Getting a Passport in Rexburg, ID: BYU-I Student Guide

Getting a Passport in Rexburg, ID

Rexburg, home to Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-I), sees a high volume of passport applications due to students participating in exchange programs, missions, and study abroad opportunities. Residents and visitors also engage in frequent international travel for business and tourism, with peaks during spring and summer breaks as well as winter holidays. This leads to busy acceptance facilities, especially around these seasons, so planning ahead is essential. Whether you're a first-time applicant, renewing an expired passport, or replacing a lost one, this guide walks you through the process tailored to Madison County in Idaho. Always verify details on official sites, as requirements can change.[1]

Common hurdles in Rexburg include limited appointment slots at facilities like the Rexburg Post Office and Madison County Clerk's Office during peak times, confusion over expedited services versus true emergencies (like travel within 14 days), and photo rejections from issues like shadows or incorrect sizing. Incomplete forms for minors or using the wrong renewal application also delay processing. Start early to avoid these pitfalls, particularly if you're a student facing last-minute trips.[2]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right service prevents wasted trips and fees. Use this breakdown:

• First-time passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport. Apply in person at an acceptance facility. Both adults and minors need this if it's their first.[1]

• Renewal: Eligible if your previous passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, and is undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Most can renew by mail using Form DS-82, avoiding an in-person visit. If ineligible (e.g., name change without docs, passport issued over 15 years ago, or damaged), treat as new/first-time.[1]

• Replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged: Report it via Form DS-64 (free) or DS-11 (new application fee) if reapplying. In-person required unless renewing by mail qualifies.[1]

• Name change or correction: Depends on your situation. Minor errors might use Form DS-5504 by mail with your current passport; major changes often need in-person with evidence like marriage certificates.[1]

Students at BYU-I often renew or apply first-time for missions abroad—check eligibility first to save time. Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm.[3]

Gather Required Documents

Prep

aration is key. Originals and photocopies are typically needed; scans won't suffice at acceptance facilities.

• Proof of U.S. citizenship: Original birth certificate (long-form preferred; short forms may be rejected), naturalization certificate, or previous undamaged passport. For minors, both parents' birth certificates if applicable.[1][4]

• Proof of identity: Driver's license, military ID, or government-issued photo ID. Must match application name exactly.[1]

• Photocopies: One per document, on plain white paper, 2x2 inches max. Facilities provide clipboards.[1]

For minors under 16: Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent (Form DS-3053). Divorce decrees or custody papers may be required.[1] Idaho vital records for birth certificates are available via the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics.[5]

Lost citizenship docs? Order replacements early—Idaho processing can take weeks.[5]

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos account for many rejections in high-volume areas like Rexburg. Specs are strict: 2x2 inches, color, white/cream/off-white background, taken within 6 months, head 1-1 3/8 inches, neutral expression, no glasses (unless medically necessary), no uniforms/hats (except religious/medical), even lighting—no shadows, glare, or filters.[6]

Local options:

• Rexburg Post Office (141 W 2nd N) offers on-site photos.
• BYU-I Kennedy Center or pharmacies like Walmart (may vary; call ahead).
• CVS or Walgreens in Rexburg—confirm passport compliance.[7]

Challenges: Student selfies often fail due to glare from indoor lights or poor dimensions. Print at 2x2 exactly; facilities reject non-compliant ones, delaying your appointment.[6] Pro tip: Use the State Department's photo tool to validate before printing.[8]

Find and Book a Passport Acceptance Facility in Rexburg

Rexburg has limited facilities, strained by student demand:

• Rexburg Post Office (141 W 2nd N, Rexburg, ID 83440): Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM by appointment. High demand; books weeks out in peaks.[9]
• Madison County Clerk's Office (145 N 2nd E, Rexburg, ID 83440): County seat facility; call for passport hours.[10]

No passport agencies nearby—closest is Boise (3+ hours away) for life-or-death emergencies only.[2] Use the locator tool for updates.[11]

Book appointments: Call or use online scheduling via USPS or county site. Arrive 15 minutes early with all docs. No walk-ins during busy seasons.[9][10] Peak warning: Spring/

summer and winter breaks fill slots fast—book 6-8 weeks ahead for standard processing.

