Coffeyville KS Passport Guide: Post Office, Docs, Fees & Tips

Getting a Passport in Coffeyville, KS

Coffeyville, located in Montgomery County, Kansas, serves residents who frequently travel internationally for business, such as cross-border work near the Oklahoma line, or tourism to popular destinations like Europe and Mexico. Kansas sees higher volumes of passport applications during spring and summer breaks, winter holidays, and around student exchange programs from nearby universities like Pittsburg State. Urgent trips, often due to family emergencies or last-minute business opportunities, add pressure on local facilities. This guide covers everything from determining your needs to submitting your application at the primary acceptance facility, the Coffeyville Post Office, while addressing common hurdles like appointment shortages and documentation errors.[1]

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before gathering documents, identify your specific situation to use the correct process. Applying incorrectly can delay your passport by weeks.

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or if your previous one was issued before age 16. All children under 16 need a first-time application, even for renewals.[2]

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you're at least 16, and it was not damaged, lost, or reported stolen. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed. Kansas residents often overlook this; mailing from Coffeyville can save time unless expediting.[3]

• Replacement (Lost, Stolen, or Damaged): Report it online or via Form DS-64 first, then apply using Form DS-11 (like first-time) if replacing urgently. For damaged passports, explain the issue clearly.[4]

• Name Change or Correction: If your passport doesn't match your ID due to marriage/divorce, use DS-5504 within one year of issuance (free, by mail) or DS-82/DS-11 otherwise.[2]

Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm: answer a few questions, and it selects your form.[5] Misusing DS-82 for first-time applications is a top rejection reason in busy seasons.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Coffeyville

The Coffeyville Post Office at 1409 S Buckeye St is the main passport acceptance facility (PAF). It handles first-time, minor, and replacement applications via appointment—call (620) 252-7542 or book online.[6] Montgomery County District Court Clerk (211 W Maple St, Independence—nearby county seat) may offer services; verify via USPS locator.[7]

High demand in spring/summer and winter means slots fill fast—book 4-6 weeks ahead. No walk-ins; arrive 15 minutes early with all docs. For urgent travel under 14 days, request in-person expedited service here, but availability isn't guaranteed during peaks.[1]

Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Follow this checklist precisely. Incomplete applications cause 30% of rejections.[2] Gather originals; photocopies won't suffice.

1. Complete Form DS-11 (first-time/minor/replacement): Download, fill by hand (black ink, no staples). Do not sign until instructed at the PAF.[8]

2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy):

   • U.S. birth certificate (raised seal, from Kansas Vital Statistics or county clerk).[9]
   • If born abroad: Consular Report of Birth Abroad or naturalization certificate.
   • Kansas tip: Order birth certs online via VitalChek (2-3 weeks) or expedited from KDHE.[10]

3. Proof of Identity (original + photocopy): Driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Kansas REAL ID-compliant DL works best.[11]

4. Passport Photo: One 2x2 inch color photo, taken within 6 months. See photo section below.[12]

5. For Minors Under 16 (both parents/guardians present):

   • DS-11 per child.
   • Parental consent (Form DS-3053 if one parent absent).
   • Proof of relationship (birth cert).
   • Common error: Missing court order for sole custody.[2]

6. Fees: See payment section. Pay DS-11 execution fee ($35) to PAF via check/money order; application fee to State Dept.[13]

7. Optional: Expedite fee ($60), 1-2 day delivery ($21.36).[1]

Photocopy all docs on plain white paper (front/back same page). Submit in order: form on top.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Photos cause most returns—shadows, glare, wrong size (2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches), or poor contrast.[12] Specs:

• White/cream background, even lighting (no selfies).
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No glasses (unless medically required), hats (unless religious), uniforms.

Local options: Walmart (1219 N Buckeye St, Coffeyville), Walgreens (1202 S Buckeye), or CVS. Cost $15-17; confirm passport specs. Ship with app if mailing renewal.[14] Kansas sunlight can cause glare—use indoor studios.

Fees and Payment

• Book (under 16): $100 application + $35 execution.
• Adult Book: $130 + $35.
• Card (travel to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean): $30/$65 child/adult + $35.[13]

Execution to PAF (check payable "Coffeyville Post Office"). Application/mailing fees to "U.S. Department of State" (check/money order). No cards at PAFs. Track payments.[1]

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (do not rely on this in peaks).[1] Expedited (4-6 weeks, $60 extra): Request at PAF or mail. Life-or-death under 14 days? Call 1-877-487-2778 for appointment at regional agency (Dallas, ~4 hours drive).[15]

Kansas peaks (spring break, summer) see delays—apply 9+ weeks early. No hard guarantees; track status online after 7-10 days.[16] Avoid last-minute: high demand overwhelms facilities.

