Evergreen Post Office: 1716 Bergen Pkwy, Evergreen, CO 80439. Phone: (303) 674-2616. Offers photo service; by appointment [9].
• Conifer Post Office (nearby): 27067 Main St, Conifer, CO 80433. (303) 838-0296 [9].
• Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder (Golden): 100 Jefferson County Pkwy #2520, Golden, CO 80419. Handles DS-11; call (303) 271-8123 [10].
• Lakewood Post Office (15-min drive): 1395 S Harlan St, Lakewood, CO 80232 [9].

For faster service, consider Denver Passport Agency (by appointment only for urgent cases within 14 days): 1470 Wynkoop St #200, Denver, CO 80202. Proof of travel required [11]. No walk-ins.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing Your Application

Follow this checklist to avoid common rejections like incomplete forms or photo issues. Download forms from travel.state.gov [3].

For First-Time, Child, or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

1. Fill out Form DS-11 online (don't sign until instructed) or by hand in black ink [3].
2. Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (raised seal), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Photocopies required [12].
3. Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Photocopy both sides [12].
4. Passport Photo: 2x2 inches, color, white background, taken within 6 months. No shadows, glare, uniforms, or glasses unless medically necessary [13]. Local: Walmart Vision Center (Evergreen) or AAA (Lakewood) [14]. Rejections common—check specs via State Dept photo tool [15].
5. Parental Consent (for minors): Both parents appear, or Form DS-3053 notarized [5].
6. Fees: $130 application + $35 execution (adult); $100/$35 (child). Add $60 expedited [16]. Pay execution fee by check/money order to facility; application fee by check to State Dept.
7. Book Appointment: Call facility 8am-4pm [9].
8. Attend Appointment: Submit unsigned DS-11, sign in presence of agent. Get receipt.

For Mail Renewals (DS-82, Eligible Adults Only)

1. Complete DS-82: Online preferred [4].
2. Include Old Passport: Send with application.
3. Photo: One 2x2 [13].
4. Fees: $130 (book); $30 card. Check to "U.S. Department of State."
5. Mail To: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (expedited: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0154) [17].
6. Track: Use receipt number online [18].

Pro Tip: For Colorado's seasonal rushes, apply 9+ weeks before travel. Peak times (March-June, Nov-Dec) see backlogs [1].

Passport Photos: Avoiding Rejections

Photos cause 25% of rejections [13]. Specs:

• Head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• Even lighting, neutral expression, mouth closed.
• Digital validation tool: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos/photo-composition-tool.html [15].

Evergreen options:

• USPS at Evergreen Post Office ($15) [9].
• CVS/Walgreens (Bergen Pkwy): Self-service kiosks ($14.99) [19].
• Professional: Evergreen Camera Shop or nearby UPS Store.

Fees and Payment Breakdown

Pay separately: Facility takes execution (cash/check/credit varies); State Dept. check/money order only.

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6-8 weeks door-to-door [1]. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent travel (<14 days): Denver Agency appointment [11]. No guarantees—Colorado's tourism spikes delay even expedited [1]. Track at passportstatus.state.gov [18].

For vital records (birth certificates): Order from Colorado Vital Records (303-692-2200) or Jefferson County Clerk [20]. Rush processing available.

Step-by-Step Checklist: After Submission

1. Track Status: Enter receipt # at passportstatus.state.gov [18].
2. Monitor Mail: Passports arrive via secure delivery; notify post office of travel.
3. If Delayed: Call National Passport Info Center (1-877-487-2778) after estimated time [21].
4. Report Issues: Lost in mail? File police report, apply for replacement [6].
5. Upon Receipt: Verify details before travel.
6. International Travel Tips: Check destination entry rules at travel.state.gov [22].

Common Challenges for Evergreen Residents

• Limited Appointments: Book 4-6 weeks ahead; use USPS locator [8].
• Photo Glare/Shadows: Colorado's bright sun—use indoor studios.
• Minors' Docs: Divorce decrees, custody papers often missing [5].
• Renewal Confusion: If ineligible for DS-82, default to DS-11.
• Peak Season: Spring (Aspen flights to Alps) and winter (Vail to Alps) overwhelm facilities [1].

FAQs

How far in advance should I apply for a passport in Evergreen?
Apply at least 9 weeks before travel, more during Colorado's busy seasons like summer and holidays. Routine processing is 6-8 weeks, but peaks cause delays [1].

Can I renew my passport by mail from Evergreen?
Yes, if eligible (DS-82 criteria met). Mail to Philadelphia—no local visit needed [4].

Where do I get a birth certificate for my passport application?
Jefferson County residents: Clerk & Recorder (Golden) or Colorado Vital Records online/mail [20]. Need raised-seal original.

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited ($60, 2-3 weeks) for any travel; urgent (within 14 days) requires Denver Agency appointment and flight itinerary [7].

My child’s other parent can't attend—how do I proceed?
Submit notarized DS-3053 consent form [5]. Both signatures needed.

What if my passport is lost while traveling?
Report to police, contact U.S. embassy abroad, apply for emergency passport [23].

Does the Evergreen Post Office take walk-ins for passports?
No—appointments required. Call ahead [9].

How much are passport photos, and are they guaranteed to pass?
$10-15 locally; no guarantees—follow State Dept. rules exactly [13].

Sources

[1]: U.S. Department of State - Passport Processing Times
[2]: U.S. Department of State - Common Reasons for Delays
[3]: U.S. Department of State - Form DS-11
[4]: U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail (DS-82)
[5]: U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
[6]: U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passports
[7]: U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service
[8]: USPS Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[9]: USPS Evergreen Post Office
[10]: Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder
[11]: Denver Passport Agency
[12]: U.S. Department of State - Proof of Citizenship/Identity
[13]: U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[14]: State Department Photo Tool
[15]: [Same as above]
[16]: U.S. Department of State - Fees
[17]: U.S. Department of State - Where to Mail
[18]: Passport Status Check
[19]: CVS Photo
[20]: Colorado Vital Records
[21]: National Passport Information Center
[22]: Travel.State.Gov Country Info
[23]: U.S. Department of State - Emergencies Abroad