Getting a Passport in Bondurant IA: Facilities Forms Steps

Getting a Passport in Bondurant, Iowa

Bondurant, a fast-growing Polk County suburb northeast of Des Moines, offers easy access to passport services for Iowa's busy travelers. Locals often jet to Europe or Asia for business, Mexico or the Caribbean for vacations, or handle urgent family trips and student exchanges. Peaks hit spring/summer for breaks, holidays for warm escapes, and year-round for relocations. Demand strains facilities, so book early to dodge photo rejections, minor paperwork snags, or renewal mix-ups. This guide uses U.S. Department of State resources to streamline your path [1].

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Pick the right form upfront—using DS-82 for a first-timer voids it and adds weeks.

First-Time Passport (DS-11)

Required if no prior U.S. passport, issued before age 16, or over 15 years old. Download DS-11 from travel.state.gov; complete but don't sign until in-person at an acceptance facility. No mail/online for new apps [2].

Bondurant tips: Use the State locator for Polk County spots. Bring originals (citizenship proof like Iowa birth certificate, photo ID), 2x2 photo, fees. Expect 15-30 min; 6-8 weeks processing (2-3 expedited).

Avoid: Signing early, photocopy-only citizenship docs, bad photos (50% fail rate), missing name-change proof.

Renewal (DS-82)

Eligible if issued age 16+, undamaged, <15 years old, no major changes. Mail DS-82—no facility visit. Ideal for Bondurant business travelers skipping Polk County lines [2].

Replacement (Lost/Stolen/Damaged)

Report lost/stolen online first at travel.state.gov. DS-82 by mail if eligible; otherwise DS-11 in-person. Damaged always DS-11. Use pptform.state.gov wizard. Expedite ($60) cuts 2-3 weeks; peaks add risk [2].

Decision Tool: Passport issued 16+ within 15 years, undamaged, matching ID? Renew DS-82. Else DS-11. Quiz at travel.state.gov. Apply 3-6 months pre-travel.

Required Documents and Forms

40% rejections from incompletes—photocopy originals front/back on plain paper. Use pptform.state.gov wizard.

• Citizenship: Certified birth certificate (Iowa HHS: vitalrecords.iowa.gov, 1-2 weeks; no short forms), naturalization cert, prior passport. Photocopy required.
• ID: Iowa REAL ID DL best; match names exactly (add marriage/court docs).
• Minors <16: Both parents or notarized DS-3053 + ID copy. Child must attend; no renewals.

Fees: $130 adult book/$100 child + $35 acceptance; check to "U.S. Department of State." Expedite +$60. Facility pays separate. One check/applicant.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% Polk rejections. Strict specs [7]:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1⅜ inches.
• Recent color, white background, neutral face, no glasses/hats/selfies. Get at pharmacies/post offices near Bondurant ($15); facilities may snap on-site. Bring 2 loose copies.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Bondurant

No on-site issuance—facilities verify/witness/mail apps. Bondurant demand peaks April-August; book 2-4 weeks ahead. Confirm via travel.state.gov (search "Bondurant IA") or USPS.com as details change. Walk-ins risk 30-90 min waits; arrive prepped 15 min early.

Busy times: Mondays/midday; try early/late mid-week. What to expect: 20-45 min review/seal; no legal advice.

Urgents (<14 days): 1-877-487-2778 for Chicago agency (itinerary proof only).

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person (DS-11)

1. Wizard eligibility [3]; gather citizenship + copy.
2. Fill unsigned DS-11/DS-3053.
3. 2 compliant photos.
4. Fees/checks ready.
5. Book (e.g., 515-286-3772).
6. Attend (minors + parents); sign on-site.
7. Agent seals; track after 1 week [11].

Renewals: Mail DS-82 kit.

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Routine 6-8 weeks; expedite 2-3 (+$60). Urgents agency-only. Iowa peaks delay—track online [1][11].

Special Considerations for Iowa Travelers

Iowa births: HHS certs 1-2 weeks [4]. Students/families: Full minor consent. Business: Renew early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day in Bondurant? No; Chicago emergencies only [10].

Expedite vs urgent? 2-3 weeks fee vs <14-day agency [1].

Expired 16+ years? DS-11 [2].

Name change? DS-82 + docs or DS-11 [2].

Lost Iowa birth cert? HHS.iowa.gov/vital-records, 1-4 weeks [4].

Passport card for cruises? Yes, land/sea only [1].

Photo fails? Pro retake; no edits [7].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] How to Apply
[3] Wizard: pptform.state.gov
[4] Iowa HHS Vital Records
[5] Forms
[6] USPS Passports
[7] Photo Requirements
[8] Polk County Clerk
[9] Facility Search
[10] Agencies
[11] Status Check