Grangeville, ID: Passport Application, Renewal & Facilities Guide

Passport Services in Grangeville, Idaho

Grangeville, a small town in Idaho County, Idaho, serves residents who frequently travel internationally for business, tourism, or family visits. Idaho sees higher volumes of passport applications during spring and summer tourism seasons, winter breaks, and among students participating in exchange programs. Last-minute trips for urgent family matters or business opportunities are common, but high demand at acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments. This guide covers everything you need to apply for, renew, or replace a U.S. passport from Grangeville, drawing on official requirements to help you avoid pitfalls like photo rejections, incomplete documents, or confusion over expedited services [1].

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before starting, determine which service fits your situation to use the correct form and process:

• First-time passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16; also for certain lost, stolen, or damaged passports. Use Form DS-11 and apply in person at an acceptance facility [1].

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, undamaged, and issued in your current name (or you can document a name change). Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or it's a child passport [1].

• Replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged: If your passport is lost/stolen, report it first via Form DS-64 (online or mail), then apply for a replacement using DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (mail if eligible). Severely damaged passports require DS-11 regardless [1].

• Urgent travel (within 14 days): Life-or-death emergencies or travel within 14 days require an in-person visit to a passport agency, not a local facility. The nearest is in Seattle, WA (about 6-7 hours drive from Grangeville)—appointments are limited, so plan ahead [2].

For minors under 16, always use DS-11 in person with both parents/guardians present or notarized consent [1]. Idaho's seasonal travel peaks amplify wait times, so check eligibility carefully to avoid form errors.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Grangeville

Grangeville lacks a full-service passport agency, so use nearby acceptance facilities where you submit DS-11 applications. These are by appointment only during peak seasons (spring/summer, holidays) due to high demand [3].

• **Primary option: Grangeville Post

Office** (201 W Main St, Grangeville, ID 83530). Offers passport acceptance; call (208) 983-2245 to book. Photos available on-site or nearby [3].

• Idaho County Clerk (320 W Main St, Grangeville, ID 83530). Handles passports; contact (208) 983-2751 for hours/appointments [4].

• Nearby alternatives (20-60 miles):

  Facility	Address	Phone	Notes
  Cottonwood Post Office	440 2nd St, Cottonwood, ID 83522	(208) 962-5641	Limited hours
  Lewiston Post Office (main)	500 Main St, Lewiston, ID 83501 (~60 miles)	(208) 798-3060	Higher volume, photos available
  Moscow Post Office	130 S Main St, Moscow, ID 83843 (~70 miles)	(208) 882-1742	University town, busy with students

Search the official locator for real-time availability: iafdb.travel.state.gov [3]. Book early—slots fill fast during Idaho's tourism surges.

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

Follow this checklist to ensure complete submission. Incomplete applications delay processing, especially for minors.

1. Fill out Form DS-11: Download from travel.state.gov; do not sign until instructed at the facility. Black ink only [1].

2. Gather proof of U.S. citizenship: Original birth certificate (Idaho-issued; order from Idaho Bureau of Vital Records if needed), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Photocopy front/back [1][5].

3. Provide ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Photocopy [1].

4. Get passport photos: 2x2 inches, color, white background, no glasses/shadows/glare. Common rejections in rural areas due to home printers—use facilities like Walmart (Grangeville) or post offices [1][6].

5. Pay fees: See fees section below. Facilities take checks/money orders; credit cards may vary [1].

6. For minors under 16: Both parents/guardians present with IDs; or notarized Form DS-3053 from absent parent. Evidence of parental relationship required [1].

7. Book appointment: Call facility 4-6 weeks ahead, especially spring/summer [3].

8. Submit in person: Present everything unsigned; staff witness signature. Track status online after 7-10 days [7].

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

Renewals are simpler if eligible—mail from Grangeville via USPS.

1. Confirm eligibility: Passport <15 years old, issued at 16+, your signature, undamaged [1].

2. Complete DS-82: Downloa

d, sign, date. Include old passport [1].

3. Photos: One 2x2 photo [1].

4. Fees: Check payable to "U.S. Department of State" [1].

5. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. Use USPS Priority ($30+ extra for tracking) [1].

6. Track: Online at passportstatus.state.gov after 2 weeks [7].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25-30% of rejections [6]. Specs [1]:

• 2x2 inches (51x51mm).
• Head 1-1 3/8 inches from chin to top.
• White/neutral background.
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No uniforms, hats (except religious/medical), glasses (unless medically necessary with no glare).
• Taken within 6 months.

Local options: Grangeville Post Office, Walmart Photo (1102 Cottonwood Rd), or CVS in nearby towns. Digital checks available at some USPS [6]. Idaho's variable lighting increases glare issues—use professional services.

Fees and Payment

Fees unchanged as of 2023; verify current [1]:

Renewal: $130 adult book by mail (no execution fee). Pay application fee to "U.S. Department of State"; execution to facility (cash/check). Optional passport card for land/sea travel to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean [1].

Processing Times and Expediting

Standard: 6-8 weeks routine; 2-3 weeks expedited (+$60). No guarantees—peaks (spring/summer, winter) add 2-4 weeks [1]. Urgent (14 days): Seattle Passport Agency only, with proof of travel/itinerary [2].

• Expedited vs. Urgent: Expedited speeds routine processing; urgent requires agency visit for life/death or imminent travel [1].
• Warning: Do not rely on last-minute during Idaho's busy seasons—apply 10+ weeks early.

Track at passportstatus.state.gov [7]. For birth certificates, Idaho processing: 1-2 weeks standard [5].

Special Considerations for Minors and Idaho Residents

Minors need dual parental consent; common issue in Grangeville's rural families. Order Idaho birth certificates online/via mail from Bureau of Vital Records (450 W State St, Boise, ID 83702 or vitalrecords.idaho.gov) [5]. Students: Exchange programs spike fall applications—start early.

Name changes:

Court order, marriage certificate required [1].

FAQs

How far in advance should I apply for a passport in Grangeville?
Apply 10-13 weeks before travel, per State Department guidelines, due to seasonal demand in Idaho [1].

Can I get a passport the same day in Grangeville?
No—local facilities don't issue passports. Nearest agency (Seattle) handles urgent cases only with appointments [2].

What if my child’s other parent is unavailable?
Submit notarized DS-3053 with copy of their ID; both must appear or provide consent [1].

My old passport is damaged—can I renew by mail?
No, use DS-11 in person if water/mutilated [1].

Where do I get an Idaho birth certificate for my application?
From Idaho Bureau of Vital Records: online, mail, or walk-in Boise. Long-form certified copy needed [5].

Is expedited service guaranteed within 2-3 weeks?
No—high volume can extend times; track online and avoid peaks [1].

Can I use a passport card instead of a book?
Yes, cheaper for land/sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean—not air travel [1].

What if appointments are booked solid?
Try nearby facilities like Lewiston; some clerks offer walk-ins off-peak [3].

Sources

[1]Passports
[2]Passport Agencies
[3]Acceptance Facility Search
[4]Idaho County Clerk
[5]Idaho Vital Records
[6]Passport Photo Requirements
[7]Check Application Status

• 1,652)*