Fort Collins Passport Guide: Apply, Renew & Local Facilities

Passport in Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins, home to Colorado State University (CSU) and a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, sees steady demand for passports due to frequent international travel. Residents and visitors often head abroad for business trips to Europe or Asia, tourism to Mexico or Canada, and seasonal escapes during spring break, summer festivals, or winter ski vacations in the Rockies. CSU's large student population drives exchange programs and study abroad opportunities, while urgent scenarios like last-minute family emergencies or job relocations add pressure. However, high demand—especially in peak seasons like spring/summer and winter breaks—can lead to limited appointments at acceptance facilities. Common pitfalls include confusion over expedited processing (which speeds standard service but isn't for travel under 14 days) versus urgent travel services, photo rejections from shadows or glare, incomplete documents for minors, and applying with the wrong form for renewals [1][2].

This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, tailored to Fort Collins in Larimer County, Colorado. Always verify details on official sites, as requirements can change.

Choose the Right Passport Service

Before gathering documents, identify your situation to use the correct process and form. Missteps here delay applications.

For Fort Collins residents, check eligibility carefully: If your passport is expired over 15 years or doesn't meet renewal criteria, tre

at it as first-time. Students with expired passports from high school exchanges often qualify for renewal if issued after 16 [3].

Required Documents and Fees

U.S. passports require proof of U.S. citizenship, ID, photo, and fees. Originals or certified copies only—no photocopies for citizenship proof.

• Proof of Citizenship: U.S. birth certificate (issued by city/county/state vital records, with raised seal), naturalization certificate, or prior passport. For Colorado births, order from Larimer County Public Health (for recent) or Colorado Vital Records (older). Expect 1-4 weeks processing [5].
• Photo ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Colorado REAL ID works.
• Passport Photo: One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within 6 months [6].
• Fees (as of 2023; check for updates):

  Type	Application Fee (to State Dept)	Execution Fee (to facility)	Total (Adult Book)
  First-time/Renewal in person	$130	$35	$165
  Renewal by mail	$130	N/A	$130
  Expedited	+$60	N/A	Varies
  1-2 day urgent (travel <14 days)	Varies; agency fee	N/A	Call agency

Pay application fee by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; execution fee separate (cash/check/card at facility). Add $21.36 for books with tracking [1].

For minors: Both parents' IDs, consent form DS-3053 if one absent [4].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25-30% of rejections. Specs: 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches, white/off-white background, neutral expression, even lighting—no shadows, glare, glasses (unless medical), hats (unless religious), or uniforms [6].

Local Options in Fort Collins:

• CVS Pharmacy (multiple locations, e.g., 1425 E Harmony Rd): $16.99, instant [USPS note: Many pharmacies participate].
• USPS or county clerk: Some offer on-site ($15-20).
• Walmart Vision Center: Affordable, quick.

Challenges: Glare from Colorado's sunny weather or shadows from indoor lights. Use a plain wall; avoid selfies. Print exactly 2x2—drugstore errors common [6].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Fort Collins

Fort Collins has several federally approved sites. Book appointments early—slots fill fast during CSU breaks and summer [2]. Use the State Department's locator or call [7].

• Larimer County Clerk and Recorder, Fort Collins Office: 200 W Oak St #4000, Fort Collins, CO 80521. Phone: (970) 49

8-7152. Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (appt recommended). Handles first-time, minors, renewals. Website lists requirements [8].

• Fort Collins Main Post Office: 301 Stewart St, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Phone: (970) 484-0241. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm for passports (call for appt). Execution fee $35 [9].
• Old Town Library (Poudre River Public Library District): 201 Peterson St, Fort Collins, CO 80524. Phone: (970) 221-6740. Limited hours; check website for passport events [10].
• CSU for Students: International Programs office assists with guidance but doesn't accept apps—use above facilities [CSU site].

For Larimer County outskirts (e.g., Loveland): Clerk office there too. No regional passport agency in Northern Colorado—nearest in Denver (2-hour drive) for urgent services only (travel proof required, <14 days) [11].

Step-by-Step Checklist: Applying In Person (First-Time/Replacement/Minor)

Use this printable checklist. Complete before arriving.

1. Determine need and form: Use table above. Download DS-11 from travel.state.gov; do NOT sign until instructed [1].
2. Gather citizenship proof: Birth certificate (Colorado: Order online via VitalChek or mail to CDPHE, 4300 Cherry Creek Dr S, Denver, CO 80246. Fee $20 first copy) [5].
3. Get photo: Meet specs; attach loosely to form [6].
4. Prepare ID: Photocopy front/back.
5. Fill fees: Two checks—one application, one execution.
6. Book appointment: Call facility 2-4 weeks ahead, especially spring/summer.
7. Appear in person: Bring all originals. For minors: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized [4].
8. Sign form: In front of agent.
9. Pay and submit: Get receipt. Track online after 7-10 days [12].
10. Follow up: Expedite if needed (fee + overnight return).

Renewal by Mail Checklist (DS-82 eligible only):

1. Confirm eligibility [3].
2. Complete DS-82.
3. Include old passport, photo, fees, ID photocopy.
4. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
5. Track via email [12].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail) or 10-13 weeks (in-person processing starts after facility) from submission. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). No guarantees—peak seasons (spring/summer, holidays) add 2-4 weeks. Do NOT rely on last-minute during CSU breaks or summer travel surges [2].

Urgent (travel <14 days): Life-or-death emergencies qualify for Denver Passport Agency (by appt only, 1515 Stout St, Denver, CO 80202; 877-487-2

778). Proof of travel (e.g., itinerary) required—no walk-ins [11]. For business/urgent non-emergency, expedite + private expedite (e.g., via UPS to agency).

Special Considerations for Minors and Students

Minors under 16 need both parents' presence or notarized consent (DS-3053). Recent Colorado law eases some processes, but federal rules apply. CSU students: Check RamLink for study abroad deadlines; exchange programs often require 6+ months validity [4].

Lost passports abroad: Contact U.S. Embassy; replacement via mail to next of kin in U.S.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a passport in Fort Collins?
Routine processing is 10-13 weeks from acceptance facility submission, plus mailing. Expedited cuts to 2-3 weeks, but book facilities early [2].

Can I renew my passport at the Fort Collins Post Office?
No—post offices only accept DS-11 (first-time). Mail DS-82 if eligible [3].

What if my travel is in 3 weeks?
Expedite your application. For under 14 days, contact Denver agency with proof—no guarantees during peaks [11].

Where do I get a birth certificate in Larimer County?
Recent births (<75 years): Larimer County Public Health, 1525 Blue Spruce Dr, Fort Collins. Older: CDPHE Vital Records. Order early [5].

Why was my photo rejected?
Common issues: Shadows from uneven lighting, glare, wrong size, or smiling. Retake with plain background [6].

Do I need an appointment at Larimer County Clerk?
Recommended—call (970) 498-7152. Walk-ins possible but wait times vary [8].

Can CSU students get passports on campus?
No acceptance facility on campus. Use county clerk or post office; international office provides guidance [CSU].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Apply In-Person for First-Time
[3]Renew by Mail
[4]Children Under 16
[5]Colorado Vital Records
[6]Passport Photo Requirements
[7]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[8]Larimer County Clerk - Passports
[9][USP

S Location Finder](https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport-office&searchRadius=20&addressZip=80525)
[10]Poudre River Public Library - Passports
[11]Passport Agencies
[12]Track Your Application