Fortville IN Passport Guide: New, Renewals, Local Facilities

Getting a Passport in Fortville, Indiana

Fortville residents in Hancock County frequently need passports for international travel tied to Indiana's strong economy, including manufacturing, agriculture, and business hubs near Indianapolis. Popular trips include family vacations to Europe, Mexico, or the Caribbean during spring break, summer, and winter holidays. Local professionals handle sudden work trips abroad, while students commuting to Purdue, Indiana University, or Ivy Tech may need them for study abroad or exchange programs. Family emergencies can create rush needs, but peak seasons (March–August and December) overwhelm acceptance facilities, leading to weeks-long waits for appointments—even expedited services aren't immune to delays.

Common mistakes that delay Fortville applicants include: submitting photos with glare, uneven lighting, wrong size (2x2 inches exactly, head 1–1⅜ inches), or smiling/not neutral expression; incomplete DS-11 forms for first-time or minor passports (forgetting both parents' IDs/signatures); assuming expired passports over 5 years old can renew (they require new applications); and mailing renewals without certified checks/money orders. Always double-check requirements on official sites, as rules change—processing takes 6–8 weeks standard, 2–3 weeks expedited (extra fee), but add 2 weeks mailing time and expect longer in peaks.

This step-by-step guide is customized for Fortville locals, emphasizing local travel patterns and avoidance of pitfalls. Verify everything with State Department tools for current fees ($130–$200+ adult) and timelines—no timelines are guaranteed.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Determine your exact situation first to pick the correct form and process—mismatches cause rejections and restarts, wasting 4–6 weeks. Use this decision guide:

• New Passport (DS-11 form, in-person only): First-time applicant; passport expired >5 years ago; child under 16; name/gender/appearance changed significantly (e.g., marriage, transition); damaged/lost/stolen passport. Bring proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate), ID, photo, and parental consent if minor.

• Renewal (DS-82 form, mail-in): Your passport was issued when you were 16+, is undamaged, and expires in <1 year (or expired <5 years ago). Skip if any changes above. Mail from Fortville works fine, but use tracked shipping.

• Urgent/Expedited: Add $60 fee + overnight delivery; life-or-death emergencies qualify for same-week at agencies (rare, call ahead).

• Minor (under 16): Always new DS-11 in-person; both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent.

If unsure, use the State Department's online wizard—better than guessing and resubmitting.

First-Time Passport

If you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous one was issued before age 16, or you need a 10-year adult passport for certain visas (e.g., many European or Asian countries), you must apply in person using Form DS-11. This covers nearly all Fortville first-timers, including all children under 16.

Quick Decision Guide:

• Yes to DS-11 if: First passport ever, prior passport before age 16, or replacing a child passport as an adult.
• No, use DS-82 renewal instead if: You have an undamaged adult passport (issued at 16+ and within 15 years) and aren't changing name/gender/appearance significantly.

Practical Steps for Fortville Applicants:

1. Gather originals: U.S. birth certificate (or naturalization certificate), photo ID, and photocopies.
2. Get 2x2-inch color photos (white background, no selfies—common mistake: using vending machine or non-compliant photos, which get rejected 30% of the time).
3. Complete Form DS-11 but do not sign until instructed in person.
4. Pay fees separately (check/money order preferred; card surcharges apply).

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Assuming digital uploads work—no, DS-11 requires in-person.
• Bringing expired IDs only—must show valid ID matching application name.
• For kids: Forgetting both parents' presence or consent form (DS-3053) if one can't attend.
• Underestimating time: Book early, as Fortville-area demand spikes seasonally (summer/travel peaks).

Expect 6-8 weeks processing (expedite for 2-3 weeks extra fee). Track online after submission. [1]

Renewal

You may renew by mail if:

• Your passport was issued within the last 15 years.
• It was issued when you were age 16 or older.
• It's undamaged and not reported lost/stolen.
• You're not changing your name, gender, date/place of birth, or appearance significantly.

Use Form DS-82 for adults (16+). Children under 16 cannot renew by mail; treat as first-time [1]. Many Hancock County residents qualify for mail renewals, saving a trip.