Fees and Payment Methods

Fees (as of 2023; check for updates):

• Book (28 pages): $130 adult/$100 minor application + $35 execution (facility fee).
• Book (52 pages, large): $190 adult/$150 minor + $35.
• Card: $30 adult/$15 minor + $35.[1]

Expedite: +$60. Urgent (14 days or less): +$60 + overnight delivery ($21.36).[1]

Pay application fee by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; execution fee varies (USPS: cash/check/card).[9] No personal checks for execution at some spots.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Standard: 6-8 weeks routine (postmark to receipt); does not include mailing.[12] Expedited (2-3 weeks): +$60, available at acceptance facilities.[12]

Urgent travel (within 14 days, international): Limited slots at agencies; prove tickets/docs. No guarantees during peaks—last-minute student trips often fail.[2][13] Track via email updates ($0).[1]

Idaho seasonal surges (e.g., BYU-I breaks) extend waits; apply 3+ months early.[12]

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Applications

Use this checklist for first-time, minors, or non-mail renewals:

1. Confirm eligibility: Use wizard—is it first-time/renewal/replacement?[3]
2. Gather docs: Citizenship proof, ID, photocopies, minor forms if needed.[1]
3. Get photos: Compliant 2x2; validate online.[6][8]
4. Complete Form DS-11: Download, fill by hand (black ink), do NOT sign until instructed.[14]
5. Book appointment: Rexburg PO or County Clerk; arrive prepared.[9][10]
6. Pay fees: Separate payments; get receipts.
7. Attend appointment: Both parents for minors; sign in presence of agent.
8. Track status: After 1 week, use online tool with application locator.[15]
9. Receive passport: Mailed 6-8 weeks; keep mailing envelope.

For mail renewals (DS-82 eligible): Print form, include old passport/photos/fee; send to address on form. No checklist needed beyond docs.[1]

Special Considerations for Minors and Students

Minors under 16: In-person with both parents (or consent). Peaks overwhelm facilities—schedule early for exchange programs.[1]

BYU-I students: International Student Services may guide, but applications are individual. Missions require apostilles—extra step post-passport.[16]

Lost passports abroad: Contact U.S. Embassy; limited emergency options in Rexburg.[17]

FAQs

*How far in advance should I apply for a passport in Rexburg?

Apply 3-6 months before travel, especially during BYU-I breaks when facilities book solid. Standard processing is 6-8 weeks, longer in peaks.[12]

Can I get a passport same-day in Rexburg?
No local agencies; nearest is Boise for verified urgencies only (life/death or immediate travel with proof). Expect 2-3 weeks expedited minimum.[2][13]

What if my passport photo is rejected?
Reshoot immediately—common issues: shadows/glare/dimensions. Rexburg PO does on-site; use validation tool first.[6][8]

Can I renew my passport by mail if I live in Rexburg?
Yes, if eligible (issued 15 years ago at 16+, undamaged). Use DS-82; mail from post office.[1]

Do I need an appointment at Rexburg Post Office?
Yes, required; no walk-ins during busy periods. Book online/phone.[9]

What if I'm applying for a minor without both parents?
Notarized DS-3053 from absent parent(s) + ID copy. Court orders help.[1]

How do I replace a lost passport?
Report via DS-64/DS-5504 (if recent); reapply DS-11 in-person with fees.[1]

Where do I get an Idaho birth certificate for my application?
Idaho Vital Records online/mail/in-person (Boise/Pocatello); allow 1-2 weeks.[5]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passport Application & Passport Renewal
[2]U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies
[3]U.S. Department of State - Passport Application Wizard
[4]U.S. Department of State - Forms
[5]Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
[6]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[7]USPS - Passport Photos
[8]U.S. Department of State - Photo Validator Tool
[9]USPS - Rexburg Post Office
[10]Madison County Clerk - Rexburg
[11]U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Locator
[12][U.S. Department of S

tate - Processing Times](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html)
[13]U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service
[14]U.S. Department of State - Form DS-11
[15]U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status
[16]BYU-Idaho International Student Services
[17]U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passport

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