Getting a Passport in Windsor, CO: Steps & Local Facilities

Getting a Passport in Windsor, CO

Residents of Windsor, Colorado, in Weld County, often need passports for frequent business travel to Canada or Mexico, summer tourism to Europe or the Caribbean, winter ski trips abroad, or student exchange programs. High school and college students from the area, including those near Colorado State University in Fort Collins, frequently apply during spring breaks or before fall semesters. Families also face urgent scenarios, like last-minute trips for family emergencies. However, peak seasons—spring, summer, and winter breaks—bring high demand, leading to limited appointments at local acceptance facilities. Processing times can stretch longer than expected, so plan ahead; avoid relying on last-minute service during busy periods [1].

This guide covers everything from determining your service type to local application options, with step-by-step checklists. Always verify details on official sites, as requirements can change.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right form prevents delays or rejections. Use this section to identify your situation:

• First-time passport: If you've never had a U.S. passport, use Form DS-11. This applies even if you had a passport as a child [2].

• Renewal: Eligible if your previous passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, and is undamaged. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed [3]. Not eligible? Use DS-11 in person. Common mistake: Assuming childhood passports qualify—check issue date carefully.

• Replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged passport: Use DS-11 (or DS-82 if eligible for renewal) plus Form DS-64 to report the issue. Expedited options available [4].

• Name change, correction, or multiple passports: DS-5504 if within one year of issuance; otherwise, DS-82 or DS-11 [5].

• Child (under 16): Always DS-11 in person, with both parents/guardians present or notarized consent [6].

Common pitfall in Colorado: Using DS-82 when ineligible, especially for older passports over 15 years old, leading to returns. Check eligibility tools on the State Department site [3].

Passport Requirements and Forms

All applicants need:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, etc.—photocopies not accepted).
• Valid photo ID (driver's license, military ID).
• One passport photo.
• Fees: $130 application + $35 execution (adults); varies for children/expedited [7].

Downl

oad forms:

• DS-11: travel.state.gov (fill by hand, do not sign until instructed).
• DS-82: Mail renewal [3].
• Fees payable by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; execution fee to facility.

For minors: Additional consent from both parents; evidence of parental relationship [6].

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Follow this checklist to avoid common issues like incomplete documentation, especially for families with children.

1. Gather citizenship proof: Original birth certificate (certified copy from Weld County Vital Records or Colorado Vital Records) or equivalent. If born in Windsor/Greeley, contact Weld County Clerk [8] or Colorado Vital Records [9].

2. Prepare photo ID: Colorado driver's license or ID. Bring photocopy on plain white paper.

3. Get passport photo: 2x2 inches, white background, no glasses/shadows/glare. Common rejections in high-volume areas like Windsor: Head not centered, shadows under chin, or wrong size [10]. Use AAA, CVS, or USPS—many local spots listed below.

4. Complete Form DS-11: Download, fill in black ink, do not sign.

5. Pay fees: Application fee to State Dept.; execution fee ($35 adults/$30 children) to facility—cash/check.

6. Book appointment: Required at acceptance facilities. High demand in Weld County during travel seasons; book early via USPS or county sites.

7. Attend appointment: Both parents for minors; sign form in front of agent. Submit all docs. Expect 20-45 minutes: ID verification, oath, document review.

8. Track status: Online at travel.state.gov after 7-10 days [11].

Expect 6-8 weeks routine processing; 2-3 weeks expedited (+$60). Urgent travel (within 14 days)? Life-or-death within 3 days qualifies for in-person at agencies—call 1-877-487-2778. Expedited ≠ guaranteed urgent; confusion here delays many Coloradans [1].

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

Renewals are simpler for eligible applicants—no Windsor visits needed.

1. Confirm eligibility: Passport issued 16+, <15 years ago, undamaged [3].

2. Complete DS-82: Download, sign [3].

3. Include old passport: Submit with application.

4. Photo: One new 2x2 photo.

5. Fees: $130 adults ($190 expedited); check/money order.

6. Mail to: Na

tional Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [12]. Use USPS Priority ($20+ tracking).