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport

• If lost/stolen abroad: Report immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for safety and to prevent misuse. File Form DS-64 (online at travel.state.gov or by mail) to officially report it, then apply for a replacement—use DS-82 by mail if eligible, or DS-11 in person at a U.S. embassy/consulate facility.

• Domestic (including Fortville, IN): Report stolen passports to local police right away for a police report (highly recommended to support your claim and speed processing; common mistake: skipping this, which delays approval).

  • Renew by mail with Form DS-82 if eligible: Old passport issued when you were 16+, within last 15 years, undamaged/not altered, same name/sex/character set, and not for a child. Mail with your old passport, photos, fees—easiest for Fortville-area residents with qualifying passports.
  • New passport with Form DS-11 if ineligible (e.g., damaged passport, first-time urgency, or name/gender change): Apply in person at a passport acceptance facility during business hours.

  Decision guidance: Use DS-82 for speed/simplicity if checklist matches (saves a trip); switch to DS-11 if any mismatch to avoid rejection (common mistake: mailing ineligible DS-82, wasting 4-6 weeks).

Always include a signed statement (use Form DS-64) explaining how/when the issue occurred, plus 2x2" photos, ID, fees, and police report if stolen. Tip: Track status online post-submission; expedited service available for urgent travel. [1]

Additional Passports or Name Changes

Frequent travelers from Fortville, such as business professionals juggling visas for multiple countries (e.g., one passport valid for Europe while the other holds an Asia visa), qualify for a second passport book to prevent invalidating stamps during travel. This is ideal if you travel internationally 4+ times yearly and face scheduling conflicts—apply via Form DS-82 with a written justification of your travel needs and proof like itineraries or employer letters.

Decision guidance: Opt for a second book only if visas genuinely conflict (check State Department guidelines); otherwise, a single passport suffices to avoid extra fees ($130+). Renew both together if applicable.

Common mistakes to avoid: Submitting without explaining the "urgent need" (e.g., conflicting visas)—applications get denied; using a standard renewal form without the second-book request; overlooking that second passports are valid only while your primary one is also valid.

For name or gender changes, submit original or certified copies of proof like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court-ordered name/gender change, or amended birth certificate [1]. Indiana residents should ensure documents are state-certified if issued locally.

Decision guidance: Update promptly after a change to match your current ID (driver's license, Social Security); no need if the change is minor and doesn't affect travel docs.

Common mistakes to avoid: Photocopies or un certified documents (always rejected); forgetting to include your old passport for cancellation; assuming a name discrepancy is okay for travel (it triggers secondary screening abroad). Processing takes 6-8 weeks standard, so plan ahead or expedite for $60 extra.

For Minors Under 16

Always in-person DS-11. Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent (Form DS-3053). Common issue: missing birth certificates or IDs [1].

Use the State Department's online wizard at travel.state.gov to confirm [3].

Gather Required Documents and Proof of U.S. Citizenship

Start early—Indiana vital records processing takes 2-4 weeks [4]. Incomplete docs reject 30% of applications [1].

Checklist for Proof of Citizenship (originals required; photocopy front/back):

• U.S. birth certificate (raised seal, state-issued). Order from Hancock County Health Department (Greenfield) or Indiana Vital Records online/mail [4].
• Naturalization Certificate (Form N-550/570).
• Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/561).
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240).
• Previous undamaged passport.

Proof of Identity (photocopy):

• Valid driver's license (Indiana BMV), military ID, or government ID.
• If no ID: secondary like employee badge + Social Security card.

For Minors:

• Parents' IDs and birth certificates.
• Parental consent if one parent absent.

Photocopy everything 1-sided on 8.5x11 white paper [1].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause most rejections in busy Indiana facilities: shadows from indoor lights, glare from flashes, or wrong dimensions (2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches) [5].

Specs [5]:

• Color photo on photo paper, printed not photocopied.
• Taken within 6 months.
• Plain white/cream/off-white background.
• Full face, neutral expression, both eyes open.
• No glasses (unless medically necessary), hats (unless religious), uniforms.
• Head coverings ok for religious/medical reasons if face visible.

