Getting a Passport in Merriam, KS: Local Facilities Guide

By GovComplete Team • Published on: January 20, 2026

Location: Merriam, KS

Getting a Passport in Merriam, KS

Merriam, located in Johnson County, Kansas, sits just west of Kansas City, making it a convenient spot for residents needing passports amid the region's active travel scene. Kansas sees frequent international business trips to Europe and Asia from the Kansas City metro area, alongside tourism to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. Seasonal spikes occur during spring and summer breaks, as well as winter holidays, when families and students head out. Exchange programs through nearby universities like the University of Kansas add to the demand, and last-minute trips for family emergencies or urgent business can create pressure. However, high demand at acceptance facilities often leads to limited appointments, so planning ahead is key [1].

This guide walks you through the process step by step, tailored for Merriam residents. Whether you're applying for the first time, renewing, or replacing a lost passport, you'll find clear advice on local options, common pitfalls, and requirements. Always verify details on official sites, as rules can update.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before gathering documents, determine your specific need to use the correct process and form. Mischoosing can delay your application.

First-Time Applicants: If you've never had a U.S. passport, use Form DS-11. You must apply in person at an acceptance facility. This applies to most adults and all children under 16 [2].
Renewals: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16 or older, is undamaged, and was issued within the last 15 years. Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing details. In Kansas, many renew by mail successfully, but check eligibility carefully [2].
Replacements for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports: Report it immediately via Form DS-64 (free report) or DS-11/DS-82 if reapplying. If abroad, contact a U.S. embassy; stateside, treat as first-time or renewal based on your situation [3].
Name Changes or Errors: Use Form DS-5504 within one year of issuance (free) or DS-82/DS-11 otherwise [2].
Expedited or Urgent: For travel within 14 days, life-or-death emergencies, or 2-3 weeks processing, add fees and possibly visit a passport agency (nearest is in Kansas City, MO) [4].

Kansas travelers often confuse renewal eligibility—double-check your old passport's issue date. Students on exchange programs or families planning spring break trips should start 8-11 weeks early to avoid peak-season rushes [1].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Merriam

Merriam doesn't have a dedicated passport agency (those are for urgent cases only), so use acceptance facilities like post offices, county clerks, or libraries. These verify identity, witness your signature, and send your application to the State Department. Book appointments online—walk-ins are rare and slots fill fast, especially March-June and December [5].

Local options in/near Merriam (Johnson County):

Merriam Post Office (5810 Marshall Dr, Merriam, KS 66203): Offers passport services; call (913) 722-6933 to confirm hours/appointments [6].
Shawnee Post Office (5 minutes north, 6505 Niagra St, Shawnee, KS 66226): Popular for Johnson County residents; appointments via usps.com [6].
Overland Park Main Post Office (10 minutes south, 8001 W 132nd St, Overland Park, KS 66213): High-volume, book early [6].
Johnson County District Court Clerk (150 W Santa Fe St, Olathe, KS 66061, ~20 minutes): Handles passports; check johnsoncountycourt.org [7].
Antioch Branch Library (nearby in KC, KS side): Limited slots; verify via travel.state.gov locator [1].

Use the official locator: iafdb.travel.state.gov, enter "Merriam, KS" for real-time availability. Peak seasons see Johnson County facilities booked weeks out—urgent travelers may need Kansas City Passport Agency (601 W 31st St, Kansas City, MO 64108) by appointment only for 14-day travel [4].

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals; photocopies won't do. Common errors in Kansas include missing birth certificates or proofs for minors.

Core Items for DS-11 (In-Person):

Completed Form DS-11 (unsigned until in front of agent) [8].
Proof of U.S. citizenship: Certified birth certificate (Kansas issues via kdhe.ks.gov or county health depts), naturalization certificate, or previous passport [9].
Proof of identity: Driver's license, military ID (KS REAL ID works) [1].
Photocopy of ID and citizenship proof.
Passport photo (see below).
Fees: $130 application + $35 execution (cash/card varies by facility) + $60 optional expedited [10].

For Renewals (DS-82, Mail): Old passport, photo, fees ($130 adult book) [2].

Kansas birth certificates: Order from Kansas Department of Health and Environment (kdhe.ks.gov/vital_statistics) or Johnson County Health Dept (1125 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa). Allow 1-2 weeks delivery [9].

Minors need both parents' presence or notarized consent (more below).

