Getting a Passport in Florence, CO: Facilities & Steps

Getting a Passport in Florence, CO

Florence, Colorado, in Fremont County, lies along I-25, a key corridor for residents traveling to Denver International Airport (DEN, ~2.5 hours north) or Colorado Springs Airport (COS, ~1 hour north) for international flights. Local travel patterns include business trips in energy and agriculture, family vacations to Mexico and Europe, ski trips abroad in winter, and student exchanges. Fremont County's seasonal rushes—spring breaks, summer peaks, and holidays—spike demand at passport facilities, so apply 3-6 months early for routine needs.

This tailored guide covers first-time applications, renewals, minors, replacements, and urgent options for Florence residents. Local choices are slim; nearby Canon City (10 miles) or Pueblo (25 miles) offer backups.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Choose based on your situation to avoid delays or rejections. Key decision factors:

Quick Check: Scan your old passport. If it qualifies for DS-82, save time/money mailing it. Unsure? Use State Department's online wizard at travel.state.gov. Colorado's business and student travelers often renew easily, but errors like using DS-11 for eligible renewals waste weeks.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Florence, CO

Florence's main spot is the Florence Post Office (605 W 3rd St, Florence, CO 81226; call 719-784-4222 to confirm hours/services—typically Mon-Fri daytime, appointments required via USPS scheduler). Slots fill fast during Colorado peaks; walk-ins unlikely.

Nearby (15-30 min drive):

• Canon City Post Office (Fremont County seat, ~10 miles): 1504 Fremont Dr, Canon City, CO 81212.
• Pueblo Main Post Office (~25 miles): 230 Cheyenne Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81003—larger, more availability.

Find real-time slots/hours: USPS locator (tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport-acceptance). Facilities verify docs, administer citizenship oath, collect fees, and forward apps—no on-site processing. Expect 20-45 min visits; arrive early, documents ready.

For <14-day urgent travel, book Denver Passport Agency (2-hour drive) via 1-877-487-2778 with proof (e.g., itinerary + emergency docs)—not for vacations.

Required Documents and Step-by-Step Checklist

Colorado births need certified copies from state Vital Records (cdphe.colorado.gov/vital-records; $20/copy, rush options). Photocopy all originals on 8.5x11 white paper.

First-Time/In-Person (DS-11) Checklist

1. Form DS-11: Complete online (travel.state.gov), print, don't sign until agent instructs. Black ink.
2. Citizenship Proof: Original certified birth cert (long-form best) + photocopy. Order from CO Vital Records if needed.
3. ID Proof: Valid CO driver's license/REAL ID + photocopy (enhanced DL ideal).
4. Photo: 2x2" color, <6 months old (specs below; $15 at Florence/Canon City Walgreens/CVS).
5. Fees (latest: verify travel.state.gov—adult $130 app + $35 execution; child $100 + $35; check/money order to State Dept for app fee, cash/check for execution; +$60 expedited optional).
6. Minors: Both parents/child present or DS-3053 notarized consent + relationship proof.
7. Attend: Book appt, arrive 15 min early. Agent verifies, you sign/oath, get receipt/tracking.

Renewals (DS-82): See dedicated checklist below.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

As of late 2024 (check travel.state.gov/passports for updates):

• Routine: 4-6 weeks from facility submission.
• Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks.
• Colorado peaks add 1-2 weeks; track at passportstatus.state.gov.

Urgent (<14 days): Denver agency only (appt required, proof needed). Private rush services ($200+) help schedule but can't bypass rules—beware scams.

Timeline Tip: Apply 8+ weeks pre-travel; students/business pros, 3+ months.

Photo Requirements: Avoid Rejections

25%+ rejected. Exact specs (travel.state.gov/photos):

• 2x2" (use template).
• Head 1-1⅜" tall, neutral face, eyes open, full view.
• White/off-white background, no glasses/shadows/glare/uniforms/selfies. Pro shots at Walgreens (Florence area) prevent returns/delays.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Appt Shortages: Book 4-6 weeks ahead; check Pueblo backup.
• Form Mix-Ups: DS-82 ineligible? Delays 2 months—use wizard.
• Photo/Doc Rejects: Pros for photos; long-form birth certs (CO short-forms often fail).
• Minors: Notarize consent early; CO courts aid custody docs.
• Fees/Payment: Separate checks; verify current amounts.
• What to Expect: Oath, doc review (10-30 min), no processing on-site.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals (DS-82, By Mail)

1. Confirm eligibility (passport <15 yrs, etc.).
2. Complete/sign DS-82 (travel.state.gov).
3. Old passport on top + 1 photo.
4. Fees: $130 adult/$100 child check to "U.S. Dept of State" (+$60 exp/$22 1-2 day USPS).
5. Mail Priority Express to: Natl Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (routine) or PO Box 90181 (exp).
6. Track online after 7 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day passport in Florence? No—agency for urgents only.

Non-consenting parent for minor? Court order/DS-3053/death cert; CO family courts help.

Lost abroad? U.S. Embassy, then DS-64 home.

Florence PO appt? Yes, online—peaks fill quick.

REAL ID for proof? Yes.

Lost birth cert? CO Vital Records rush ($20+).

Minor validity? 5 years.

CO peak delays? +1-2 weeks; apply early.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html)
[2] Forms (pptform.state.gov)
[3] USPS Locator (tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport-acceptance)
[4] CO Vital Records (cdphe.colorado.gov/vital-records)
[5] Photo Specs (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html)
[6] USPS Passports (usps.com/international/passports.htm)