Passport Guide Firestone CO: Steps Facilities Requirements

Getting a Passport in Firestone, CO

Firestone residents frequently seek passports for ski trips to nearby resorts like Eldora, international flights from Denver International Airport (just 45 minutes south via I-25), or summer escapes to Mexico amid Weld County's booming energy sector business travel. Peak demand hits acceptance facilities during spring breaks, July tourism surges, and student exchanges, often leading to scarce appointments. This guide provides tailored steps, checklists, and resident strategies based on U.S. Department of State protocols [1], including decision tools for DS-11 vs. DS-82, photo pitfalls, and facility expectations.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Determine your form upfront to avoid reapplication fees or delays—Firestone applicants follow national rules but often source Colorado birth certificates for quicker proof.

• First-Time or Child Passport (DS-11): In-person only if no prior passport (or expired >15 years), or for minors under 16. Expect 30-45 minutes at facilities for oath, review, and sealing [2]. Weld County sees heavy family volume.

• Renewal (DS-82): Mail if passport issued <15 years ago, you're 16+, and it's undamaged/not lost. Skip lines—ideal for Firestone's off-peak fall renewals [3].

• Lost/Stolen/Damaged: Report via DS-64 (free), then DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11 +$60 fee. Urgent? Expedite in-person [4].

• Corrections/Name Changes: DS-5504 by mail if <1 year post-issuance; otherwise, reapply [5].

Launch the State Department's wizard for instant form guidance [6]. With Firestone's rural setup, factor in 10-20 mile drives to Longmont or Greeley amid I-25 traffic.

Passport Requirements and Documentation

Start 4-6 weeks early—Colorado's vital records office handles birth certificates efficiently online, but Weld County peaks slow mail [7].

Essentials:

1. Citizenship Proof: Certified birth certificate (not hospital summary), naturali

zation cert, or old passport. In-state? Order from CDPHE [7]. 2. ID: Colorado REAL ID driver's license preferred [8]; photocopy front/back. 3. 2x2 Photo: Specs below; rejections spike 25% from errors [10]. 4. Fees: Separate checks—one to "U.S. Department of State," one to facility (cash/check often accepted).

Minors: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent; sole custody docs prevent holds. Name discrepancies? Weld County marriage licenses suffice [9].

Taking a Compliant Passport Photo

Colorado's bright sunlight causes glare issues—25% of rejections stem from shadows or sizing [10]. Strict specs [11]:

• 2x2 inches (head 1-1⅜ inches tall).
• White/off-white background, neutral face, open eyes, no smile.
• No glasses/hats/uniforms (medical/religious exceptions with proof).
• Color, <6 months old.

Local options near Firestone: USPS at 5988 Firestone Blvd ($15, appointment via [12]); CVS (6530 Northeast Pkwy); Walgreens in Longmont. Skip home printers—glare fails inspections.

Passport Acceptance Facilities and Tips Near Firestone

Firestone has no passport agency (Denver's handles urgents [13]). Designated facilities verify docs, witness signatures, collect fees, and mail apps—expect 20-60 minutes: brief wait, 10-minute review, oath, sealing, receipt.

Key spots (confirm via locators [12][14]):

• Firestone Post Office: 5988 Firestone Blvd, Firestone, CO 80504. Call (303) 833-3071; book at usps.com [12].
• Weld County Clerk & Recorder (Greeley): 915 10th St, Greeley, CO 80631. Full service; online booking [9].
• Longmont Post Office: 1200 Tabor St, Longmont, CO 80501 (~10 miles). High demand [12].

Busy Times & Resident Strategies:

• Peaks: June-August (Rockies vacations), holidays, spring break; Mondays/Tuesdays 10am-2pm worst.
• Best: Late Fridays, Saturdays (confirm open), or September/October lulls.
• Avoid: School starts (Aug/Jan), local events spiking Greeley/Longmont.
• Pro moves: Book 4 weeks ahead; arrive with pre-filled unsigned DS-11, photos, exact fees; use DS-82 mail for renewals.

(Fallback: Facilities cluster in Firestone, Greeley, Longmont)