Getting a Passport in Sheridan, CO: Facilities, Steps, Docs

Getting a Passport in Sheridan, Colorado

Sheridan, in Arapahoe County, serves as a practical base for Coloradoans tackling passport needs amid the state's robust international travel scene. From Denver metro business jaunts to Europe and Asia, to Mexico and Canada getaways, and ski trips abroad during winter peaks, demand surges—especially with University of Denver study abroad programs and last-minute family or work urgencies. Facilities near Sheridan fill fast in high seasons, so this guide cuts through with Sheridan-tailored steps, blending U.S. State Department rules[1] and local realities like metro-area crowds and altitude photo glitches.

Quick Start Summary

1. First-time, minor, or lost? In-person DS-11 at a facility (book now).
2. Eligible renewal? Mail DS-82 (quiz it first).
3. Gather docs/photos early (birth cert, ID, 2x2 photo).
4. Fees: Adult book $130 + $35 execution.
5. Timeline: 6-8 weeks routine; expedite +$60 for 2-3 weeks. Urgent? Denver agency proof needed.
   Search facilities: State Dept Locator | USPS Locator. Track: passportstatus.state.gov.[12]

Quick Navigation

• Determine Which Passport Service You Need
• Required Documents and Forms
• Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections
• Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Sheridan
• Step-by-Step Application Checklist
• Processing Times and Expedited Options
• Colorado-Specific Travel Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick DS-11 (in-person) or DS-82 (mail) wrong, and face rejections or delays. Use the State Dept wizard[1] for your match.

First-Time Passport (DS-11 Only)

Mandatory in-person if: first adult passport, minor under 16, prior passport before age 16, or name change without matching old passport. Common for Sheridan families launching ski trips or student exchanges.

Decision Tree:

• Yes to first/minor/old child passport? → DS-11.
• Both parents needed for kids? → Yes, or notarized consent.

What to Expect: 10-15 min at facility; agent witnesses signature. 4-6 weeks delivery (routine).
Pitfalls: Mailing DS-11 (rejected); photocopy-only docs; no appointment (call ahead). Pro tip: Buffer 3-6 months for Colorado holiday rushes.

Renewal (DS-82 Mail-In Eligible?)

Yes if: Issued age 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, current name. Sheridan pros renew early for seamless renewals amid travel spikes.

Decision Tree: Name change/damaged? → DS-11 instead. Request 52 pages free for visa-heavy trips (China/Brazil).
Pitfalls: Mailing ineligible passports; forgetting "large book" request (stuck with 28 pages).

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged (Often DS-11)

Immediate: Report lost/stolen at travel.state.gov (get confirmation #); police report for theft.
Decision: Possess damaged passport? → DS-82 mail. Lost/stolen? → DS-11 in-person + DS-64 form.
What to Expect: Extra scrutiny; 6-8 weeks routine. Pitfall: Skipping report (weeks delay).

State Dept Wizard.[1]

Required Documents and Forms

Prep 1-2 weeks out—rushed packs cause 30% rejections, spiking for Colorado minor apps.[3] Originals + plain-paper photocopies (front/back).

Universal Checklist:

• Citizenship: Certified birth cert (long-form for kids), naturalization cert, or old passport.
• ID: CO driver's license (photocopy).
• Photo: 2x2" compliant.
• Fees: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; $35 execution to facility.[4]

*DS-3053 notarized if one parent absent.

Minors Under 16 (Sheridan Focus): Both parents/guardians in-person or DS-3053 (notarized <90 days + ID copy). Get certified birth cert via vitalrecords.colorado.gov (1-4 weeks; expedite $30+). Pitfalls: Short-form certs, unnotarized consent, name mismatches (add marriage/court docs).
Decision: Both available? → Appear together. Sole custody? → Proof required.

Name Changes: CO marriage/divorce docs from county clerk or vitalrecords.colorado.gov.[5] Print single-sided, no staples.[1]

Renewal mail: Old passport + DS-82 to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.[1]

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

2x2", color, <6 months old, white/off-white background, head 1-1 3/8" high.[6] Rejects plague 20% of apps.

Sheridan/CO Hurdles: High-altitude glare, uneven lighting—opt for pharmacies (Walgreens/CVS ~$15).[7] No glasses/hats/shadows/selfies.
Tips: Neutral face; test via State Dept Tool.[6]

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Sheridan

Denver metro demand hits Sheridan hard—book 4-6 weeks ahead via iafdb.travel.state.gov.[3] Expect 15-30 min: Agent oath, doc check, seal/envelope.

Proximity Options (Verify Services):

• Sheridan Post Office: 4450 S Federal Blvd, Sheridan, CO 80110. (303) 761-7535.[8]
• Englewood Post Office: 2850 S Broadway, Englewood, CO 80113 (~10-min drive). (303) 761-7535.[8]
• Arapahoe County Clerk - Littleton: 10795 W Littleton Blvd, Littleton, CO 80127 (~15-min). arapahoeco.gov/passports.[9]
• Aurora Main Post Office: 2825 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014 (~20-min).[8]

Locators: USPS | State Dept.[10] Walk-ins rare; early weekdays best. Urgent (<14 days)? Denver Agency: (888) 874-7793 (proof req'd).[11]

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

In-Person (DS-11):

1. Wizard check[1].
2. Docs/photos ready.
3. Book slot (call/facility site).
4. Arrive early; sign on-site.
5. Pay/receipt.
6. Track[12].

Mail (DS-82): Priority Mail + old passport.[1] Avoid peaks.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail incl.). Peaks (spring/summer/winter) stretch it.[13]
Expedite: +$60, 2-3 weeks (request at submit). +$21.36 1-2 day return.[4]
Urgent (<14 days): Life/death + itinerary → Denver Agency appt only.[11] No last-minute guarantees—plan 3+ months ahead.

Colorado-Specific Travel Tips and Challenges

• Metro Surge: Sheridan facilities share Denver load; book early for ski/business peaks.
• Photos: Altitude sun/shadows—indoor pros only.
• Minors: Vital records delays common; order ahead[5].
• Renewals: Eligibility quiz prevents mail fails[1]. Monitor travel.state.gov.[13]

Frequently Asked Questions

Child without other parent? DS-3053 notarized or sole custody proof.[1]
Renewing soon-to-expire? DS-82 if eligible; apply 9 months early.[1]
Book vs. Card? Book: All travel. Card: Land/sea to Canada/Mexico ($ cheaper/faster).[1]
Lost Passport? Report[2], DS-11 + expedite.
Sheridan Walk-Ins? Limited; confirm locator.[10]
CO Birth Cert? vitalrecords.colorado.gov (1-2 weeks).[5]
Track Status? passportstatus.state.gov post-7-10 days.[12]
3 Weeks to Travel? Expedite ASAP; agency for <14 days.[13]

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[2] Lost/Stolen
[3] Facility Locator
[4] Fees
[5] CO Vital Records
[6] Photo Requirements
[7] Walgreens Photos
[8] USPS Sheridan
[9] Arapahoe Clerk
[10] USPS Locations
[11] Passport Agencies
[12] Status Check
[13] Processing Times