Decorah IA Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms, Fees & Tips

Passport Services in Decorah, Iowa

Decorah, nestled in the rolling bluffs of Winneshiek County, Iowa, draws residents into international travel for business, European summer trips, winter escapes, and Luther College study abroad programs. Demand spikes during Iowa's peak seasons—spring breaks, summer tourism, and holiday rushes—straining local facilities with long waits and scarce slots. Common pitfalls like poorly lit passport photos, unsigned DS-11 forms, or mismatched renewal eligibility add delays. This guide streamlines your path with U.S. Department of State-backed steps, local tips, and tools to avoid errors.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Start by matching your situation to the form—using the wrong one is a top rejection reason.

• First-Time or Ineligible for Renewal (DS-11): No prior U.S. passport, issued before age 16, over 15 years old, damaged/lost/stolen, or major data changes. Apply in person at a Decorah facility; do not sign the form until swearing the oath.

• Renewal (DS-82): Passport issued within 15 years, you were 16+, undamaged, not lost/stolen. Mail it—no facility visit unless expediting in person or adding pages. Many Decorah locals miss this, driving unnecessarily.

• Lost/Stolen/Damaged: File DS-64 report, then DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (mail if eligible).

• Corrections/Name Changes: DS-5504 by mail (free if within 1 year of issuance); otherwise, new application.

Urgent needs? Expedite for 14-day travel (in-person proof required); Life-or-Death Emergencies allow mail-in for family deaths abroad. Luther students: Secure passport before visa paperwork [1][2][3].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Decorah and Nearby

Local spots handle DS-11 applications (new/renewals ineligible for mail). Expect 15-30 minute visits: document review, oath, fees, forwarding to processing. High demand means book 4-6 weeks ahead, especially mid-week mornings or peaks—use off-peak like Tuesday afternoons. Verify services/hours via official links; no walk-ins often.

• Decorah Post Office: 111 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101. Phone: (563) 382-2781. Routine/expedited DS-11; photos sometimes on-site. USPS Locator for hours/appointments [5].

• Winneshiek County Recorder's Office: 201 W Main St, Decorah, IA 52101 (Courthouse). DS-11 for residents; confirm via phone (563) 382-6212 or [county site](https:/

/www.winneshiekcounty.org/departments/recorder/) [6].

Nearby (30-45 min drive): Calmar or Cresco Post Offices via USPS locator. Urgents: Rochester, MN or Cedar Rapids agencies (appointment-only, travel proof needed).

Search all via State Department Facility Tool for maps and status [4].

Required Documents and Forms

Originals only—no photocopies as substitutes. Iowa birth certificates (via VitalChek or mail) take 1-2 weeks; order early.

Adults (DS-11/DS-82):

• Citizenship: Certified birth certificate ($15 from Iowa HHS), naturalization cert, or old passport.
• ID: Driver's license/military ID + front/back photocopy (8.5x11" white paper).
• Form: Unsigned DS-11 for in-person; DS-82 for mail.

Minors Under 16 (DS-11):

• Child's birth cert.
• Parents'/guardians' IDs + consent (DS-3053 notarized if one absent).
• Proof of relationship (birth/adoption papers).
• Mistake alert: Missing parental photocopies = instant rejection.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% of Decorah-area apps fail on photos—glare from Viroqua sunlight, uneven heads, or off-white backgrounds. Must be: 2x2", color, 6 months recent, 1-1⅜" head size, neutral face, no glasses/uniforms/shadows [8].

Local Options:

• Decorah Post Office (check availability).
• Walgreens (1115 Montana Ave); CVS (Hwy 9/52).
• Luther College ID office (students only).

Skip selfies; pros ensure specs. View examples: State Dept Photo Tool.

Fees and Payment

Separate payments: Application to "U.S. Department of State" (check/money order); execution to facility (cash/check/card—confirm locally) [9]. No refunds.

Mail renewals: Single check to State Dept.

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

1. Assess Need: Use State Dept Wizard [2].
2. Complete Form: DS-11 unsigned, black ink, no staples.
3. **Compile Docs/

Photos/Fees**: Photocopies ready. 4. Book Slot: 4-6 weeks early via phone/links above. 5. Arrive: 15 min early; expect oath, signing, receipt. 6. Track: Online Status Checker after 1 week [10]. 7. Pickup: Mailed 6-8 weeks routine (longer peaks).

Mail DS-82: Same docs, no execution fee [2].

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6-8 weeks (10+ in Iowa peaks). Plan ahead—don't bank on speed.

• Expedited: +$60 at facility, 2-3 weeks.
• 14-Day Urgent: Expedited + regional agency appt (Des Moines/Cedar Rapids; itinerary/proof required) [3].
• Life-or-Death: 1-877-487-2778 for mail kit [3].

Special Considerations for Decorah Residents

• Luther College: Group sessions via international office; passport first for I-20 visas.
• Families/Business: Minors need dual consent/court orders; combos for frequent Mexico/Canada trips.
• Seniors/Locals: Full book for multi-year validity; replace lost Iowa docs via HHS [7].
• Peaks: Spring/summer student rushes—book early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew at Decorah Post Office? No—eligible DS-82 by mail only [2].

Urgent travel timeline? Expedited + agency for <14 days; proof essential, no cruise qualifiers [3].

Non-consenting parent? Notarized DS-3053 or custody order; both appear otherwise [2].

On-site photos? Decorah Post Office sometimes; else Walgreens/CVS [8].

Track status? Receipt # at travel.state.gov post-submission [10].

Mail expedite? +$60 + overnight return; 2-3 weeks [1].

Old passport? >15 years = DS-11 in person [2].

Post-marriage name change? Free DS-5504 mail (1 year); cert needed [2].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passport Processing Times
[2] U.S. Department of State - Forms
[3] U.S. Department of State - Get a Passport Fast
[4] U.S. Department of State - Acceptance Facility Search
[5] USPS - Passport Services
[6] Winneshiek County Iowa - Official Site
[7] Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Vital Records
[8] [U.S. Depa

[8] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
For Decorah residents, passport photos must be exactly 2x2 inches on a plain white or off-white background, taken within the last 6 months, with a neutral expression (no smiling) and eyes open. Use local photo services familiar with these rules to save time. Common mistakes: Head size too small/large (must fill 1-1⅜ inches from chin to top), glare from glasses or lights, hats/headwear unless religious/medical (with proof), or smartphone selfies with filters/shadows. Decision guidance: Upload your photo to the State Department's free online tool before submitting; if rejected (20-30% of cases), retake immediately—don't mail with a questionable photo, as it delays processing by 4+ weeks.

[9] U.S. Department of State - Fees
Fees are federal (paid by check/money order to U.S. Department of State) plus an execution fee to the acceptance facility. First-time adult passport book: $130 application + $35 execution; add-ons like expedited ($60) or 1-2 day delivery ($21.36). Common mistakes: Forgetting the execution fee or using cash where checks are required. Decision guidance: Routine service (6-8 weeks processing + mailing from Decorah) suits non-urgent trips; choose expedited (2-3 weeks) if under 6 weeks out, or private expedite ($200+) if faster needed—calculate total cost vs. travel risk and confirm facility options ahead.

[10] U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status
Track using your 9-digit application locator number and last name from the receipt. Common mistakes: Checking within 5-7 days of mailing (too early, shows "not found"); using wrong locator or forgetting to save receipt. Decision guidance: For Decorah mailings, wait 7-14 days postmark before first check; if over 4 weeks with no update, contact the National Passport Information Center (wait times peak midweek). Routine Iowa apps average 6-8 weeks total—escalate only if delayed beyond estimates.