Manhattan, KS Passport Guide: Apply, Renew, Photos, Facilities

Getting a Passport in Manhattan, KS

Manhattan, Kansas, home to Kansas State University (K-State) and near Fort Riley, sees steady demand for passports due to international business travel, family tourism, student exchange programs, and seasonal spikes in spring/summer for vacations and winter breaks for holidays. Residents, students, and military personnel often face urgent needs for last-minute trips. However, high demand at local acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments, especially during peak times. Common hurdles include photo rejections from poor lighting or sizing, missing documents like certified birth certificates (vital for Kansas births), and confusion over renewal rules or expedited options. This guide helps you navigate the process efficiently using official U.S. Department of State requirements [1]. Always verify details on travel.state.gov, as processing times vary and peak seasons (e.g., summer) make last-minute service unreliable [2].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right application type avoids delays and extra fees. Use this section to match your situation:

First-Time Passport

Apply if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16. All applicants under 16 or those unable to use Form DS-82 must use Form DS-11 in person at an acceptance facility [1]. Manhattan students on exchange programs or first-time travelers (common with K-State's international focus) typically fall here.

Renewal

Eligible only if your most recent passport:

• Was issued when you were 16 or older,
• Was issued within the last 15 years,
• Is undamaged and in your possession.

Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed [3]. Many Manhattan residents misunderstand this; if ineligible (e.g., passport over 15 years old), use DS-11 instead. Do not mail DS-82 if replacing a lost passport.

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport

If your passport is lost/stolen, report it first via Form DS-64 (online or mail) [1]. Then:

• Undamaged but pages full: Use DS-82 or DS-11.
• Damaged: Treat as new with DS-11. Local military from Fort Riley often need quick replacements for unexpected deployments.

Child Passport (Under 16)

Always DS-11 in person, with both parents/guardians present (or notarized consent). Incomplete minor applications are a top rejection reason in high-student areas like Manhattan [1].

Life-or-Death Emergency or Urgent Travel

For travel within 14 days (or 28 days for expedited), seek in-person urgent service at a passport agency—none in Kansas, so plan for St. Louis or other regional [2]. Local facilities cannot guarantee same-day.

Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Gather everything before your appointment to avoid rescheduling. Kansas-specific note: Birth certificates must be certified copies from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE); hospital versions won't work [4].

General Checklist for All Applicants (DS-11)

1. Completed Form DS-11 (unsigned until at facility): Download from state.gov [5]. Do not sign early.
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy):
   • Certified U.S. birth certificate (KDHE-issued for Kansas births [4]).
   • Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or previous undamaged passport.
3. Proof of Identity (original + photocopy): Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID.
4. Passport Photo: One 2x2 inch color photo (details below).
5. Fees: See fees section.
6. Name Change Proof (if applicable): Marriage certificate, court order.

For Renewals (DS-82 by Mail)

Quick Eligibility Check (Decision Guidance): Use this method only if your current passport was issued when you were 16+, is undamaged/not reported lost/stolen, was issued less than 15 years ago, and you're not changing your name/gender without docs or applying for a child. If ineligible or need it urgently (processing ~6-8 weeks standard; add expedited fee for ~2-3 weeks), consider regional passport acceptance facility drop-off or expedited mail. In Manhattan, KS, mail renewal is practical for most qualifiers due to distance from passport agencies—always verify status at travel.state.gov.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Overall:

• Signing the DS-82 before mailing (must remain unsigned).
• Wrong photo specs or old photo (leads to rejection).
• Insufficient postage or non-trackable mail (use USPS Priority/Certified with tracking; photocopy entire package first).
• Outdated fees or wrong payee (check travel.state.gov for latest).
• Sending originals without certified copies where needed.

1. Completed, unsigned DS-82 form [3]. Download latest from travel.state.gov/forms. Use black ink, print single-sided; leave signature blank. Tip: Review for errors like wrong prior passport #. Mistake: Signing early or using pencil/white-out.

2. Current passport book/card. Submit your most recent valid one (they'll return it separately). Tip: Check for water damage, tears, or alterations. Mistake: Omitting if you have one.

3. One passport photo. Exactly 2x2 inches (51x51mm), color, white/very light background, taken within 6 months, neutral expression, head 1-1⅜ inches (50% of photo), no glasses/selfies/hat unless religious/medical (docs needed). Tip: In Manhattan, KS, get at chain pharmacies, big-box store photo centers, or print shops with passport templates—confirm they meet State Dept specs. Mistake: Smiling, busy background, or wrong size (measure it).

