Kokomo, IN Passport Guide: Facilities, Steps & Renewals

Guide to Getting a Passport in Kokomo, IN

Obtaining a passport in Kokomo, Indiana, involves visiting local acceptance facilities in Howard County, where demand can spike due to Indiana's active travel scene. Residents frequently travel internationally for business—especially from manufacturing hubs like Kokomo's automotive sector—and tourism. Seasonal peaks occur in spring and summer for vacations, plus winter breaks for warmer destinations. Students participate in exchange programs, and urgent last-minute trips for family emergencies or work add pressure. High demand often means limited appointments at facilities like post offices and the county clerk's office, so plan ahead. Common hurdles include photo rejections from shadows or glare, incomplete paperwork (particularly for minors), and confusion over renewal forms or expedited options versus true urgent travel (within 14 days). Always verify details on official sites, as processing times vary and peak seasons can delay even expedited services—no guarantees on timelines [1].

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Before gathering documents, determine your situation to use the correct form and process. Indiana applicants often overlook renewal eligibility, leading to unnecessary in-person visits.

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport. Use Form DS-11. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility. Includes children under 16 [1].

• Renewal: Eligible if your previous passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, and is undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person needed. Not available for minors. Many Kokomo residents mistakenly use DS-11 for renewals, wasting time [1].

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: If reported lost/stolen, use DS-64 (free report) plus DS-82 (renewal fee) or DS-11 (new fee). For damaged but not lost, use DS-82 if eligible. In-person if urgent [1].

• Name Change or Correction: Use DS-5504 by mail if passport issued <1 year ago (free); otherwise, treat as renewal/replacement [1].

Use the State Department's online wizard: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/passport-help.html.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Kokomo and Howard County

Kokomo has several U.S. Department of State-authorized facilities. Book appointments online or call ahead—walk-ins are rare, an

d slots fill fast during travel peaks [2].

• Howard County Clerk's Office: 229 N Main St, Kokomo, IN 46901. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM–4 PM (passport services may end earlier). Phone: (765) 456-2268. Website: co.howard.in.us/clerk. Accepts DS-11 applications; photos available on-site or nearby.

• Kokomo Post Office (Main): 121 W Sycamore St, Kokomo, IN 46901. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM, Sat 9 AM–1 PM. Phone: (765) 459-0512. Use USPS locator for appointments: tools.usps.com/find-location.htm. Offers passport photos.

• Kokomo Post Office (North Branch): 3400 E Markland Ave, Kokomo, IN 46901. Limited hours; confirm via USPS site. Phone: (765) 454-0773.

Search all Indiana facilities at iafdb.travel.state.gov. Facilities do not process passports—they forward to the State Department. Expect 1–2 week mail return after submission.

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

Follow this checklist precisely to avoid rejections, common for incomplete minor docs or photos.

1. Complete Form DS-11: Fill out online at pptform.state.gov, print single-sided, do not sign until instructed at facility [1].

2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original + photocopy (front/back on standard paper).

   • U.S. birth certificate (long form preferred; order from Indiana Vital Records if needed: in.gov/health/vital-records) [3].
   • Naturalization Certificate.
   • Certificate of Citizenship.
   • Consular Report of Birth Abroad. No photocopies alone; hospital birth summaries insufficient.

3. Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID + photocopy. Indiana BMV for DL: in.gov/bmv [1].

4. Passport Photo: One 2x2" color photo on white/cream background, <6 months old. Head 1–1⅜", neutral expression, no glasses/shadows/glare. Common rejections in Kokomo: poor lighting from home printers [4].

   • Get at facilities above ($15–16) or Walmart/CVS (confirm specs).

5. Parental Consent for Minors (under 16): Both parents/guardians present or notarized DS-3053 form from absent parent. All docs for child. Frequent issue: missing consent [1].

