Story City IA Passport Guide: Facilities, Docs, Photos & Times

Getting a Passport in Story City, IA

If you're in Story City, Iowa, or nearby in Story County, applying for a U.S. passport involves planning ahead, especially given Iowa's frequent international business travel to Europe and Asia, student exchange programs at Iowa State University (ISU) in Ames, and seasonal tourism spikes during spring/summer vacations and winter breaks to destinations like Mexico or the Caribbean. Last-minute trips for family emergencies or urgent business can add pressure. Local challenges include high demand at facilities around Ames due to ISU's student population, leading to limited appointment slots; confusion over expedited options versus true urgent travel (within 14 days); photo rejections from poor lighting or sizing; and issues with incomplete forms, particularly for minors. Always verify details using official tools, as processing times can stretch during peak periods like summer and holidays—do not count on last-minute service then [1].

This guide walks you through eligibility, local options, documents, photos, and processing to help you prepare effectively.

Choose the Right Passport Service

Before gathering documents, determine your specific need. Using the wrong process wastes time and money.

First-Time Passport

Apply if you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous one was issued before age 16, or it's been more than 15 years since issuance. All first-time applicants (including children) must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility [1].

Renewal

You may qualify to renew by mail if:

• Your most recent passport was issued when you were age 16 or older.
• It was issued within the last 15 years.
• It was not damaged, lost, or stolen.
• You're not changing your name, gender, date/place of birth, or other personal info (minor corrections possible).

Use Form DS-82 for mail renewals, even if living abroad temporarily. Iowa residents with expired passports can renew at many post offices if eligible [2].

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport

Report it lost/stolen via Form DS-64 (free). Then:

• If valid and unexpired: Replace via mail with DS-82 if eligible, or in person.
• If expired: Treat as first-time or renewal based on prior rules. Urgent losses during travel require in-person at a passport agency (not local facilities) [1].

Quick Decision Tool:

Use the State Department's online wizard for confirmation: travel.state.gov/passport-wizard [1].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Story City

Story City (pop. ~3,500) lacks a dedicated full-service passport agency—nearest are in Chicago or Kansas City for life-or-death emergencies. Instead, use nearby acceptance facilities for routine/book (up to 4-6 weeks) and expedited (2-3 weeks) applications. High student traffic from ISU causes backlogs; book appointments 4-6 weeks early for spring/summer [3].

Key local options in/near Story County:

• Story City Post Office: 324 Elm St, Story City, IA 50248. Offers by-appointment service; call (515) 733-4141 to confirm slots [4].
• Nevada Post Office (10 miles east): 825 6th St, Nevada, IA 50201. Busy but reliable; (515) 382-6551 [4].
• Ames Main Post Office (15 miles south): 302 S Walnut St, Ames, IA 50010. High demand due to ISU; book early (515) 239-2833 [4].
• Iowa State University Passport Office (Ames): 1160 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011. Student-focused, handles minors/exchanges; appointments via ISU site [5].

Find exact availability and more via the official locator: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/find-passport-acceptance-facility.html. Search "Story City, IA" for updates [1]. No walk-ins—appointments required everywhere.

For urgent travel (<14 days), after local application, contact a passport agency (e.g., Chicago at 1-877-487-2778) with proof like flights/itineraries. Iowa's urgent volume rises with business trips and student returns [1].

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals—photocopies won't suffice. Iowa-specific: Birth certificates from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Vital Records [6].

Adults (16+)

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy): U.S. birth certificate (raised seal), naturalization cert, or prior passport. Order Iowa birth certs online/via mail if needed ($15-20) [6].
• Proof of ID (original + photocopy): Driver's license, military ID. Iowa REAL ID compliant DLs work.
• Form DS-11: Unsigned, for first-time/in-person. Download from travel.state.gov [1].
• Photo: One 2x2" color (details below).
• Fees: $130 book/$30 card application + $35 execution (cash/check to facility) + optional expedited $60 [1].

