Grissom AFB IN Passport Guide: Forms, Facilities for Military

Passport Services in Grissom AFB, IN

Military families at Grissom Air Reserve Base in Miami County, Indiana (ZIP 46971), often need passports for PCS moves to Europe or Asia, TDY in the Pacific, family emergencies abroad, or holiday leave travel. Demand spikes during deployment cycles, summer block leave, and spring breaks, overwhelming local spots. This guide cuts through with a decision tree, checklists, military-tailored tips, and verified local facilities—including full addresses, phones, websites, and schedulers—to help you avoid rejections from photo glitches (shadows, wrong background), missing minor consents, or expired renewals.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Use this decision tree to pick the right form and method—wrong choices mean reapplications, extra fees, and delays:

Timelines: Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (from receipt). Track at passportstatus.state.gov.[10] Military tip: Renew 9 months pre-PCS; use CAC as ID, but match names exactly.

Confirm via State Dept wizard.[1]

First-Time, Name Change, or Ineligible Renewal (DS-11)

In-person only. Download DS-11; complete but don't sign.[1]

Docs: Original citizenship proof (IN birth cert from VitalChek), photo ID (CAC/IN DL) + photocopy, 2x2 photo, name change docs (marriage cert).[7][8]

Military Notes: CAC speeds ID check; deployed spouses use DS-3053 for minors.

Adult Renewal (DS-82)

Eligibility Check (Must Meet ALL to Mail):
Your passport was issued at age 16+, within last 15 years, using DS-82/DS-11 (not DS-64/DS-5504), undamaged/not reported lost/stolen, name unchanged (or legal docs prove change), and you're renewing your own. Quick test: Issue date ≤15 years ago? Same name? If unsure, use DS-11 in person to avoid rejection/delays. Download DS-82.

Docs: Old passport book (top of package, don't sign back until instructed), two identical 2x2" color photos (taken <6 months ago, plain white background, 1-1/8" head size, neutral expression, no glasses/selfies/hat unless religious/medical with note), personal check/money order for fees payable to "U.S. Department of State" (personal fee separate, check current amounts/fees at travel.state.gov). Include name change evidence (marriage cert, court order). Use USPS Priority Mail Express for 2-5 day delivery + tracking/insurance ($100+ recommended).

Pitfalls/Common Mistakes:

• 15 years old or issued via DS-64/DS-5504? DS-82 rejected—use DS-11 only (in-person required).

• Name mismatch without docs? Auto-denial; gather evidence first.
• Wrong photo (headwear, smiles, poor quality)? Top rejection reason—use pro service like CVS/Walgreens/AAA.
• Regular mail/no tracking? Lost packages common—always Priority Express.
  Decision Tip: Not eligible? Locate nearest acceptance facility via travel.state.gov (search by ZIP); military-affiliated at Grissom AFB, IN may prefer in-person for faster service if urgent.

Child Under 16 (DS-11)

Both parents or DS-3053 notarized (military notary free).[1] Child's birth cert + SS# required.

Pitfall: 40% rejections from consent gaps—include absent parent's ID copy.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Grissom AFB

Book early; no on-base civilian service—use these Miami/Howard County spots (5-25 min drive). Verify via USPS locator.[5] Appointments via phone/online; walk-ins rare.

• Miami County Clerk's Office (Peru, primary for Grissom families; 10 min/6 miles NE): 25 N Broadway St, Peru, IN 46970. Phone: (765) 473-3871. Website: miamicountyin.gov/clerk.[4] Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4PM; call for appts (handles DS-11/children).
• Peru Post Office (walk-ins possible; 10 min NE): 119 W Main St, Peru, IN 46970. Phone: (765) 473-3221. Schedule: tools.usps.com/location.[5] Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM passport hours.
• Kokomo Post Office (higher volume; 25 min/20 miles W): 121 W Sycamore St, Kokomo, IN 46901. Phone: (765) 459-0132. Schedule: tools.usps.com/location.[5] Mon-Fri 10AM-3PM; ideal backup.

What to Expect: 15-30 min visit—oath, docs check, seal app. Bring organized folder. Early weekdays best; peaks (summer/Mondays) wait 2-4 weeks for slots. Military: CAC ok, but base access pass for visitors.

Google Maps: Facilities near Grissom AFB

Required Documents and Common Pitfalls

Core Items (originals + front/back photocopies):

• Citizenship: IN long-form birth cert (in.gov/health/vital-records); $10-40 expedited.[7]
• Photo: 2x2" (6 mo old, white bg, 1-1⅜" head); tool.[8] Peru Walgreens (10 S Broadway): $16.95.
• ID: CAC/IN DL + copy.
• Fees: See table; separate checks.[9]

Pitfalls:

• Short-form birth cert rejected (no parents' names).[7]
• Glasses/shadows: 25% photo fails.
• Minors: No consent = reschedule.

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

1. Wizard check + download DS-11.[1]
2. Gather docs/photo/SS# (child).
3. Fees: Calculator.[9]
4. Book: Call Peru Clerk/PO or USPS tool.[4][5]
5. Arrive early, sign on-site.
6. Track after 7-10 days.[10]

Mail DS-82: Enclose all, Priority to form address.[2]

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Urgent (<14 days): Chicago Agency (7 hr drive); appt travel.state.gov/get-fast.[12] Peaks: +4 wks delays.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25% apps bounce. Specs: No smiles/uniforms/glasses. Local: Peru PO/Walgreens. Test: Photo tool.[8]

Fees Summary

Execution to facility (cards ok some).[9]

Tracking and Next Steps

7-10 days post-submit: passportstatus.state.gov.[10] Issues: 1-877-487-2778.[13]

Frequently Asked Questions

On-base service? No for civilians; check ID office for military.[6]

Expired 16+ yrs? DS-11 only.[2]

Deployed parent? Notarize DS-3053 pre-deployment.[1]

Birth cert? VitalChek.[7]

Photo reject? New app required.[8]

Sources

1. Passports
2. Renew by Mail
3. Lost/Stolen
4. Miami County Clerk
5. USPS Passports
6. DMDC Passport Tools
7. IN Vital Records
8. Photo Requirements
9. Fees
10. Status Check
11. Processing Times
12. Fast Service
13. Contact