Getting a Passport in Adel, IA: Facilities, Fees & Tips

Getting a Passport in Adel, Iowa

Adel residents in Dallas County frequently need passports for agribusiness trips abroad, family vacations to Mexico or Europe, and student programs at Drake University or Iowa State. Demand surges in spring/summer for breaks, winter for escapes, and fall for exchanges—book appointments early as slots at local post offices and clerks fill fast. Aim for 8+ weeks lead time on routine apps; expedited (2-3 weeks, +$60) suits 1-2 month horizons but adds mailing delays; urgent (within 14 days) needs itinerary proof and Chicago Passport Agency appt only.

Key pitfalls to dodge:

• Photos: 2x2 inches, color on photo paper, white/off-white background, <6 months old, head 1-1⅜ inches, no glasses/selfies/glare—use CVS/Walgreens pros ($15).
• Forms: DS-11 in-person for first-timers/minors/name changes/lost; DS-82 mail-only if eligible (16+ at issue, <15 years old, undamaged).
• Docs: Original citizenship proof (certified Iowa birth cert, not copy), matching ID, parental consent for kids.
• Timing: Expedited ≠ urgent; peaks add 4+ weeks.

Verify via travel.state.gov wizards; photocopy all docs first.

Last Updated: October 2024 (fees/times from travel.state.gov)

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Decision tree: <14 days + itinerary? Urgent. 1-3 mo? Expedite. Eligible old passport? Mail DS-82. Else DS-11. Use site fee calculator; pay exact via check/money order.

First-Time, Renewal, or Replacement?

DS-11 in-person (required for): First-time, under 16, passport >15 yrs old or issued <16, lost/damaged/changes. Download unsigned from travel.state.gov; sign only at facility.

DS-82 mail renewal (eligible only if): Issued 16+, <15 yrs ago, undamaged, no urgent travel. Mail old book + new photo to Philadelphia PO Box 90155.

Lost/stolen: Report online (DS-64), then DS-11/DS-82 + fee.

Adel tips: Iowa ag families/students often hit ineligibility—check wizard first to skip wasted trips.

Prep Steps

1. Form + unsigned if DS-11.
2. Original citizenship (IDPH birth cert), ID, photo.
3. Photocopies (front/back).
4. Appt 4-6 wks ahead.
5. At facility: 15-min interview, oath, fees; expect questions on travel/docs.

Required Documents

Adults (DS-11): Unsigned DS-11, certified U.S. birth cert (IDPH order: hhs.iowa.gov/vital-records, 1-2 wks std), ID (IA DL), 2x2 photo, name docs if changed (Dallas County Recorder: 515-993-5804).

Renewal mail (DS-82): Old passport, new photo, name docs.

Minors <16: DS-11 + both parents/DS-3053 notarized consent + parents' IDs/citizenship/relationship proof (birth cert). Valid 5 yrs; common for Adel exchanges.

Iowa note: Post-2002 abstracts invalid—get full certified copy. Rush +fees.

Passport Photos

20-30% rejections from poor specs or Iowa sun glare. Rules: 2x2, color, plain white/off-white bg, neutral face, even light, no eyewear/hats/shadows. Adel spots: CVS/Walgreens/UPS ($15); pros validate.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Adel

No Adel agency for urgent—use these for DS-11 (routine/expedite). Book via travel.state.gov locator or usps.com; peaks (spring/summer) need 4+ wk notice. Expect 20-30 min: doc review, oath, no on-site print.

Tips: Early wkdays best; bring organized folder. Chicago Agency (630-837-9777) for urgent only.

Step-by-Step Application

1. Confirm service/form via wizard.
2. Gather docs/photo/photocopies.
3. Book appt.
4. Attend: Sign DS-11, pay, get receipt.
5. Track after 7-10 days: passportstatus.state.gov.
6. Mailed book arrives 6-8 wks routine.

Mail renewals: Nat'l Passport Processing Center.

Fees (2024)

Check/money order (two payments); no refunds. Update: travel.state.gov/fees.

Processing Times (2024)

• Routine: 6-8 wks (peaks +2-4 wks).
• Expedited: 2-3 wks.
• Iowa surges: Ag/student travel delays routine to 10+ wks.

Track: travel.state.gov/processing-times.

Iowa & Minor Specifics

Vital records: IDPH (Des Moines walk-in/rush avail); Dallas marriage/divorce via Recorder.

Minors: Both parents or DS-3053; photocopy for solo travel.

Business/students: Apply pre-peak; carry ID copies abroad.

Quick Checklists

Application:

• Form (unsigned DS-11/DS-82)
• Originals + copies
• Photo
• Fees
• Appt
• Itinerary (if expedite)

Iowa Docs:

• Certified birth cert (IDPH)
• Name proofs (County Recorder)
• Parental consent

FAQs

Advance time? 8+ wks routine; peaks longer.

Same-day? No—local routine only.

Photo fail? Retake pro; check tool.

Expedite vs urgent? 2-3 wks vs agency days.

Appt needed? Yes, Adel spots fill fast.

Online renewal? Mail/pilot only.

Solo child travel? DS-3053 req'd.

Birth cert rush? IDPH 24hr +fee.

Sources

[1] travel.state.gov/passports
[2] travel.state.gov/processing-times
[3] travel.state.gov/renew
[4] hhs.iowa.gov/vital-records
[5] travel.state.gov/photos
[6] ia.usps.com/find-location
[7] tools.usps.com (Adel PO)
[8] dallascountyiowa.gov/153/Clerk-of-Court
[9] travel.state.gov/urgent-travel
[10] travel.state.gov/fees
[11] dallascountyiowa.gov/150/Recorder