Minors (Under 16)

Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent (Form DS-3053). Common pitfall: Incomplete minor docs cause 20%+ rejections [1].

• Same citizenship/ID as adults.
• DS-11.
• Parental awareness if one absent.
• Fees: $100 book/$15 card + $35 execution (no expedited fee savings).

Step-by-Step Document Checklist

1. Determine citizenship proof: Locate original birth/naturalization cert. If lost, request from Iowa HHS Vital Records: hhs.iowa.gov/vital-records (allow 1-4 weeks) [6].
2. Gather ID: Valid photo ID + photocopy on white paper.
3. Complete forms: DS-11 (never sign until instructed); DS-64 for lost; DS-3053 for minors.
4. Get photo: Professional 2x2" (specs below).
5. Calculate fees: Use State Dept fee calculator [1].
6. Photocopy everything: Front/back on 8.5x11 white paper.
7. Schedule appointment: Call facility 4-6 weeks ahead.
8. Arrive early: Bring all originals; pay execution fee on-site.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25% of delays. Specs per State Dept [7]:

• 2x2 inches, color, on white/cream background.
• Head 1-1 3/8 inches from chin to top.
• Taken within 6 months, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No glasses (unless medically required), hats, uniforms; even lighting—no shadows/glare.

Iowa locals: CVS/Walgreens in Ames/Nevada ($15); avoid home selfies. Rejections spike with phone cams [7].

Photo Checklist

1. Size: Exactly 2x2".
2. Background: Plain white/off-white.
3. Expression: Mouth closed, eyes forward.
4. Lighting: Full face, no glare/shadows.
5. Attire: Everyday clothes, no white shirts.
6. Recent: <6 months old.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 4-6 weeks mail time + 6-8 weeks processing. Expedited: +$60 for 2-3 weeks total. Peak seasons (spring/summer, Dec-Jan) add 2-4 weeks—plan 10-12 weeks ahead for Iowa's travel surges [1].

Track at travel.state.gov [1]. No guarantees—holidays/business peaks delay.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Full Application Checklist

1. Choose service: Use wizard [1].
2. Gather/verify docs: Cross-check against travel.state.gov/apply.
3. Get photo: Certified vendor.
4. Fill forms: DS-11 unsigned; print single-sided.
5. Book appt: Via facility phone/USPS site [4].
6. Pay fees: Two checks—one to "U.S. Department of State," one to facility. Expedite envelope if mailing.
7. Attend appt: Oath, sign DS-11, submit. Get receipt.
8. Track: Online after 7-10 days.
9. Receive: Mailed to address on app (books take longer).

For mail renewals: DS-82 + old passport + photo + fee to address on form [2].

FAQs

How far in advance should I apply in Story City?
Due to ISU demand and Iowa's seasonal travel, apply 10-12 weeks early; 6 months ideal for summer/winter peaks [1].

Can I get a passport same-day locally?
No—local facilities don't print passports. Urgent requires agencies 3+ hours away [1].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent travel service?
Expedited speeds processing to 2-3 weeks ($60). Urgent (within 14 days) needs agency appt + proof + higher fee [1].

Do I need an appointment at Story City Post Office?
Yes, all facilities require them. Call ahead; slots fill fast [4].

How do I replace a lost passport while traveling?
File DS-64 online, then apply in person at agency abroad or stateside with police report [1].

For a minor Iowa resident, what if one parent can't attend?
Notarized DS-3053 from absent parent + ID proof. Both signatures if divorced [1].

Where do I get an Iowa birth certificate fast?
Online/vitalchek.com ($25+ expedited) or mail to HHS [6].

Can ISU students apply on campus?
Yes, ISU Passport Office prioritizes students/exchanges; check iastate.edu [5].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]USPS - Renew Passport by Mail
[3]State Dept - Passport Locator
[4]USPS Location Finder
[5]Iowa State University - Passports
[6]Iowa HHS - Vital Records
[7]State Dept - Passport Photo Requirements