Passport Application in Severance, CO: Steps & Greeley Facilities

Getting a Passport in Severance, CO

Residents of Severance, Colorado, in Weld County, often need passports for international business trips, ski vacations in Europe during winter breaks, summer hiking adventures abroad, or family exchanges involving students from nearby universities like Colorado State University in Fort Collins. With Denver International Airport (DEN) handling frequent flights to Europe and Latin America, and seasonal peaks in spring/summer tourism and winter holidays, demand surges. Last-minute trips for urgent business or family emergencies are common, but high demand at acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments. This guide covers everything from determining your needs to submitting your application, drawing on official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you navigate common pitfalls like photo rejections from glare or shadows, incomplete minor applications, and confusion over renewal forms or expedited services.[1]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before gathering documents, identify your situation to use the correct form and process. Misusing a renewal form for a first-time application, for example, will delay you.

• First-Time Passport: If you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous passport was issued before age 16, or it was lost/stolen/damaged beyond use. Use Form DS-11 in person at an acceptance facility.[1]
• Renewal by Mail: Eligible if your last passport was issued within 15 years, received as an adult (age 16+), undamaged, and in your current name (or you can document a name change). Use Form DS-82.[1] Note: Online renewal is available for some via the State Department's portal, but check eligibility first.[2]
• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: If you still have the old passport, use DS-11 or DS-82 depending on age/issuance; if not, treat as first-time with DS-11 and report it via Form DS-64.[1]
• Urgent Travel (Within 14 Days): Schedule an in-person appointment at a passport agency, not a local facility. Expedited service (2-3 weeks) is separate and doesn't cover life-or-death emergencies abroad.[3]

For Severance residents, start by checking your eligibility on the State Department's site. Common error: Assuming all adults can renew by mail if the passport is expired over 15 years old—no, you must use DS-11.[1]

Required Documents and Step-by-Step Checklist

Gather originals; photocopies won't suffice. Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate) must be original or certified. For name changes, include court orders or marriage certificates.

General Checklist for All Applicants

Use this step-by-step process:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Visit travel.state.gov to select first-time, renewal, or replacement.[1]
2. Complete Form: Download DS-11 (in-person only, no signing until instructed) or DS-82 (mail).[4][5]
3. Gather Proof of Citizenship: U.S. birth certificate (from Weld County Vital Records or Colorado Department of Public Health), naturalization certificate, or prior undamaged passport.[6]
4. Provide ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID matching your form name.[1]
5. Get Photos: Two identical 2x2-inch color photos on white background (details below).[7]
6. Pay Fees: See fees section; separate checks for application and execution fees.[1]
7. Book Appointment: Find facilities via iafdb.travel.state.gov (search "Severance, CO").[8]
8. Submit In-Person or Mail: Do not mail DS-11.
9. Track Status: Use online tracker after 5-7 days.[9]

For minors under 16, both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent (Form DS-3053).[1]

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Colorado's bright sunlight can cause glare in photos taken outdoors—a top rejection reason. Specs: 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches, even lighting, neutral expression, white/cream/off-white background, color photo under 6 months old, no glasses (unless medically necessary with no glare), no hats/selfies.[7]

Tips for Success:

• Use CVS, Walgreens, or USPS in Greeley (near Severance)—many offer passport photo services compliant with rules.
• Check your photo against the State Department's photo tool before submitting.[7]
• Rejections delay processing by weeks; shadows from Weld County's wide-open spaces are frequent issues.

Where to Apply Near Severance, CO

Severance lacks a passport acceptance facility, so head to nearby options in Weld County. Book early—spring/summer and winter fill up fast due to seasonal travel.[8]

• Weld County Clerk and Recorder (Greeley, ~15 miles): 915 10th St, Greeley, CO. Mon-Fri by appointment.[10]
• USPS Locations: Greeley Main Post Office (2820 11th Ave, Greeley) or Eaton Post Office. Search iafdb.travel.state.gov for hours/slots.[8][11]
• Libraries/Colleges: UNC Bear Library in Greeley or Aims Community College may offer services seasonally.[8]

For urgent travel <14 days, drive to the Denver Passport Agency (1999 Broadway, Denver, ~70 miles). Appointments via 1-877-487-2778; proof of travel required.[3]

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Severance

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and other eligible cases. These facilities do not issue passports on-site; instead, they verify your documents, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing, which typically takes 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks for expedited service. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Severance, such facilities are available in the local area and nearby communities, providing convenient options for residents.

