How to Get a Passport in Hobart, IN: Facilities & Checklists

Getting a Passport in Hobart, IN

Hobart, Indiana residents in Lake County frequently travel internationally via nearby Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), a quick drive northwest on I-80/94. Peak demand hits acceptance facilities during spring/summer for Europe/Asia trips, winter Caribbean getaways, and student exchanges from local universities. Last-minute needs for work or family often clash with limited appointments—book early to avoid delays [1].

This Hobart-tailored guide provides checklists, form decision trees, error-proof tips, and direct links. Always verify latest rules on the U.S. Department of State site.

Choose the Right Passport Service

Select the correct form to prevent rejections—common mistake: using DS-82 for first-timers.

Proofs needed: Original citizenship doc (e.g., Indiana birth certificate—order via vitalrecords.in.gov, raised seal required), photo ID (matching names), 2x2 photo, fees. Photocopy all.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Hobart, IN

Limited local spots fill fast—use the State Dept locator or USPS tool to confirm. Appointments mandatory; book via USPS scheduler or phone. Expect 15-45 minutes: agent verifies docs, you sign DS-11, they seal and provide tracking receipt. No on-site printing—bring complete app.

• Hobart Post Office (701 E Cleveland Ave, Hobart, IN 46342): Routine service, on-site photos (~$15). Call (219) 942

-5293. Google Maps

• Portage Post Office (2956 Olivia St, Portage, IN 46368, ~10 miles): More slots. Call (219) 762-1203. Google Maps
• Lake County Clerk's Office (2293 N Main St, Crown Point, IN 46307, ~15 miles): Ideal for locals. Call (219) 755-3502. Google Maps
• Merrillville Post Office (8200 Taft St, Merrillville, IN 46410, ~10 miles): Reliable volume. Call local USPS. Google Maps

No local passport agency (emergencies only). Nearest: Chicago. For travel <14 days, book facility + call 1-877-487-2778 with itinerary [1]. Avoid Mondays/lunch rushes; early mornings best.

Step-by-Step Checklist to Apply In Person (DS-11)

1. Complete DS-11: Online, print single-sided. Don't sign yet.
2. Citizenship Proof: Original birth cert (order IN here), photocopy front/back.
3. Photo ID: DL/gov ID, photocopy. Names must match.
4. 2x2 Photo: White background, no glare/shadows/smiles/glasses (unless medical). Head 1-1⅜". Hobart PO or Walgreens/CVS. Specs.
5. Fees: Adult $130 app ($35 execution to facility). Check formats: facility=check/money order; app=check to "US Dept of State". Calculator. Expedite +$60.
6. Book: USPS scheduler. Arrive 15 min early.
7. Submit: Agent witnesses signature, seals. Get receipt.
8. Track: passportstatus.state.gov after 5-7 days.

Mail Renewal (DS-82) Checklist:

1. Verify eligibility [2].
2. Complete/sign DS-82, include old passport/photo/fees ($130).
3. USPS Priority to P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. Track it.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks total

.

• Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks.
• Urgent (<14 days): Itinerary + NPIC call; life/death gets agency slot [1].

Peaks delay all—apply 9+ weeks early. USPS overnight to/from centers extra [6]. No refunds.

Special Considerations for Minors

• DS-11 in person.
• Both parents or DS-3053 notarized from absent.
• Parental proof (birth cert). Parent holds photo.
• Lake County facilities experienced; divorce papers ≠ consent [3].

Common Challenges and Tips

• Photos (50% rejections): Digital preview at PO; even lighting, neutral expression [8].
• Form Errors: DS-82 ineligible? Re-do as DS-11. Sign only at facility.
• Docs: IN certs need seal; apostille foreign needs via IN SecState.
• Demand: 4-6 weeks advance booking. Mid-week AM slots.
• O'Hare Proximity: Factor 45-60 min drive + traffic for flights.
• Copies/Track: Scan everything; use certified mail for renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Hobart? No. Chicago agency for emergencies only [1].
Expedited vs Urgent? Expedited=fee for 2-3wks; urgent=proof + call, no guarantee [1].
Hobart PO appointment? Yes, book here [6].
Lost abroad? DS-64, embassy temp passport [1].
Renew >15yrs old? DS-11 new [2].
IN Birth Cert? Order online, 2-4wks [4].
Enhanced DL enough? Land/sea Canada/Mexico only [11].
Name Change? Decree + form [1].

Sources

1. U.S. Department of State - How to Apply

2. U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail

3. U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16

4. Indiana Department of Health - Vital Records

5. U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search

6. USPS - Passport Services

7. Lake County, IN - Clerk's Office

8. U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements

9. [U.S.

10. U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees
    Use this official page for current passport application, renewal, and expedited fees (e.g., $130 adult first-time book + $35 acceptance fee). For Hobart, IN residents, factor in Indiana's $30 execution fee at acceptance facilities. Common mistake: Forgetting add-ons like photos ($15–20 locally) or expediting ($60+). Decision guidance: Renew early if expiring soon; choose card ($30) for land/sea travel only vs. book ($130) for air.

11. Indiana Secretary of State - Apostilles
    Essential for authenticating Indiana-issued documents (e.g., birth certificates, diplomas) for foreign use. Hobart-area folks mail or deliver docs here after county certification. Common mistake: Skipping notary or county clerk step first—apostilles only certify signatures, not content. Decision guidance: Needed for Hague Convention countries; check if legalization needed instead. Fees start at $5/doc; allow 5–7 business days.

12. DHS - Enhanced Driver's Licenses
    Explains REAL ID-compliant EDLs for U.S.–Canada/Mexico land/sea travel without passport (issued by select states like Michigan). Indiana does not offer EDLs—standard IN driver's licenses are REAL ID-eligible but require passport for air/international. Common mistake: Assuming IN DL works like EDL abroad. Decision guidance: Skip if staying domestic; get passport if border travel planned. Verify your IN DL status online via BMV for REAL ID star.