Bettendorf IA Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms & Checklists

Passport Services in Bettendorf, IA

Bettendorf, in Scott County, Iowa, supports a mobile community in the Quad Cities region, where manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture drive frequent international business travel. Students from St. Ambrose University often need passports for study abroad, while families plan vacations around spring breaks, summer festivals, or winter getaways. High demand strains local facilities, leading to long waits—especially March through August. Key pitfalls include mistaking mail renewals for all cases (only if eligible), photo rejections from glare or sizing errors, and forgetting minor consent forms amid rushed family trips. This guide, based on U.S. Department of State standards [1], offers checklists, local details, and tips to navigate efficiently.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Determine your form upfront to save time—many Bettendorf residents visit facilities unnecessarily.

Prove citizenship via original/certified birth certificate (from Iowa HHS [2] or Scott County [4]), naturalization papers, or prior passport.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Bettendorf and Scott County

Designated facilities witness DS-11 applications, review docs, collect fees, and mail to the State Department—no on-site printing. Appointments essential; book 4-6 weeks ahead via phone/website, as walk-ins rarely accepted. Expect 10-20 minutes if prepared: agent oaths you, seals envelope, issues receipt. Peak crowds (Mondays, mid-day, spring/summer) from Quad Cities business trips and student rushes—opt for early mornings or late afternoons.

Key Local Options (verify via State Dept Locator [5]):

• Bettendorf Post Office
  2700 Kimberly Rd, Bettendorf, IA 52722
  Phone: (563) 344-0261
  Mon-Fri by appointment; photo

s on-site (~$15).
Google Maps | USPS Locator [3].

• Scott County Recorder's Office (Davenport, serves Bettendorf)
  600 W 4th St, Davenport, IA 52801
  Phone: (563) 326-8640
  DS-11 handling; check site for hours/appointments.
  Google Maps | Website [4].

No local passport agencies for 14-day urgents (nearest: Chicago, needs itinerary/proof [1]). Libraries like Bettendorf Public or city clerks typically ineligible—confirm officially.

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

Rejections spike from incomplete docs or signed forms—follow exactly for Bettendorf's busy slots.

1. Form DS-11: Download here [1]. Fill but don't sign until agent instructs.
2. Citizenship Proof: Original Iowa birth cert (HHS [2]/Scott County [4]), naturalization cert, or old passport + photocopy.
3. ID Proof: Driver's license/military ID matching DS-11 exactly.
4. Photo: 2x2" color, <6 months old, white background (details below). On-site at Post Office.
5. Fees: $130 adult/$100 child to "U.S. Dept of State" (check/MO); $35 execution to facility. Expedite +$60 [1].
6. Appointment: Schedule early; bring extras (e.g., second photo).
7. At Facility: Present all; agent reviews/oaths/seals. Get receipt, track here [1].
8. Delivery: 6-8 weeks routine; track diligently.

Minors <16: Both parents/IDs/photos/fees; absent parent needs notarized DS-3053 (or DS-5525 custody). Scott County orders via Clerk [7].

Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

Perfect for eligible Quad Cities pros avoiding facilities.

1. DS-82: Complete/sign [1]; include old passport.
2. Photo + Proof: One photo; name change docs (Iowa cert from [4]).
3. Fees: $130 to "U.S. Dept of State"; Priority Mail Express.
4. Mail: Address on form. Times match DS-11.

Ineligible? Use DS-11 in-person.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Pitfalls

25% rejections here [6]. Specs: 2x2", head 1-1⅜" (eyes to chin), neutral face, no glare/shadows/glasses. Iowa indoor lights cause issues—use pro services (Post Office/CVS). Selfies fail; measure head size.

Processing Times and Expediting Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks (door-to-door).
• Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks (peaks like summer add delays).
• Urgent (≤14 days): Chicago agency only, with flight proof [1].

Plan 10+ weeks; scams promise "1-day"—avoid. Track online [1].

Special Considerations for Iowa Residents

• Birth Certs: Certified from HHS ($15) [2] or Scott Recorder [4].
• Name/Custody: District Court/County Clerk docs [7].
• Students: St. Ambrose advises; passport mandatory for exchanges.
• Business: Manufacturing firms reimburse—save receipts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day passport in Bettendorf? No—facilities mail; Chicago for true urgents [1].

Child consent issues? Court order/DS-3053; Scott Clerk [7].

Renewal eligibility? Undamaged, <15 yrs old, post-16 issuance [1].

Expedite summer trip? +$60 at facility; 2-3 weeks typical [1].

Birth cert source? HHS [2]/Recorder [4]; certified only.

Photo rejected? Glare common—retake per specs [6].

Mail renewal ineligible? DS-11 at Post Office [1].

USPS appointment? Required; book here [3].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Iowa HHS - Vital Records
[3] USPS - Find Passport Locations
[4] Scott County Iowa - Recorder
[5] State Department - Facility Search
[6] State Department - Photos
[7] Scott County Iowa - Clerk of Court