Getting a U.S. Passport in Greeley, CO: Facilities & Steps

Getting Your Passport in Greeley, CO

If you're in Greeley, Colorado, or anywhere in Weld County, obtaining a U.S. passport is straightforward when prepared correctly—especially with Greeley's proximity to Denver International Airport (DEN) for frequent flights to international hubs. Local residents often apply for business trips to Denver's tech sector, family vacations to Mexico or Europe during spring/summer peaks, winter ski trips abroad, or student exchanges at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). Urgent needs arise from family emergencies or last-minute opportunities, but high demand at acceptance facilities during peak seasons (spring break in March-April, summer June-August) means appointments fill quickly—book 4-6 weeks ahead to avoid stress [1].

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Submitting photos with shadows, glare, red-eye, or incorrect size (2x2 inches, head between 1-1 3/8 inches, taken within 6 months)—use a professional service or follow State Department guidelines precisely.
• Incomplete DS-11 forms for minors: Forgetting both parents' consent (Form DS-3053), original birth certificates, or parental IDs leads to instant rejection.
• Misjudging renewal eligibility: Don't mail DS-82 if your passport is damaged, expired over 15 years ago, or issued before age 16.
• Underestimating processing times: Routine service takes 6-8 weeks (or 2-3 expedited); last-minute rushes during Greeley's peak travel seasons often fail without proof of urgent travel.

Decision guidance: Check your eligibility first via travel.state.gov's wizard tool. Gather all documents/photos upfront, photocopy everything, and confirm fees ($130 adult book + $35 execution fee routine; add $60 expedite). For Greeley-area applicants, prioritize early mornings or weekdays for appointments, and track status online post-submission [1]. This guide details every step with official citations.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Before starting, use this decision tree to pick the right form and process—U.S. passports last 10 years for adults (16+) and 5 years for minors under 16. Answer these to decide:

1. Do you have a prior U.S. passport?

   • No, or prior one issued before age 16, >15 years ago, lost/damaged/stolen: First-time or new application. Use Form DS-11; apply in person at an acceptance facility. Bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate), ID, photo, and fees. Pitfall: Can't sign DS-11 until in person [1].

2. Yes—issued at 16+, within last 15 years, undamaged, and signature matches current name?

   • Renewal: Use Form DS-82 by mail (no in-person needed unless adding pages/changing data). Include old passport, photo, fees. Guidance: Ideal for Greeley's repeat travelers; check for visa pages or name changes first—otherwise, reapply as new [1].

3. Lost, stolen, or damaged?

   • Report via Form DS-64 (free, online/mail). Then apply as new (DS-11) or renewal (DS-82) based on #1-2 above. Include police report for stolen (not always required but strengthens case). Pitfall: Delays if no report; expedite if travel looms [1].

4. Name change, error, or adding pages?

   • Within 1 year of issuance: Form DS-5504 by mail (free, include marriage/divorce docs). After 1 year: Treat as renewal (DS-82) or new (DS-11). Common error: Forgetting supporting docs like court orders [1].

Urgent travel (trip <14 days): Life-or-death emergencies (<3 days) qualify for passport agencies—prove with flight itinerary, death certificate. Expedite otherwise ($60 extra + overnight shipping). Greeley applicants typically exhaust routine options first; confirm via 1-877-487-2778 [1]. Always verify at travel.state.gov.

ly go to the Denver Passport Agency (2-hour drive), but only after acceptance facility submission.

Use the State Department's online wizard: Passport Application Wizard [2].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Greeley and Weld County

Greeley has several passport acceptance facilities (PAFs), all requiring appointments due to high demand. Book via the facility's site or phone; walk-ins are rare and not guaranteed [3].

• Greeley Post Office: 2820 67th Ave, Greeley, CO 80634. Handles first-time, minors, and renewals. Call (970) 353-0955 [3].

• Weld County Clerk and Recorder: Multiple locations, including Greeley (915 10th St). Offers passport services; check for minors. Appointments via (970) 400-5250 [4].

• UNC Student Services (for students/exchange programs): May assist; verify via university site.

Nearby: Evans Post Office or Fort Lupton Clerk. Use the USPS locator for real-time availability: USPS Passport Locations [3]. During Colorado's seasonal rushes (e.g., summer tourism spikes), slots fill weeks ahead—book early.

For mail renewals (DS-82), send to the address on the form; no local drop-off [1].

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications

Follow this checklist exactly to avoid rejections. Complete Form DS-11 online for accuracy, print single-sided, and do not sign until instructed at the facility [2].