Full Application Checklist

Use this printable sequence for your visit:

1. Book appointment at Coffeyville PO via USPS site/phone.[6]
2. Download/print DS-11 (or DS-82 for mail).[8]
3. Gather citizenship proof (birth cert—order early from KDHE if needed).[9]
4. Get valid photo (check specs twice).[12]
5. Photocopy docs (single-sided pages).
6. Write two checks: execution to PO, app fee to State Dept.
7. For minors: Both parents, consent form.[2]
8. Arrive early, sign DS-11 in front of agent.
9. Note tracking number; save receipt.
10. Track online after 1 week.[16]

Common Challenges and Kansas-Specific Tips

• Limited Appointments: Spring/summer fills PO slots; check nearby Independence or Parsons PAFs.[7]
• Expedited Confusion: Expedited ≠ under-14-day urgent. Latter needs agency appt.[1]
• Photo Rejections: Coffeyville drugstores common culprits—use photo centers.
• Docs for Minors: Exchange students from SEK region spike apps; get consents notarized early.
• Renewals Mailed Wrong: DS-82 must go to Dept of State, not PO.
• Birth Certs: Montgomery County Clerk issues uncertified copies; get certified from state.[17]

Business travelers to Mexico: Passport card suffices. Tourists: Book now for summer Europe peaks.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Coffeyville

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to receive and review passport applications from U.S. citizens. These sites, often found at post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, or municipal buildings, do not issue passports themselves. Instead, staff there verify your identity, ensure your application is complete, administer the oath of allegiance, and forward your materials to a regional passport agency for processing. Expect a straightforward but thorough review process: you'll need to present a completed DS-11 form (for first-time applicants) or DS-82 (for renewals), two passport photos meeting specific requirements, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment for application and execution fees. Fees are typically paid separately—one by check to the State Department and another to the facility for their service. The entire visit usually takes 15-30 minutes if your documents are in order, but delays can occur if corrections are needed.

In and around Coffeyville, several such facilities serve residents of Coffeyville and nearby communities in southeast Kansas. Common options include larger post offices in town and surrounding counties, as well as clerk offices in adjacent areas like Montgomery County. For those willing to travel short distances, facilities in neighboring towns may offer additional availability. Always check the official U.S. Department of State website or call ahead to confirm current participation and any requirements, as designations can change. Expedited services are not available at acceptance facilities; for urgent needs, contact a passport agency directly.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons, such as summer months and before major holidays, when demand surges. Mondays often bring a backlog from weekend preparations, and mid-day slots—around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—are frequently the busiest due to lunch-hour crowds. To minimize waits, aim for early mornings shortly after opening or late afternoons near closing. Where offered, book appointments online through the facility's system or the State Department's locator tool. Prepare all documents meticulously in advance, arrive with extras like additional photos, and consider weekdays over weekends. Patience is key, as lines can form unexpectedly, so factor in buffer time for your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Coffeyville?
No local same-day service. Urgent under 14 days requires regional passport agency; routine/expedited via PO.[1]

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Kansas?
Routine 2-4 weeks via mail; expedited 3-5 days via VitalChek. Order early for peaks.[10]

What if my child is traveling with one parent?
Complete DS-3053 consent form, notarized, with non-traveling parent's info.[2]

Is my Kansas driver's license enough ID?
Yes, if valid/unexpired. Bring Social Security card if name mismatch.[11]

Can I renew by mail from Coffeyville?
Yes, if eligible (DS-82). Mail to National Passport Processing Center; track USPS.[3]

What happens if my application is rejected?
You'll get it back with reason (e.g., photo). Resubmit quickly; no extra execution fee if soon.[2]

Do I need an appointment at Coffeyville Post Office?
Yes, strictly enforced. Book online or call.[6]

How do I track my passport status?
Online with last name, DOB, app fee check number after 7 days.[16]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[3]U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[4]U.S. Department of State - Lost/Stolen
[5]U.S. Department of State - Passport Wizard
[6]USPS - Coffeyville Post Office
[7]USPS Passport Acceptance Facility Locator
[8]U.S. Department of State - Forms
[9]Kansas Dept of Health - Birth Certificates
[10]Kansas Vital Statistics - Order Vital Records
[11]Kansas DMV - REAL ID
[12]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[13]U.S. Department of State - Fees
[14]USPS - Passport Photos
[15]U.S. Department of State - Urgent Travel
[16]U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status
[17]Montgomery County Kansas - Register of Deeds