Where to get: Walmart, CVS, Walgreens in Greenfield or Fishers (10-15 min drive from Fortville). UPS Stores charge $15-20. Selfies/digital uploads often fail—use professionals [5].

Pro tip: Take outdoors on overcast day for even light, or use facilities with passport photo services listed on usps.com [6].

Find a Passport Acceptance Facility Near Fortville

Fortville lacks a dedicated facility, so head to Hancock County options (5-15 min drive). Book appointments online—slots fill fast in peak seasons [6].

Closest Facilities:

• Greenfield Post Office (148 N State St, Greenfield, IN 46140): Mon-Fri 10am-3pm by appointment. Phone: (317) 462-4961 [6].
• Hancock County Clerk of the Circuit Court (Greenfield Courthouse, 111 American Legion Pl, Greenfield, IN 46140): Handles DS-11. Call (317) 477-1102 for hours [7].
• Mount Comfort Post Office (New Palestine area, 10 miles south): Limited slots [6].
• For more: Indianapolis (20-30 min): Lawrence Post Office or FedEx locations.

Use USPS locator: tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport-acceptance-facility [6]. Not all post offices execute passports—verify.

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

For first-time, minors, or non-qualifying renewals.

1. Complete Form DS-11 (unsigned until in front of agent). Download from travel.state.gov [1]. Black ink, no corrections.
2. Gather docs/photos (see checklists above).
3. Book appointment at facility (e.g., Greenfield PO).
4. Pay fees (check/money order; two payments):

   Applicant Type	Application Fee (to State Dept)	Execution Fee (to facility)	Total (Routine)
   Adult Book	$130	$35	$165
   Child Book	$100	$35	$135
   Expedited	+$60	Same	Varies [1]

5. Appear in person (minors + parents). Do NOT sign DS-11 until instructed.
6. Submit—receipt given; track at travel.state.gov.
7. Mail arrives 6-8 weeks routine, 2-3 weeks expedited (longer peaks) [2].

Expedited Service: Add $60 at acceptance; use 1-2 day UPS/FedEx return ($20+). For travel <14 days: Call 1-877-487-2778 for urgent appointment at Indianapolis Passport Agency (must prove travel) [2].

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

Eligible adults only.

1. Complete DS-82 (sign/dates). Include old passport.
2. New photo on back: "Photo" signature.
3. Fees: $130 check to "U.S. Department of State". Expedited +$60.
4. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (express ok) [1].
5. Track online. Routine 6-8 weeks [2].

Processing Times and Urgent Travel

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks. Do NOT count on last-minute during Indiana's busy seasons—plan 3+ months ahead [2]. For travel within 14 days (or 28 with intl land/sea):

• Life/death emergency: Call agency.
• Prove travel (e-tickets, itinerary). Nearest agency: Chicago or Indianapolis (call first) [2].

Lost abroad? Contact U.S. embassy.

Renewing Indiana Driver's License While Waiting? No Impact

Passport processing independent of IN BMV. Renew DL separately at Fortville BMV branch [8].

FAQs

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Hancock County for passport?
Order from Hancock County Health Dept (317-468-5180) or Indiana Vital Records (takes 2-4 weeks mail; expedited available) [4].

Can I apply for my child's passport without both parents in Fortville?
Yes, with DS-3053 notarized consent from absent parent, or DS-5525 court order [1].

What if my passport photo is rejected?
Retake immediately—facilities often provide on-site. Check specs twice [5].

Is expedited service guaranteed for urgent business travel from Indiana?
No—high demand means delays; prove imminent travel for agency appt only [2].

Can Fortville students use school ID for passport ID?
No—needs valid photo ID like driver's license. Secondary docs if none [1].

How do I track my Fortville passport application?
Enter details at travel.state.gov/passports/track [2].

What about passport cards for cruises/land travel?
Cheaper ($30 adult/$15 child); apply same process, valid only Americas/Caribbean [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms and Requirements
[2]U.S. Department of State - Passport Processing Times
[3]U.S. Department of State - Passport Application Wizard
[4]Indiana Department of Health - Vital Records
[5]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[6]USPS - Passport Services Locator
[7]Hancock County Clerk of the Circuit Court
[8]Indiana BMV - License Renewal