1. Fill out Form DS-11: Use Online Form Filler. Black ink, no corrections. For minors, both parents/guardians [1].

2. Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original + photocopy (front/back on standard paper). Options: birth certificate (Colorado Vital Records: CDPHE), naturalization certificate, previous passport [5]. Order Colorado birth certificates online if needed ($20+ fees) [5].

3. Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license (Colorado DMV), military ID, or government ID + photocopy. Name must match citizenship doc [1].

4. Passport Photo: One 2x2" color photo, <6 months old. See photo section below [1].

5. Parental Awareness/Authorization (Minors Only): Both parents on DS-11, or DS-3053 + ID copies if one absent. Presence required if under 16 [1].

6. Fees: See fees section. Check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of State"; facility fee separate (cash/check/credit) [1].

7. **Book

Appointment**: Call facility 4-6 weeks ahead, especially spring/summer.

8. Attend Appointment: Bring all docs. Sign DS-11 in front of agent. Get receipt with tracking number.

9. Track Status: Online at State Department Tracker [1].

For renewals (DS-82): Mail old passport + photo + fees—no checklist needed beyond form completion [1].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Colorado's variable lighting (sunny plains, indoor glare) causes frequent rejections. Specs: 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8", white/cream/off-white background, neutral expression, even lighting—no shadows, glare, hats (unless religious), glasses only if no glare [1].

• Where to Get: CVS/Walgreens in Greeley ($15), USPS ($15), or home (print on glossy matte). Facilities often take photos on-site.

• Tips: Face forward, eyes open, 1.25-1.375" from chin to top. Use State Dept photo tool: Photo Validator [1].

Rejections delay by 2-4 weeks; upload digital for validation first.

Fees and Payment

Fees unchanged recently; verify [1]:

Expedite: +$60. Overnight return: +$21.09. Pay State fee by check/money order; execution by facility method [1]. Colorado residents: No state fees.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mailed from facility). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60, mark form) [1]. High volume in Colorado (e.g., post-winter breaks) adds 1-2 weeks—no guarantees [1].

Urgent (trip <14 days): After acceptance, go to Denver Passport Agency (appointment via 1-877-487-2778, proof of travel required: flights, itinerary) [6]. Life-or-death: <3 days, same process [1].

Track weekly; allow mail time.

Special Considerations for Minors and Colorado Families

Minors under 16 require both parents/guardians at appointment, or notarized DS-3053 from absent parent + ID copy. Common in Greeley with student exchanges or family trips. Divorce decrees don't override; both consent needed unless sole custody proven [1].

Lost minor passports: Report immediately, apply anew.

Renewing Your Passport in Greeley

If eligible (DS-82), mail from home—ideal for busy professionals. Include old passport, new photo, fees. Processing same

as above. Greeley PO accepts drop-off for verification if unsure [1].

FAQs

How far in advance should I apply for a passport in Greeley?
Apply 8-11 weeks before travel, more during peaks like summer or spring break. Colorado's travel surges fill appointments fast [1].

Can I get a passport same-day in Greeley?
No local same-day service. Nearest agency is Denver; requires confirmed travel <14 days [6].

What if my child’s birth certificate is missing?
Order from Colorado Vital Records ($20 search fee). Processing 1-2 weeks standard [5].

Is expedited service guaranteed for urgent business trips?
No—it's 2-3 weeks, but peaks delay. Prove imminent travel for agency [1].

My passport photo was rejected—what now?
Retake meeting exact specs; use validator tool. Common issues: glare from CO sun [1].

Can I renew online from Greeley?
Limited online renewal if eligible (DS-82 criteria met). Otherwise, mail [1].

Where do I send lost passport reports?
Form DS-64 online or mail; then apply for replacement [1].

Do Weld County clerks handle expedites?
They submit your app; expedite marked on form. Agency for ultra-urgent [4].

Final Step-by-Step Checklist for All Applicants

✅ Confirm service (wizard [2]).
✅ Gather citizenship/identity proofs + copies.
✅ Get compliant photo.
✅ Complete/print form (unsigned for DS-11).
✅ Calculate/pay fees correctly.
✅ Book PAF appointment early.
✅ Attend with all items; track post-submission.
✅ Monitor status; plan for mail delays.

By following this, Greeley residents navigate Colorado's busy travel scene efficiently. Questions? Contact facilities directly.

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Passport Form Filler
[3]USPS Passport Services
[4]Weld County Clerk - Passports
[5]Colorado Vital Records
[6]Passport Agencies