7. Track: Online after 7-10 days [11].

Mail renewals year-round, but peak seasons slow delivery. Avoid if docs are questionable—switch to DS-11 locally.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Photos cause 25%+ of rejections [10]. Specs:

• 2x2 inches.
• Head 1-1 3/8 inches from chin to top.
• White/neutral background.
• Even lighting, no shadows/glare/eyeglasses (unless medically necessary).
• Neutral expression, mouth closed.

Local Windsor options: Windsor Post Office (often provides), Walmart Vision Center, or UPS Store. Test with State Dept photo tool [10]. Windsor sunlight can cause glare—take indoors.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities

Windsor has limited facilities; nearby Greeley handles overflow. All are acceptance facilities (not agencies—no urgent service). Book 4-6 weeks ahead in peak seasons; walk-ins rare. Expect: Check-in, document review, oath, fee collection (20-60 min). Cash/check accepted; call ahead for cards. Peak times: Mondays, mid-day—go early Tues-Thu.

No routine service at Windsor City Hall [14]. High student volume at Weld/Greeley.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks door-to-door [1]. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Add 1-2 weeks mailing.

Colorado's travel patterns amplify delays: Business pros to Asia, tourists to Mexico in summer, winter escapes to Costa Rica. Students rush pre-semester. During holidays/breaks, facilities book solid—apply 3+ months early.

Urgent? Within 14 days: Schedule at agency (Denver Passport Agency, 5-hour drive) if qualified [15]. No local urgent; warn friends/family against "expedited = immediate."

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Minors under 16: Both parents/guardians must appear or provide DS-3053 notarized consent. Common Windsor issue: Incomplete parental docs delaying exchange program trips [6].

Birth certificates: Order from Weld County (weld.gov) [16] or state [9]. Allow 2-4 weeks processing.

Tracking and After You Apply

• Status: passportstatus.state.gov [11].
• Delivery: Track via USPS.
• Pickup: Mailed; old passport returned (mutilated if new minor).

Lost in mail? File police report, use DS-64 [4].

FAQs

Can I get a passport same-day in Windsor, CO?
No routine same-day service locally. Urgent life-or-death emergencies may qualify for Denver Passport Agency, but plan ahead [1][15].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited speeds routine to 2-3 weeks. Urgent (within 14 days) requires agency appointment; not guaranteed [1].

My child needs a passport for a school trip—how soon?
Use DS-11; both parents required. Apply 8+ weeks early, as peak student demand fills Weld County slots [6].

Can I renew my passport at the Windsor Post Office?
No—DS-82 renewals by mail only. Use them for DS-11/new apps [3].

What if my photo gets rejected?
Retake immediately; common issues: glare from Windsor sunlight, shadows, wrong size. Use official validator [10].

How do I get a birth certificate for my Windsor application?
From Weld County Clerk (Greeley) or Colorado Vital Records online/mail. Certified copy needed [8][9].

Is there a passport fair in Weld County?
Occasionally at libraries/post offices; check [travel.state.gov/events](https:/

/travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-fairs.html). Rare in small towns like Windsor [17].

Sources

[1]Travel.State.Gov - Processing Times
[2]Travel.State.Gov - How to Apply
[3]Travel.State.Gov - Renew by Mail
[4]Travel.State.Gov - Lost/Stolen
[5]Travel.State.Gov - Corrections
[6]Travel.State.Gov - Children
[7]Travel.State.Gov - Fees
[8]Weld County Clerk - Passports
[9]Colorado Vital Records
[10]Travel.State.Gov - Photos
[11]Passport Status
[12]Travel.State.Gov - Mailing Addresses
[13]USPS Passport Locations
[14]Windsor CO Official Site
[15]Travel.State.Gov - Get Fast
[16]Weld County Vital Records
[17]Travel.State.Gov - Passport Fairs