Passport Guide Clearwater KS: Forms Fees Wichita Facilities

Getting a Passport in Clearwater, KS

Clearwater residents in Sedgwick County, Kansas—west of Wichita's aviation hub (Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems)—face passport demand from business trips, Wichita State study abroad, agribusiness exports to Mexico/Europe, family vacations, and winter snowbird flights. Peak spring/summer rushes and emergencies create 4-6 week appointment waits; start 10-13 weeks early for routine service. Dodge pitfalls like photo rejections (2x2 inches, white background, no glare/glasses/selfies, <6 months old), unsigned DS-11s (sign only before agent), photocopy-only birth certificates, or confusing renewals (undamaged passport <15 years old, issued at 16+) with new apps (lost/stolen, minors, major name changes). Minors under 16 require both parents or notarized DS-3053 consent. Use KS vital records for certified birth certificates if needed (kdhe.ks.gov).

Start Here: Official Wizards

• State Department Form Selector: pptform.state.gov
• USPS Appointment Scheduler/Locator: tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport or tools.usps.com/schedule-appointment.htm
• Facility Search: iafdb.travel.state.gov

Reference Tables (Updated September 2024 – Verify at travel.state.gov)

Forms Decision Table

Fees Table (Adult booklet; minors -$30 app fee. Execution $35 at facility. Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State")

Processing Times Table (From receipt at State Dept; peaks add 2-4 weeks)

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Use the wizard above and tables to match: Wrong choice = resubmission delays/fees.

• New (DS-11): First-time, minors, lost/stolen/damaged, non-marital name changes. In-person; expect 20-45 min at facility (agent reviews docs, witnesses signature).
• Renewal (DS-82): Eligible per table? Mail for simplicity—ideal for Clearwater's 25-40 min Wichita drives.
• Expedited/Urgent: Add $60 or agency visit; Sedgwick peaks (spring breaks, summer ag conferences) backlog mail.
  Book off-peak (fall); rural return mail adds 3-7 days.

First-Time Passport

Confirm no prior adult passport. Drive 20-40 min to Wichita facility (see Local Facilities). Gather per tables; agent seals envelope. Common KS error: Short-form birth cert—get long-form certified from KDHE (2-4 weeks).

Passport Renewal

Are you mail-eligible? Use Form DS-82 to renew by mail and avoid an in-person trip—ideal for most adults in Clearwater.
Yes, if:

• Your passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, and is undamaged.
• You're renewing a U.S. passport book or card (or both).
• Minor name changes (e.g., marriage/divorce) are okay with proof.

Steps for DS-82: Download/print from travel.state.gov, sign/date it (must be within 1 year of issue date), include your old passport, two identical 2x2" photos (white background, no glasses/selfies—common mistake: using non-compliant photos from drugstores), payment (check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; no credit cards), and mail in one envelope. Processing: 6-8 weeks standard (expedite for 2-3 weeks extra fee). Track at travel.state.gov.

No? Use DS-11 in-person. Common triggers: first-time applicant, under 16, passport over 15 years old, damaged/report lost, major name change without docs, or want a passport card only. Bring ID/proof of citizenship, photos, fees (cash/check often required locally).

Decision guide: Check your passport's issue date/condition first. If unsure, review eligibility quiz on travel.state.gov—don't guess and risk rejection/delays. For Clearwater folks, mail is fastest/low-hassle unless urgent or ineligible.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport (Replacement)

1. File DS-64 online immediately.
2. DS-11 in-person (cannot mail renewals). Damaged but eligible? Check wizard for DS-82. Frequent Wichita flyers: Apply post-holidays to beat backlogs.

Name Change or Correction

Marriage/divorce/court: Certified original doc + current passport. Use table for form. KS tip: County clerks delay certified copies—order early.

For Minors Under 16

In-person with both parents (or DS-3053 notarized). 20-30% local rejections from consent/docs mismatches. Practice photos (no head tilts/smiles); book 4-6 weeks ahead.

Urgent Travel (Within 14 Days)

Agency only (Kansas City, ~4 hr drive). Standard expedited insufficient.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Your Passport Application

Pre-Application (All in-person types)

• Wizard confirmation + tables review.
• Citizenship proof (KS: kdhe.ks.gov/1270; original + photocopy).
• Photo ID (KS REAL ID DL ideal) + photocopy.
• 2x2 photo (<6 mo; pro preferred).
• Unsigned DS-11 (or per table).
• Fees ready (2 checks).
• Minors/name changes: Extra docs.

Application Day (Expect scrutiny; organize in clear folder)

1. Facility + appt via USPS links (20-30 min drive).
2. Arrive 15 min early; agent verifies, you sign/pay.
3. Get receipt/tracking #.
4. Track online.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Clearwater

High-volume Wichita spots serve Clearwater (20-40 min drives via US-400/I-235). Confirm services/appts via iafdb.travel.state.gov or USPS locator—Clearwater Post Office (100 S Main St, 620-584-6251) limited.

• Wichita Main Post Office: 951 N Walnut St, Wichita, KS 67203 (~25 min). Ph: 316-264-7182. Google Maps from Clearwater.
• East Wichita Post Office: 5900 E 9th St N, Wichita, KS 67206 (~30 min). Google Maps. Call for appt.
• Andover Post Office: 1329 E U.S. Hwy 54, Andover, KS 67002 (~35 min). Google Maps.
• Sedgwick County Options: District Court Clerk/libraries—search official tool.

Peak slots gone fast; arrive prepared to avoid reschedules.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25% of KS rejections. Strict specs: 2x2", 1-1⅜" head size, white background, neutral face/eyes open, color photo paper, <6 mo.
Clearwater Tips: Skip home setups (glare common); CVS/Walgreens (Wichita locations, $15) or UPS. Practice pose—no teeth, uniform glare from KS sun.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Both parents mandatory; DS-3053 for absent (notary + ID copy). Exchange students: 3+ mo early. Rural delivery: Add buffer for return.

Tracking and Receiving Your Passport

USPS Priority (signature rural Clearwater). Lost? DS-64 + status check.

FAQs

How long in Clearwater area? 6-8 wk routine +1-4 wk appt; expedited 2-3 wk.
Same-day? No—Kansas City agency for <14 days.
Photos? Wichita CVS/Walgreens; pro avoids 25% rejection.
Appt needed? Yes, USPS scheduler.
Clearwater PO renewals? Mail DS-82; call for DS-11.
Non-consenting parent? Court/sole custody proof.
KS birth cert? kdhe.ks.gov (2-4 wk).
10-day trip? Agency, not expedited.

Sources

[1] travel.state.gov/passports
[2] travel.state.gov/get-fast
[3] kdhe.ks.gov/1270
[4] usps.com/passports
[5] iafdb.travel.state.gov
[6] travel.state.gov/photos