Getting a Passport in Lindsborg, KS: Step-by-Step Guide

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Lindsborg, KS
Getting a Passport in Lindsborg, KS: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a Passport in Lindsborg, KS

Lindsborg residents in rural McPherson County often apply for passports ahead of summer family trips to Mexico, winter escapes to the Caribbean, or student exchanges in Europe. Peak demand hits local post offices during spring break, Memorial Day, and December holidays, when slots book out weeks ahead. Common pitfalls include off-spec photos from home printers (glare or shadows from Kansas sun), mismatched names on IDs and birth certificates, and using DS-82 for ineligible renewals. This guide provides city-specific steps, checklists, and tips to streamline your process—always verify details via official links 1.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Pick the wrong form, and you'll restart from scratch. Quick decision tree:

Situation Form Method Why?
First-time (no prior passport or issued < age 16) DS-11 In-person at facility Required for new apps; agent witnesses signature 2.
Renewal (issued <15 years ago, age 16+, undamaged/not lost/stolen) DS-82 Mail (or in-person if urgent) Faster, no trip needed—ideal for Lindsborg's limited facilities 3.
Lost/stolen/damaged DS-64 (report) + DS-11/DS-82 In-person/mail Damaged passports can't renew; report first 4.
Name change/correction (<1 year post-issue) DS-5504 Mail Quick fix; otherwise use DS-11 5.

Kansas tip: Use the State Department's form wizard (travel.state.gov > Passports > How to Apply) to confirm. Many locals mix up DS-11/DS-82, causing 20%+ restarts 1.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Lindsborg

Small-town Lindsborg has few options—head to McPherson County spots 15 miles south. All require appointments (no walk-ins); book via USPS locator (tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport) or State Department search (iafdb.travel.state.gov) 6. Expect 15-30 minutes: Agent verifies docs/photos, you sign DS-11, pay fees (check/money order only), and they seal/mail your app.

  • Lindsborg Post Office (203 N Main St, Lindsborg, KS 67456; 785-227-2118): Basic acceptance; call for hours/slots 6.
  • McPherson Post Office (119 E Kansas Ave, McPherson, KS 67460; 620-241-0822): Higher volume; online booking available 6.
  • McPherson County District Court Clerk (117 N Walnut St, McPherson, KS 67460; 620-245-3255): Good for minors/first-timers 7.

Alternatives: Salina (30 miles north) or Wichita (60 miles, near ICT airport) for

more slots. Busy times: Mondays, lunch hours, peak seasons—go early mornings/Tuesdays. Bring organized docs to speed up 1.

Required Documents

Miss one item, and you're rescheduling. Checklist for Lindsborg apps:

  • Citizenship proof: Original/certified birth certificate (KS Dept of Health or McPherson Register of Deeds), naturalization cert, or old passport. + Photocopy on plain paper 8.
  • ID: KS driver's license (matches citizenship name exactly) or passport card/military ID + photocopy 1.
  • Photo: 1x 2x2" compliant (details next).
  • Form: DS-11 (unsigned until agent).
  • Fees: App fee to State Dept (check); execution to facility (check/MO). Current: Adult book $130 + $35 exec; child book $100 + $35. Expedite +$60. Verify live: 10.

Minors <16: Both parents/guardians present + IDs/child's birth cert + DS-3053 (notarized consent if absent). Order KS birth certs online (kdhe.ks.gov; 2-4 weeks std, rush available) or McPherson Register (620-245-3253) 9.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Poor photos reject ~25% of apps—Kansas glare/shadows are culprits. Specs 11:

  • 2x2", head 1-1⅜" from chin to top.
  • Neutral face, eyes open/direct, even light (no shadows under chin/eyes/nose).
  • White/light bg, no glasses/hats/selfies/uniforms.

Locals: Walmart (McPherson), Walgreens/CVS (Salina). Facilities check but don't take photos—bring 2-3 extras. Pro tip: Use pharmacies with digital previews.

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

For new apps/minors/replacements. Start 10+ weeks pre-travel.

  1. Confirm need (State wizard 1).
  2. Collect docs/photos + photocopies.
  3. Complete DS-11 online (pptform.state.gov)—don't sign 2.
  4. Book appt (USPS/State locators 6).
  5. Prep 2 checks/MOs for fees 10.
  6. Arrive 15min early; agent reviews/signs/seals.
  7. Track after 7-10 days (passportstatus.state.gov) 12.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Renewal by Mail (DS-82)

Skip the drive if eligible.

  1. Verify: <15yrs old, 16+, good condition 3.
  2. Fill DS-82 (travel.state.gov) + old passport (signed).
  3. Add photo + check ($130 adult book) 10.
  4. Mail: Natl Passport Processing Ctr, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 13.
  5. Track online 12.

Lost? Add DS-64 + police report 4.

Processing Times and Expedited Serv

ices

Current (check live 14): Routine 4-6 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60). Rural KS delays add 1-2 weeks in peaks. Urgent (<14 days, life/death abroad): Wichita/Topeka agencies only—proof req'd, not for vacations 15. Airlines enforce 6-month validity; renew early. Students: Factor school breaks.

Special Considerations for Minors and Kansas Families

DS-11 in-person mandatory. Both parents or DS-3053 (notary-stamped). Common error: Parental birth certs missing—grab from McPherson Register 16. Exchange programs: Include school letter/itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon to apply in Lindsborg? 3+ months for peaks; routine 4-6 weeks 14.

Post office photos? No—pre-verify elsewhere 6.

Expedite vs. urgent? Expedite speeds processing; urgent for emergencies only 15.

Birth cert source? kdhe.ks.gov or McPherson Register (620-245-3253) 9.

Expiring passport travel? Renew if <6 months valid 1.

No slots? Check Salina/Wichita locators 7.

Lost abroad? DS-64 online + embassy 4.

Fee waiver? SNAP/WIC qualifies first-timers 10.

Sources

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