When visiting a passport acceptance facility, come prepared with a completed DS-11 or DS-82 application form (depending on your situation), a valid photo ID, a passport photo meeting State Department specifications (2x2 inches, white background, recent), and payment for application and execution fees (check or money order preferred). Expect the process to take 15-30 minutes per applicant. Agents will review your paperwork for completeness, administer the oath, and seal your application in an envelope. Children under 16 must appear in person with both parents or legal guardians, or with notarized consent from the absent parent. Always confirm eligibility and requirements via the official U.S. Department of State website before visiting, as not all locations handle every type of application.

To locate facilities near Severance, use the State Department's online passport acceptance facility search tool by entering your ZIP code. This ensures you find the most current options in Severance and surrounding areas without needing to guess.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring break, and holidays, when demand surges. Weekdays, especially Mondays, and mid-day hours (around 11 AM to 2 PM) are often the busiest, as working professionals and families schedule visits then. To avoid long waits, aim for early mornings, late afternoons, or less hectic days like mid-week. Many facilities offer appointments—book online or by phone in advance if available. Arrive with all documents organized, and consider off-peak seasons for smoother experiences. If urgent travel looms, explore expedited options or passport agencies in larger cities, but plan conservatively to account for variability in crowd levels.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail time included). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60), available at acceptance facilities.[12] No guarantees—peak seasons (spring break March-April, summer June-August, winter December) add delays. Avoid relying on last-minute processing; plan 10+ weeks ahead for Colorado's travel volume.[12]

Urgent vs. Expedited Confusion: Expedited speeds routine to 2-3 weeks. For departure in 14 days or less, use passport agency for possible same-day. Life-or-death abroad? Contact agency.[3]

Track at travel.state.gov after submission.[9]

Fees

Pay application fee (check to U.S. Department of State) and execution fee (to facility) separately. Cashier's checks preferred at post offices.[1]

Both book+card: Add fees. Renewals cheaper (DS-82: $130 book).[13] Current fees at travel.state.gov.[13]

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Minors under 16 need DS-11, both parents' presence (or DS-3053 notarized consent + ID copy), and parental relationship proof. Incomplete apps common—double-check.[1] Colorado exchange students or families with international ties often hit snags here; get birth certificates from Weld County Clerk ($20+).[10]

Colorado Travel Context and Tips

Front Range residents like those in Severance travel internationally often: business to Canada/Mexico via DEN, Europe for winter sports, Asia for tech conferences. Students from CSU exchange programs need passports early. High-altitude glare affects photos; indoor studios best. Seasonal rushes overwhelm facilities—book appointments 4-6 weeks ahead. For urgent business, verify DEN's international schedules.[12]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I renew my passport at the Weld County Clerk if it expired over 15 years ago?
No, use DS-11 as first-time. Eligibility strict.[1]

What's the difference between expedited service and urgent travel appointments?
Expedited (2-3 weeks) for any trip; urgent agency visits only for <14 days departure with proof.[3]

My photo was rejected for shadows—how do I fix it?
Retake with even front/side lighting, no glare. Use the State tool.[7]

Do I need an appointment at USPS in Greeley?
Yes, book via iafdb.travel.state.gov; walk-ins rare.[8]

How do I get a birth certificate for my application?
Order certified copy from Weld County Clerk or Colorado Vital Records.[6][10]

Can my child get a passport without both parents?
Yes, with DS-3053 notarized consent from absent parent + ID copy.[1]

What if my passport was lost on a ski trip abroad?
Report via DS-64, apply DS-11 with police report if available.[1]

Are processing times guaranteed during summer?
No—peaks cause delays; apply early.[12]

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

1. Verify Need: First-time (DS-11), renewal (DS-82), replacement (DS-64 + DS-11).[1]
2. Download/Print Forms: pptform.state.gov; black ink, no corrections.[4]
3. Citizenship Proof: Original birth/naturalization certificate.[6]
4. Photo Ready: Two compliant 2x2s.[7]
5. ID: Current license matching name.[1]
6. Fees Prepared: Two checks.[13]
7. Appointment: iafdb.travel.state.gov for Severance area.[8]
8. Attend: Bring all; sign DS-11 on-site.[1]
9. Mail Tracking: Keep receipt, track online.[9]
10. Follow Up: If >8 weeks routine, inquire.[12]

For mail renewals: Same docs except execution fee; send to address on DS-82.[5]

This process ensures smooth sailing for your next trip from Severance.

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Renew Online
[3]U.S. Department of State - Urgent Travel
[4]U.S. Department of State - Form DS-11
[5]U.S. Department of State - Form DS-82
[6]Colorado Department of Public Health - Vital Records
[7]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[8]U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[9]U.S. Department of State - Application Status
[10]Weld County Clerk and Recorder - Passports
[11]USPS - Passport Services
[12]U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[13]U.S. Department of State - Fees