Passport Guide Kekaha HI: Waimea PO, PMRF Tips & Steps

Getting a Passport in Kekaha, HI

Kekaha (ZIP 96752), home to many Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) families, sees high passport demand from military TDY to Guam or Japan, relocations to mainland bases, and Hawaii's peak tourism seasons. PMRF personnel often require fast renewals for Asia-Pacific exercises, while locals time applications around holidays or escapes from island routines. Demand surges December-January (holidays/PMRF drills) and June-August (summer family trips), with Kauai post offices booking out weeks ahead—Waimea slots vanish fast for Kekaha commuters.

Tailored for Kekaha: steps, checklists, timelines, and PMRF tips. Always verify at U.S. Department of State. Latest processing (as of November 2024): routine 4-6 weeks, expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent (<14 days)? No Kauai agency—book Honolulu Passport Agency (1-877-487-2778 or online).

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose based on your situation—wrong form wastes weeks. Use State Dept wizard.

DS-11 vs. DS-82 Decision Tree:

• Had valid U.S. passport? → Check issue date/age at receipt.
• Received as adult & undamaged? → DS-82 mail (saves trip).
• Otherwise? → DS-11 in-person. Kauai post offices reject mailed DS-82 attempts—common Kekaha error.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Kekaha

No Kekaha facility (nearest in Waimea, ~10-min drive via HI-550). PMRF commuters prioritize west-side spots to dodge Lihue traffic. Search/book USPS locator 4-6 weeks ahead (filter ZIP 96752). Arrive 15 min early; waits 15-45 min. On-site photos ~$15; military CAC accepted.

DS-82: Mail to National Passport Processing Center (PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155; track USPS Priority).

Gather Required Documents and Fees

Timeline Tip: Start 10-12 weeks pre-travel (add buffer for HI birth cert delays). Hawaii rejections: 30% photo/birth cert issues—use long-form cert (HI Dept of Health only; order here or VitalChek rush ~$30+, 5-10 days).

Core Documents (originals + 8.5x11 photocopies):

• Citizenship: HI long-form birth cert, naturalization cert, old passport.
• ID: HI driver's license, military CAC/ orders (PMRF staple), enhanced ID.
• Photo: 2x2", <6 months, white/no-glare background, eyes open/neutral. Specs; validator. Kekaha tip: Avoid beach sun—CVS/USPS indoor.

2024 Fees (verify State Dept; check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"):

Execution: Cash/card on-site. Forms: DS-11, DS-82, DS-3053 child consent.

DS-11 In-Person Checklist:

• Complete DS-11 online—do not sign until agent witnesses.
• Citizenship proof + photocopy.
• Photo ID + photocopy.
• Compliant photo.
• Fees/checks separated.
• Appt booked.
• Arrive early; expect doc review (10-20 min Waimea).

DS-82 Mail Checklist:

• Eligibility confirmed (old passport enclosed).
• DS-82 filled, signed.
• Photo + photocopies.
• Fees + expedited form if needed.
• Priority Mail; prepaid return envelope.
• Track status after 5-7 days.

Child DS-11: Both parents present or notarized DS-3053; child's photos/ID.

Kekaha/PMRF Challenges and Tips

At Facilities: Waimea (cozy, 20-30 min process): Agent scans docs/photos—PMRF CAC skips lines sometimes. Bring folder; no food/drink.

Top Pitfalls (Kauai stats: 25% return rate):

1. DS-82 in-person (mail only).
2. Short-form birth cert (long-form required).
3. Glare-y photos (Hawaii sun culprit).
4. Signed DS-11 pre-agent.
5. No photocopies.

Timelines & Peaks: Routine full cycle 6-8 weeks from submit; add 1-2 for mail. Kekaha peaks: Post-PMRF open houses, 4th of July parade (family abroad plans), Dec-Jan (25% Kauai delay per county trends). Military: DOD passport guide.

Lost/Stolen: DS-64 online; PMRF: Notify base police. Reapply expedited.

FAQs

How long from Kekaha Waimea submit? Routine 4-6 weeks post-processing; track here.

Can Kekaha renew in-person? No—DS-82 mail only.

PMRF TDY urgent? Expedite at Waimea or fly Honolulu (<14 days proof req'd).

Birth cert delays? VitalChek 5-10 days; plan 4-6 weeks standard.

Local spikes? Yes—Kekaha fairs/PMRF events prompt rushes; apply early.

Photo fix? USPS/CVS retake; tool.

Military perks? CAC as ID; check DOD site for no-fee options.

Sources

• U.S. Department of State - Passports
• Forms
• Children <16
• Photos
• USPS Passports
• USPS Locator
• HI Vital Records
• Processing Times
• Fees