Getting a Passport in Westville, IN: Steps, Facilities Guide

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Westville, IN
Getting a Passport in Westville, IN: Steps, Facilities Guide

Getting a Passport in Westville, IN

Westville residents in LaPorte County, Indiana, often need passports for quick trips to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, Lake Michigan beaches, or family abroad. Purdue University Northwest students in nearby Hammond frequently apply for study abroad, while manufacturing workers face urgent business travel. Demand peaks in summer for European vacations and winter for Mexico, overwhelming the small town's limited options. Avoid common errors like using DS-82 when ineligible (switch to DS-11), photos with incorrect head size (must be 1-1⅜ inches), or incomplete minor consents, which delay processing by 4-6 weeks. This guide provides Westville-specific steps, checklists, Indiana vital records tips, and State Department-backed advice for smooth applications.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the wrong form requires restarting, wasting time and fees. Use this table to match your situation:

Scenario Form In-Person Required? Key Eligibility and Tips
First-time applicant, child under 16, expired >5 years (or >15 for adults), name change DS-11 Yes, at acceptance facility Sign form only in front of agent; both parents/guardians must appear for minors or provide notarized consent 1
Eligible renewal (issued when 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, no major name change) DS-82 No, mail only Submit old passport; if name changed >1 year ago, use DS-11 instead 2
Lost, stolen, or damaged passport DS-64 (report) + DS-82 or DS-11 Varies by situation File police report for faster processing; if abroad, contact U.S. embassy/consulate 1
Correct name/error (<1 year from issue) or add pages DS-5504 Mail only No fee for corrections if eligible 2
Child under 16 (any scenario) DS-11 Yes Both parents required; exceptions via DS-3053 or court order 3

Westville applicants often need DS-11 due to older passports or frequent address changes from local job shifts.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Westville

Westville's small size (pop. ~3,000) limits optio

ns—start with the Westville Post Office at 106 Ridge St, Westville, IN 46391, a certified passport acceptance facility. Call (219) 785-2861 ahead to confirm services, hours, and appointments, as they book up fast in peak seasons 4. Other nearby LaPorte County spots include:

  • LaPorte Post Office (10 E Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN 46350; ~10 miles north).
  • Michigan City Post Office (275 E 10th St, Michigan City, IN 46360; ~15 miles northwest).
  • LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court (100 6th St, LaPorte, IN 46350; ~10 miles north), which also handles vital records for birth certificates 5.

Search the official locator for real-time updates 6. Walk-ins are uncommon—appointments essential. No local same-day service; applications forward to regional centers. For urgent needs within 14 days, use the Chicago Passport Agency (~50 miles away; appointments via 1-877-487-2778 with proof of travel) 1.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing Your Application

Complete these before your appointment to avoid the 25% rejection rate from missing items:

  1. Form: Fill DS-11 online at pptform.state.gov (print blank; sign only on-site). For mail renewals, use DS-82 7, 2.
  2. Proof of Citizenship (original + photocopy): Long-form birth certificate (get from Indiana Vital Records or LaPorte County Health Department; routine 7-10 days, expedited 1-2 days for extra fee), naturalization certificate, or prior passport 8.
  3. Proof of ID (original + photocopy): Indiana driver's license, enhanced ID, passport card, or secondary like BMV record + utility bill.
  4. Photos (two identical 2x2"): Taken within 6 months, neutral expression, head 1-1⅜ inches between chin and top, plain background, no glasses/selfies. Get at post office, CVS, or Walgreens in LaPorte (~$15); validate with State Dept tool 9.
  5. Fees: Application to State Department ($130 adult

book/60 card DS-11, $100/35 child, $130 DS-82); $35 execution fee to facility; optional $60 expedite + $21.36 1-2 day return. Check fee calculator 10. 6. Minors Under 16: Both parents/guardians appear, or absent one submits notarized DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) with their ID photocopy and proof of relationship (birth/marriage cert). Notary costs $10-20; court order if unreachable 3. 7. Photocopies: One full set of all documents on standard white paper (8.5x11").

Mail renewals go via USPS Priority to the designated processing center.

What to Expect: Application Day at the Facility

  1. Arrive 15 minutes early with appointment confirmation and checklist.
  2. Agent verifies documents, asks about travel urgency or eligibility (e.g., "Why DS-11?").
  3. Swear a brief oath and sign DS-11 in their presence.
  4. Pay fees (cash/check/credit varies by facility); choose routine or expedite.
  5. Get a receipt—status updates at passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days 11.
  6. Passport mails in 6-8 weeks routine (longer in peaks); track diligently.
Service Level Processing Time Extra Cost Ideal For
Routine 6-8 weeks None Trips >3 months away
Expedited 2-3 weeks +$60 Within 6 weeks
Life-or-Death 1-3 days +$60 expedite + travel/shipping Imminent death/medical emergency with proof 1

Purdue NW breaks and Indiana holidays add 1-2 weeks—plan ahead.

Common Challenges and Tips for Westville/Indiana

  • Photo Rejections (25% of issues): Measure head size precisely; avoid home printers.
  • Minor Consents: Proactively notarize DS-3053 ($10-20 at banks/USPS); include absent parent's phone for agent verification.
  • Vital Records Delays: Indiana births via VitalRecords.in.gov—expedite online ($10+ fee, 1-2 days); LaPorte Clerk helps locally.
  • Local Strategy: Reserve Westville Post Office slots early; pivot to LaPorte if full. Purdue NW students: Use campus international office for free form reviews.
  • Renewals: Start at 9 months before expirat

ion. Lost passport? File DS-64 online immediately, get police report.

  • Name Changes: Recent (<1 year)? DS-5504 free; older requires DS-11 with marriage/divorce docs.

Life-or-Death Emergencies

For travel within 14 days due to death or life-threatening medical emergency (not jobs, cruises, or routine care): Contact Chicago Passport Agency (230 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL; book 1-877-487-2778). Bring death certificate, medical docs, itinerary, and proof of relationship. Expedite fees apply; no guarantees without compelling evidence 1.

FAQs

DS-11 or DS-82? If eligible (passport issued at 16+, <15 years old, undamaged, no major name change), mail DS-82. Otherwise, in-person DS-11 2.
Same-day passport in Westville? No—apps forward to centers. Agencies for urgents only 1.
Child consent with absent parent? Notarized DS-3053 + ID/relationship proof; both must appear otherwise 3.
Lost passport during renewal? Submit DS-64 report + police statement, then DS-82/DS-11 1.
Passport card sufficient? Yes for land/sea to Canada/Mexico; needs book for air travel 12.
How to track status? Enter receipt info at passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days 11.
Westville Post Office walk-ins? Unlikely—always call (219) 785-2861 first 4.
Birth certificate timeline? Routine 7-10 days from Indiana Vital Records; same-day options at state health dept for extra fee 8.

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of State - Passports
  2. U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail (DS-82)
  3. U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
  4. [USPS - Passport Services](https://www.usps.com/international/passports

.htm)
5. LaPorte County Clerk
6. Passport Acceptance Facility Search
7. U.S. Department of State - Form DS-11
8. Indiana Vital Records
9. U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
10. U.S. Department of State - Fees
11. Passport Status Tracker
12. U.S. Department of State - Passport Card

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations