Catharine KS Passport Guide: Hays Steps, Checklists & Tips

Getting a Passport in Catharine, KS

Catharine, a small community in Ellis County, Kansas, sits amid vast plains where residents travel internationally for agricultural exports to Europe or Asia, family vacations to Mexico or the Caribbean, or university exchange programs at Kansas State or Fort Hays State. Peak demand hits spring/summer for vacations, winter for ski trips, and year-round for students or emergencies like family crises or job relocations. With no local facility, Catharine applicants drive 10-15 minutes west on US-40 to Hays, facing challenges like appointment shortages, photo rejections from glare/shadows, or form mix-ups during high-volume seasons [1].

This guide provides tailored steps, checklists, and local tips drawn from U.S. Department of State guidelines to avoid delays. Verify details at travel.state.gov, as requirements evolve.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Use this to select the right form and method, preventing wasted trips to Hays.

First-Time Passport

Apply in person with Form DS-11 if: never had a passport, previous one issued before age 16, expired over 15 years ago, or major name change without docs (e.g., marriage certificate) [2].
Key decision: Renewals (DS-82) only for passports issued at 16+ within 15 years, undamaged, same name. Common error: Mailing an ineligible old passport, requiring DS-11 instead.
Catharine tips: Download DS-11 from travel.state.gov; rural facilities like Hays Post Office require appointments.

Required items:

• Proof of citizenship (original/certified birth certificate, naturalization cert, prior passport).
• Valid photo ID (KS driver's license/state ID).
• 2x2-inch color photo (white background, <6 months old).
• Fees (application by check/money order; execution fee cash/card).
• Name change docs if needed.

Avoid: Mailing DS-11, photocopies for originals, poor photos (glare common in KS sun), forgetting minor parental consent.

Renewal

Mail Form DS-82 if passport issued <15 years ago, at age 16+, undamaged, current name [2].
Pitfall: Damaged passports need DS-11 in person.

Replacement (Lost/Stolen/Damaged)

File DS-64 (free report), then DS-82 (mail if eligible) or DS-11 (in person). Expedite for urgent travel [3].

Minors or Additional Passports

Under 16: Always DS-11 in person with both parents. Business travelers: Request second book [1].

Quick Decision Table:

Scenario	Form	Method
First-time / <16 at issue / >15 yrs expired / name change	DS-11	In person
Eligible expired (16+ at issue, <15 yrs, undamaged)	DS-82	Mail
Lost/stolen/damaged (recent)	DS-64 + DS-82/DS-11	Mail/in person
Minor <16	DS-11	In person w/ parents

Search travel.state.gov for eligibility [2].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Catharine

Drive to Hays (10-15 min west on US-40). No Catharine site; book ahead—slots fill fast in peaks. Use USPS locator for updates: tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport-acceptance&searchRadius=20. Expect 20-45 min interviews; arrive early with organized docs. Call for vital records if needed (KDHE online/mail or vitalchek.com expedited) [4][5].

Facility	Address	Phone	Details & Link
Hays Post Office	204 W 10th St, Hays, KS 67601	(785) 625-3421	Full DS-11/execution; appointments via USPS.com. Map
Ellis County District Court Clerk	105 Court St, Hays, KS 67601	(785) 628-9411	DS-11 apps; call for hours/appointments. Map

*(Interactive map pinned to Hays Post Office, Ellis County District Court, and Catharine center. Zoom for directions.)*

Pro tip: Visit early Tue-Thu; avoid Mon midday/holidays. Hays pharmacies nearby for photos.

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

1. Complete DS-11 (black ink, unsigned until interview) [2].
2. Original citizenship proof + front/back photocopy [1].
3. Photo ID + photocopy [1].
4. Two 2x2 photos (<6 months) [6].
5. Minors: Both parents or notarized DS-3053/DS-64 [1].
6. Fees: $130 adult/$100 child book to State Dept; $35 execution to facility [7].
7. Book appointment; arrive 15 min early.
8. Interview: Agent checks/signs; passport mails 6-8 wks routine.
9. Track online after 7-10 days [1].

Printable:

• DS-11 (unsigned)
• Citizenship + copy
• ID + copy
• 2 photos
• Minor docs
• Fees ready
• Appt confirmed

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

1. Verify eligibility [2].
2. Complete/sign DS-82 [2].
3. Include old passport (top).
4. One 2x2 photo [6].
5. $130 adult/$100 child check to State Dept [7].
6. Mail Priority (tracked) to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [1].
7. Track after 2 wks [1].

Printable:

• DS-82 signed
• Old passport
• 1 photo
• Fee check
• Tracked mailer

Passport Photos: Avoiding Rejections

KS glare/shadows common—use indoor Hays spots. Specs [6]:

• 2x2 in, head 1-1⅜ in.
• White/off-white bg, neutral face, eyes open.
• No glare on glasses, uniforms, headphones.
  Walgreens (3800 Vine St, Hays) or Walmart: ~$15. Validate via state.gov tool [6].

Fees, Payments, and Processing Times

Type	Routine	Expedited (+$60)	Urgent (<14 days)
Adult Book	$130	$190	Life/death only [8]
Child Book	$100	$160	Same
Execution (in-person)	$35	N/A	N/A

State fee: check/money order. Facility: cash/card. Times: 6-8 wks routine (10-13 peaks); 2-3 wks expedited. Add mailing. For <14 days urgent (not vacations): 1-877-487-2778 [8].

Special Considerations for Minors and Urgent Travel

Minors: Both parents/guardians; solo needs custody proof. Ellis County students: Start early [1].
Urgent: Expedite for business w/ itinerary; no vacation shortcuts [8].
KS Birth Certs: Long form from kdhe.ks.gov ($20+) [5].

Frequently Asked Questions

Expedite for 3-wk trip? 2-3 wks possible; peaks delay. Overnight return ($21+) [8].
Photo rejected? Retake w/ tool check—KS lighting tricky [6].
Hays appointment? Yes, Post Office; scarce in peaks [4].
Lost abroad? U.S. embassy for temp [1].
REAL ID OK? Yes + copy [1].
Mail renewal from Catharine? Drop Hays PO, tracked [2].
Name change? Court/marriage docs [1].
Ellis peaks? Fall apps; tourism/business surges Hays [1].

Sources

[1] travel.state.gov/passports
[2] travel.state.gov/apply-in-person
[3] travel.state.gov/replace-passport
[4] USPS Facilities
[5] KDHE Vital Stats
[6] travel.state.gov/photos
[7] travel.state.gov/fees
[8] travel.state.gov/expedited