Fort Myers Passport Guide: Forms, Facilities, Checklists

Getting a Passport in Fort Myers, FL

Fort Myers in Lee County, Florida, faces intense passport demand from snowbirds arriving November-March, spring training visitors (e.g., Red Sox fans in February-March), Caribbean cruisers departing from nearby Port Everglades, and last-minute family trips amid year-round tourism. Peaks hit December-March (winter escapes) and May-August (summer/Europe travel), stretching facilities thin—book 4-6 weeks ahead. This guide provides a tailored walkthrough, spotlighting pitfalls like mismatched DS-11/DS-82 choices (25% rejection rate locally), minor consent oversights, and photo glare from Florida sun.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Use this table to decide DS-11 (in-person) vs. DS-82 (mail renewal) and avoid errors:

State wizard: https://pptform.state.gov/. Common mistake: Using DS-82 for minors or changes—forces restart, delaying 6+ weeks.

Required Documents and Forms

Originals only. Florida birth certificates (2-4 weeks processing): Order via https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates/ or Lee County Health Dept at 3924 Michigan Ave, Fort Myers.

Forms: https://pptform.state.gov/

• DS-11: New/minor.
• DS-82: Eligible renewals.
• DS-64: Lost report.
• DS-3053: Minor consent.

Photocopy all front/back.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% local rejections from glare/shadows (Florida lighting culprit). Specs: 2x2", recent, neutral face, white background, no glasses/hats.

Fort Myers spots:

• CVS (12631 McGregor Blvd): $15, instant.
• Walgreens/USPS/UPS Store (10081 Daniels Pkwy).

Examples: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos/photo-examples.html. Tip: Use natural indoor light; retakes waste time.

Passport Acceptanc

e Facilities in Fort Myers and Lee County

Consolidated list of key State Dept.-authorized spots for DS-11 (new/minors). Renewals: Mail DS-82 only. Use USPS locator: https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport-acceptance&searchRadius=50&address=33901.

What to Expect: 30-90 min visit. Agent reviews docs, oaths you, collects fees (two checks). No on-site printing/processing. Recent reviews note Fort Myers PO busiest Mondays 10am-2pm; Clerk smoother midweek.

Hyper-Local Busy Times: Snowbird surges Nov-Mar (queues 2x longer); spring training (Feb-Mar) adds families. Avoid lunch rushes; aim Tuesdays-Thursdays 8-9am or 3-4pm. Track via Google Maps reviews for real-time.

Step-by-Step Checklist to Apply In-Person (DS-11)

Prep (3-6 Weeks Early):

• Wizard/form eligibility.
• Birth cert ordered.
• 2 photos ready.
• IDs + photocopies.
• Minors: DS-3053 if needed.
• Fees prepped (checks):

  Type	Routine Adult Book	Expedited (+$60)
  Adult	$130 + $35	$190 + $35
  Minor	$100 + $35	$160 + $35

• Book appt (use links/phones above).

Day Of (Allow 1-2 Hrs):

• Arrive early, extras in hand.
• Agent verifies/signs.
• Pay separate fees.
• Get receipt/tracking.

Post-Submit: Track after 7 days: https://passportstatus.state.gov/. Peaks double routine 6-8 weeks to 12+.

Expedited Note: +$60 at facility (2-3 wks); urgent <14 days needs Miami Agency (305-789-7600, itinerary proof).

Processing Times and Tracking

Routine: 6-8 weeks + mail (10-12 total). Expedited: 2-3 weeks. Fort Myers peaks (winter/

summer): +4 weeks. Call 1-877-487-2778 if stalled. Email alerts available.

Special Cases: Minors and Name Changes

Minors: Both parents or DS-3053 + ID copy—no proxies. Error: Missing parental DOBs. Changes: Court docs + DS-11. Renewals simpler if ID matches.

Fees Breakdown and Payment

Checks: App to "U.S. Dept of State"; exec to facility. Confirm methods by phone.

FAQs

DS-11 or DS-82 in Fort Myers?
DS-82 mail-only if eligible; else DS-11 at PO/Clerk. Mismatch = rejection.

Wait times at local spots?
30-60 min per Google reviews; Clerk faster. Book appts.

Birth cert rush?
Lee Health Dept (239-332-9501) or online; 2-4 wks min.

Photos rejected again?
Glare/shadows common—CVS pros help.

<2 weeks travel?
Miami Agency only; locals can't rush.

Library passports?
Fairs only—call library.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] How to Apply
[3] Renew by Mail
[4] Lost/Stolen
[5] Get Fast (Miami: 305-789-7600)
[6] Children
[7] FL DOH Birth Certs
[8] Photos
[9] USPS Locator
[10] Lee Clerk
[11] Fees