6. Fees (as of 2023; check travel.state.gov): | Applicant Type

| Application Fee (to State Dept) | Execution Fee (to Facility) | Total | |----------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------|-------| | Adult Book | $130 | $35 | $165 | | Adult Card | $30 | $35 | $65 | | Minor Book (<16) | $100 | $35 | $135 | | Minor Card | $15 | $35 | $50 |

• Pay application fee by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; execution fee cash/check to facility. Optional expedited (+$60) or 1–2 day delivery (+$21.36) [1].

7. Book an Appointment: Via facility websites or USPS.com.

8. Attend Appointment: Sign DS-11 in front of agent. Receive receipt; track at passportstatus.state.gov.

Processing: Routine 6–8 weeks; expedited 2–3 weeks (extra fee). Urgent travel <14 days? Life-or-death within 3 days or travel within 14 days—call National Passport Information Center (NPIC) 1-877-487-2778 for appointment at regional agency (e.g., Chicago, 5–6 hr drive) [1]. Do not rely on last-minute during peaks.

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

Eligible renewals skip Kokomo facilities—mail directly. Saves time for busy travelers.

1. Confirm Eligibility: Passport issued <15 years ago, age 16+, your name matches [1].

2. Complete DS-82: Download/print from travel.state.gov. Sign and date.

3. Include Old Passport: Send it—will be canceled/returned.

4. Photo: One compliant 2x2" [4].

5. Fees: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" ($130 adult book). Expedited optional.

6. Mail To: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (expedited to PO Box 90955) [1].

Track online. Same processing times/warnings.

Photo Requirements and Common Pitfalls

Photos cause 25–30% rejections [4]. Specs:

• 2x2 inches.
• White/off-white background.
• Full face, eyes open, neutral mouth.
• No uniforms, hats (unless religious/medical), glasses (unless medical).
• Even lighting—no shadows/glare.

Indiana tip: Local pharmacies like Walgreens (multiple Kokomo locations) or USPS offer compliant photos. Avoid selfies.

Expedited Service vs. Urgent Travel

• Expedited: +$60, 2–3 weeks. Good for spring/summer plans.
• Urgent: On

ly for travel <14 days (expedited + appointment at agency) or life/death <3 days (proof required). Confusion common—call NPIC first. Peak seasons overwhelm; apply 9+ weeks early [1].

Fees and Payment Details

See checklist tables. Fees unchanged recently but verify [1]. No refunds for errors. Indiana residents: No state fee.

Processing Times and Tracking

Routine: 6–8 weeks door-to-door. Peaks (spring/summer, holidays) add delays—do not book flights until passport in hand. Track with receipt number [1].

Vital Records for Birth Certificates

Lost birth certificate? Order from Indiana Department of Health: in.gov/health/vital-records. Expedited options available; allow 2–4 weeks. Kokomo Hospital records via IDOH.

FAQs

How far in advance should I apply for a passport in Kokomo?
Apply 9–13 weeks before travel, especially during Indiana's busy seasons. High demand limits appointments [1].

Can I get a passport photo at the Howard County Clerk's Office?
Yes, many facilities offer on-site photos. Confirm when booking [2].

What if I'm traveling urgently for a family emergency?
For travel within 14 days, contact NPIC for regional agency appointment with proof (itinerary). No walk-ins [1].

My child needs a passport—do both parents have to come?
Yes, or provide notarized DS-3053 from absent parent. Common rejection cause [1].

Is my Indiana driver's license enough for ID?
Yes, if valid and REAL ID compliant (check IN BMV). Bring photocopy [1].

What if my passport was lost while traveling?
Report via DS-64 online, then apply for replacement. Urgent? Nearest embassy/consulate [1].

Can I renew my passport at a Kokomo post office?
No, DS-82 renewals by mail only if eligible [1].

How do I track my application status?
Use receipt number at passportstatus.state.gov [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]USPS Passport Services
[3]Indiana Vital Records
[4]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[5]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[6]Indiana BMV