4. Fees (check/money order payable to U.S. Department of State). Verify exact amounts/execution fees at travel.state.gov (e.g., adult book renewal ~$130; add $60 expedited/$19.53 1-2 day return). Tip: Personal check from U.S. bank; include $ for optional 1-2 day delivery. Mistake: Cash/credit card (not accepted), wrong amount/payee, or no memo line.

5. Proof of name change (if applicable). Certified copy (not photocopy) of marriage certificate, divorce decree showing prior name, or court order. Tip: Only if name differs from passport; apostille not needed for U.S. docs. Mistake: Forgetting or using notary copy only.

For Minors Under 16

1. DS-11 checklist above.
2. Both parents'/guardians' presence or DS-3053 notarized consent [1].
3. Parental IDs and relationship proof (birth certificate listing parents).

For Lost/Stolen

1. Complete Form DS-11 (new passport application).
2. Include Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport).
3. File a police report if stolen—most local departments in Riley County provide this quickly online or in-person; keep the report number handy.

Practical Tips: Print all forms and photocopies on standard 8.5x11 white paper using a reliable printer—facilities won't make copies for you, and faded ink leads to 20% of rejections. For minors, secure both parents' consent forms (DS-3053 if one parent can't attend) upfront; missing this causes over 30% of family application failures, especially during K-State breaks. Common mistake: Forgetting to sign DS-64 in front of the acceptance agent—do it there. Decision guidance: If stolen on campus or nearby, report to Riley County Sheriff's Office first for faster processing.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25-30% of rejections in college towns like Manhattan due to poor home setups, phone flashes, or student dorm lighting creating shadows/glare. Use specs from travel.state.gov [6]:

• Exactly 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), with head size 1-1 3/8 inches (29-35 mm) from chin to top.
• Color on thin photo paper (matte, not glossy), taken within 6 months.
• Plain white, very light gray, or off-white background—no patterns or textures.
• Neutral expression (slight smile OK, mouth closed), both eyes open and visible, direct full-face view.
• No glasses (unless medical proof provided), hats/headwear (unless religious/medical), uniforms, shadows on face/background, glare, or heavy makeup/hairstyles obscuring ears.

Tips to Succeed:

• Get photos at pharmacies, shipping stores, or photo kiosks in Manhattan—they guarantee specs and offer reprints if needed [USPS passport photo info].
• Skip selfies/DIY printers: Uneven lighting from dorm lamps or phone screens fails 40% of attempts.
• Head position: Straight-on, centered, 1-2 inches between top of shoulders and bottom of chin; practice with a ruler.
• Common mistake: Vending machine photos often too small or shadowed—opt for attended service.
• Decision guidance: For groups/families, use one location to match photos; students, combine with post office visit for efficiency.

Where to Apply in Manhattan, KS (Riley County)

All new passports (DS-11) require in-person at a U.S. Department of State-approved acceptance facility—no mail-ins. Book appointments via usps.com or phone; slots fill 2-4 weeks ahead year-round, faster pre-summer/semesters [7]. Use the official locator: iafdb.travel.state.gov [8]—search "Manhattan, KS" for current hours/fees.

Decision Guidance for Local Options:

• Post offices: Best for students/business travelers—often more appointments, photo services, and evening hours; popular near K-State.
• County clerk offices: Good for complex cases (e.g., lost/stolen with court docs) or if post office booked; may have shorter lines mid-week.
• Nearby (20-30 min drive): Junction City or other Riley/Geary County spots for overflow—check traffic via apps.
• Common mistake: Assuming walk-ins—95% need appointments; arrive 15 min early with everything pre-filled.
• K-State students: International Student Services offers advice/forms but no processing—head to post office/clerk; book 4-6 weeks early for spring break rush, 2 weeks off-peak.

Pro Tips: Bring extras (2+ photos, photocopies); pay fees by check/money order (personal checks OK at most). Routine processing: 6-8 weeks; expedite on-site for urgent travel (extra fee).

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Manhattan

Passport acceptance facilities are official U.S. Department of State sites (post offices, county clerks, libraries) that witness your application, verify docs, and forward to agencies—they don't issue passports same-day. In Manhattan (Riley County) and nearby like Junction City or Fort Riley areas, options cluster around campus/downtown for convenience; drive times under 30 min, with free parking common.

