Burlington IA Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms, Checklists

Getting a Passport in Burlington, IA

Burlington, Iowa's gateway along the Mississippi River, sees passport demand surge during spring river cruises, summer Quad Cities Airport getaways (45 minutes north), and winter escapes to Chicago O'Hare (3 hours east). Families, Southeastern Community College exchange students, and business travelers to Canada often scramble for slots amid these peaks—plan 4-6 weeks ahead to sidestep full calendars. Top pitfalls: arriving sans appointment (now standard at most sites), faded photos, or unsigned DS-11 forms. Prep via travel.state.gov, download DS-11/DS-82, and confirm eligibility to match routine 6-8 week processing or expedited 2-3 weeks (extra fees). This guide delivers Burlington-tuned checklists, decision aids, facility intel, and avoidance tactics for seamless results.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Mismatched forms trigger rejections—first-timers can't mail DS-11, and ineligible renewals waste DS-82 stamps. Use this table for quick triage, then verify at travel.state.gov eligibility wizard.

Rural Iowa mail delays add 1-2 weeks—opt in-person for certainty. What to expect: Agents review docs on-site, witness DS-11 signature, issue receipts (track after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov).

Passport Accep

tance Facilities Near Burlington

Des Moines County's slim options mean early booking—river town peaks (Memorial Day, holidays) fill Burlington's primary spot fast. No clerk offices handle passports; post offices dominate. Always confirm via USPS Locator (Burlington-focused).

• Burlington Post Office (Main hub)
  190 S 3rd St, Burlington, IA 52601
  Phone: (319) 754-8271
  Services: Appointments required; on-site photos available (call first). Expect 30-45 min visits.

• Nearby Alternates (If booked): West Burlington PO (105 Broadway St, West Burlington, IA 52650, 5 min); Mount Pleasant or Fort Madison (25 min). Use locator for slots.

Private expediters charge $100+ but don't cut State Dept times—stick federal for savings.

Current Wait Times and Appointment Booking Tips

Acceptance slots vary: Burlington often 1-4 weeks out in peaks, walk-ins rare post-COVID. Check USPS Locator for real-time calendars (online booking where available). Tips:

• Call 8 AM weekdays for cancellations.
• Target midweek (Tues-Thurs) mornings.
• Flexibility: Expand to 50-mile radius for Quad Cities options.
• Track State processing at travel.state.gov/processing-times (routine 6-8 wks; expedited 2-3 wks as of late 2024—fluctuates).

Required Documents and Eligibility

Rejections hit 20% from gaps—scan originals/photocopies ahead. Iowa quirks: Order birth certs early via HHS Vital Records ($20 rush).

• Citizenship: Birth cert (IA-issued), naturalization papers (orig + copy).
• ID: IA REAL ID driver's license (iowadot.gov/realid) or equivalent.
• Photo: 2x2", <6 mos old, white backdrop—no smiles/glasses (specs). Local: Burlington PO, CVS (1903 Agency St), Walgreens (~$15).
• Name change: Certified marriage/divorce decree.
• Minors <16: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent.

Fees (Updated; verify travel.state.gov/fees):

Separate checks: Execution to post office; passport fee to "U.S. Department of State."

Step-by-Step Checklist: New/In-Person (DS-11)

1. Fill DS-11 online (print, don't sign).
2. Collect citizenship/ID proofs + copies.
3. Secure photo.
4. Prep fees (two payments).
5. Book via USPS locator/phone.
6. Arrive early; sign before agent.
7. Submit; get tracking receipt.
8. Monitor at passportstatus.state.gov.

Minors: Add parents' docs + DS-3053 if solo. River Valley families miss this during school trips.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Mail Renewal (DS-82)

1. Verify eligibility at travel.state.gov.
2. Complete DS-82, sign.
3. Add old passport + photo + fee check.
4. Mail to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
5. Track return separately.

Processing Times and Expedited Service

• Routine: 6-8 weeks (check live).
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60 at acceptance/mail).
• Urgent/Life-or-Death (<14 days): Proof required; nearest agency Chicago (4+ hrs). Add $21.36 return shipping.
  Burlington pros: Expedite + overnight for Canada runs.

Common Challenges and Fixes

Special Iowa/Burlington Notes

Southeastern CC students: Factor exchange timelines. No state passports—federal via post offices. REAL ID dual-purpose for ID proof.

FAQs

Advance planning for Burlington? 3-6 months; peaks stretch routine to 10+ weeks.
PO photos? Yes, confirm (319) 754-8271.
Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited cuts weeks ($60); urgent needs agency/proof.
Minor rules? Dual parents or DS-3053.
Birth cert? IA HHS online; 1-2 wks std.
**Lost abroad

?** DS-64 online; replace on return.
Status check? passportstatus.state.gov post-receipt.
Fairs? Rare; use locator.

Sources

• travel.state.gov Passports
• Forms
• Lost/Stolen
• USPS Locator
• Des Moines Co.
• IA Vital Records
• IA REAL ID
• Photo Specs