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Photos cause 25% of rejections—shadows, glare from glasses, wrong size (2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches), or poor white background [11]. Kansas sunlight can cause glare; use indoor services.

Specs: Recent (6 months), color, full face, neutral expression, no uniforms/hats (unless religious/medical) [11].
Where: CVS/Walgreens ($15, Lenexa/Overland Park locations), USPS ($15), or AAA (Johnson County branches) [6].
DIY pitfalls: Phone apps often fail dimensions; print on matte photo paper.

Submit one; facilities may take for fee.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or Replacement In-Person Application

Use this printable checklist. Start 10+ weeks before travel.

Determine need: First-time/replacement? Use DS-11. Download from travel.state.gov [8].
Gather citizenship proof: Get certified birth certificate. For Johnson County births, contact Johnson County Health Department or vitalchek.com (expedited) [9].
Get photo: Specs per state.gov; avoid selfies [11].
Complete form: Fill DS-11 but don't sign [8].
Make photocopies: Front/back of ID and citizenship docs on 8.5x11 white paper [1].
Find facility: Use locator; book appointment (e.g., Merriam PO) [1].
Pay fees: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; execution fee to facility [10].
Attend appointment: Bring all; sign in front of agent. Get receipt with tracking number.
Track status: Online at passportstatus.state.gov [12].

For mail renewals: Similar but send old passport + DS-82 to address on form [2].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail) or 10-13 weeks (in-person) from receipt—does not include mailing [13]. Expedited (+$60): 4-6/7-9 weeks. Urgent (14 days): Agency visit +$21.36 overnight [4].

No guarantees—peaks (spring/summer, holidays) in Kansas add delays. Track via receipt; for issues, call National Passport Info Center (1-877-487-2778) [14]. Business travelers or students: Apply early.

Special Rules for Minors Under 16

All minors use DS-11 in person with both parents/guardians. Provide:

Child's birth certificate.
Parents' IDs.
Parental consent form (DS-3053 notarized if one absent) [15].

Common Kansas issue: Incomplete docs for exchange students—get school verification. Fees: $100 application [10].

Renewing by Mail from Merriam

If eligible, simpler: Mail DS-82, photo, old passport, fees to PO Box in Philadelphia. USPS in Merriam handles drop-off. Not for damaged passports [2].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Merriam

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for processing. These sites do not issue passports on the spot; instead, staff verify your identity, review your application for completeness, administer oaths, and forward materials to a regional passport agency. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Merriam, several such facilities serve residents, often conveniently located in shopping centers, community hubs, or government complexes. Surrounding areas like nearby suburbs and urban centers expand options, providing multiple choices within a short drive.

When visiting an acceptance facility, come prepared with a completed DS-11 form (for first-time applicants or renewals requiring in-person submission), two passport photos meeting State Department specifications, proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment for application and execution fees. Expect a brief interview where staff confirm details and collect biometrics like a digital photo if equipped. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes per applicant, though wait times vary. Some facilities operate by appointment only, while others allow walk-ins; always verify procedures in advance via the official State Department website locator tool.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons, such as summer vacation periods and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays often bring crowds from weekend backlog, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can be particularly congested due to lunch-hour visits. To navigate this, plan visits early in the week or later in the day if possible, and consider off-peak seasons like fall or winter for smoother experiences. Scheduling appointments online where available is advisable to minimize waits, and arriving with all documents organized helps expedite service. Double-check requirements beforehand to avoid rescheduling, and monitor for any advisories on processing delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I apply in Merriam?
Aim for 10-13 weeks before travel, more during Kansas spring/summer peaks. Last-minute? Check agency eligibility [13].

Can I get a passport same-day in Johnson County?
No—local facilities don't process; nearest agency requires 14-day proof and appointment [4].

What if my photos get rejected?
Resubmit entire app with new ones; common for glare/shadows. Use official specs [11].

Do I need an appointment at Merriam Post Office?
Yes—book via usps.com or call; slots limited [6].

How do I get a Kansas birth certificate fast?
Order online via vitalchek.com (1-2 days) or walk-in Johnson County Health Dept [9].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited: Faster routine (extra fee, no proof needed). Urgent: 14 days max, agency only, proof required [4].

Can I renew an expired passport in person?
Yes, if ineligible for mail (e.g., >15 years old), use DS-11 [2].

Sources

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