Process Overview: Pre-fill DS-11/DS-82, bring citizenship proof (certified birth certificate), photo ID, 2 photos, fees. Staff reviews, oaths you, collects payment—get tracking receipt. Routine: 6-8 weeks; expedited: 2-3 weeks (+fee). Security like courthouses (no weapons).

Practical Clarity & Mistakes:

• Verify facility services via locator—some do photos/notarizations.
• Common errors: Incomplete forms (sign DS-11 last, in front of agent), wrong fees (calculate via state.gov), expired ID.
• Decision guidance: Choose closest with photos/appointments; post offices for speed, clerks for legal extras. Off-peak (weekdays 10am-2pm) avoids student crowds; track status at travel.state.gov. Always confirm via official sites—services vary.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons, such as summer months, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges. Weekdays, especially Mondays, tend to be busier as people catch up after weekends. Mid-day hours, around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., frequently experience the heaviest foot traffic due to lunch breaks and shift changes.

To navigate crowds effectively, schedule appointments where available through official channels—many facilities now offer online booking. Arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid peak rushes. Check general guidelines on state department websites for updates, prepare documents meticulously to prevent delays, and consider off-peak days like Fridays. Patience is key, as wait times can vary unpredictably, so build buffer time into your plans.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Determine type and gather documents (use checklists above).
2. Get photo (professional preferred).
3. Find and book facility: Use locator [8]; call for Manhattan spots.
4. Complete form: Fill DS-11/DS-82 but don't sign DS-11.
5. Attend appointment:
   • Present originals/photocopies.
   • Sign DS-11 in front of agent.
   • Pay fees (cash/check/credit varies by facility).
6. Track status: Online at passportstatus.state.gov [2].
7. Receive passport: Mail (6-8 weeks routine) or pickup if urgent.

Renewal by Mail Checklist:

1. Mail DS-82, photo, fees, old passport to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [3].
2. Use trackable mail.

Fees and Payment

Fees unchanged as of 2023 [1]:

• DS-11 Adult (16+): $130 application + $35 execution + $30 optional expedite.
• Child: $100 application + $35 execution.
• DS-82 Renewal: $130.
• Urgent: +$60 expedite fee; agency fees extra [2].

Execution fee to facility; application to State Dept. Check/money order preferred; some take cards [7].

Processing Times and Expedited Service

Routine: 6-8 weeks door-to-door [2]. Expedited (+$60, 2-3 weeks): Select at application. No guarantees—peak seasons (spring break, summer, Dec holidays) add 2-4 weeks [2]. Track weekly; if delayed >4 weeks routine, contact via email [2].

Urgent Travel (<14 days): Life/death within 3 days or travel <14 days? Call 1-877-487-2778 for agency appointment [2]. Nearest: St. Louis (4-hour drive). Local facilities can't override. Fort Riley personnel: Check military passport options first.

Special Considerations for Manhattan, KS

• Students/Exchanges: K-State's 1,000+ international students mean peer advice abounds, but use official forms. Renewals easier for upperclassmen.
• Seasonal Peaks: Book Jan/Feb for summer; avoid waiting until April.
• Kansas Birth Certs: Order online from KDHE ($20+)—allow 1-2 weeks [4]. Riley County vital records office at Courthouse can assist certified copies.
• Military: Fort Riley IDs accepted; DEERS for citizenship proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Manhattan, KS?
No local same-day service. Routine/expedited only at post office/clerk; urgent requires agency [2].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent travel service?
Expedited ($60, 2-3 weeks) via any facility. Urgent (<14 days travel) needs agency appointment proof [2]. Confusion causes delays.

My photo was rejected—what now?
Get new one meeting specs [6]. Shadows/glare from home setups common; use Walgreens.

Do I need an appointment at Manhattan Post Office?
Yes, book online/phone. Walk-ins rare, especially peak [7].

How do I renew if my passport is expiring soon?
DS-82 by mail if eligible [3]. Apply 9 months before expiration for continuity.

What if I'm applying for my child alone?
Need both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent from absent parent [1]. Notary at UPS/banks.

Can K-State help with my passport?
Advising yes, processing no—use post office [K-State international].

Lost my passport abroad—now what?
Report to embassy; apply for replacement upon return [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Passports & International Travel
[2]Passport Processing Times
[3]Renew Passport by Mail
[4]Kansas Birth Certificates
[5]Passport Forms
[6]Passport Photo Requirements
[7]USPS Passport Services
[8]Acceptance Facility Search
[9]Riley County Clerk