Getting a Passport in Russell, KS: Facilities & Steps

Getting a Passport in Russell, KS

Russell, KS residents face high demand at local passport facilities during spring/summer travel peaks and winter holidays, driven by agriculture exports, family vacations, and student programs. Limited slots fill quickly—plan 4-6 weeks ahead. This guide offers a step-by-step process with local facility details, checklists, and tips to avoid common pitfalls like photo rejections, form confusion, and incomplete minor docs. Verify all info on official sites [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Misjudging your service leads to wasted trips—many locals confuse renewals with first-time apps.

First-Time Passport

Never had one, issued before age 16, or over 15 years ago? Use DS-11 in person at a Russell facility. No mail option [2].

Passport Renewal

Current passport issued at 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, in your name (or with docs)? Mail DS-82—no in-person needed unless adding pages or for minors. Skip facilities to save time [2].

Passport Replacement

Lost/stolen/damaged: Report online first. Use DS-11 in person or DS-82 by mail if eligible. Extra fees for damage [3].

Add $60 expedited or $21.36 1-2 day delivery. Execution fee by check at facilities [1].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Russell and Nearby

Russell's options are limited—book appointments early via phone or USPS locator, as walk-ins are rare amid farm/family peaks.

• Russell Post Office: 717 N Main St, Russell, KS 67665. (785) 483-2173. Handles DS-11 for first-time/minors/replacements; photos on-site (confirm). Weekdays only [4].
• Russell County Clerk of the District Court: 145 E 8th St, Russell, KS 67665. (785) 483-6743. Passport services; call for hours/slots. Useful for court docs [5].

Nearby (20-45 min drive):

• Hays Post Office (40 mi west).
• Great Bend Post Office (50 mi east).

Expect: Agent reviews docs, oaths signature, seals app—no on-site passports or photos guaranteed (though PO offers). Arrive 15 min early with everything. Use USPS tool for slots; peaks overwhelm [4].

Gather Required Documents

30% of KS rejections stem from missing originals/photocopies. Prep all on 8.5x11 white paper, front/back same page.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Original + Photocopy)

• Birth cert (raised seal; KS births via KDHE).
• Naturalization cert.
• Old undamaged passport [6].

Proof of Identity (Original + Photocopy)

• KS driver's license, military/govt ID. Names must match.

Minors Under 16

Both parents or notarized DS-3053. Frequent farm-family oversight [2].

Passport Photos: Rules and Common Mistakes

Home photos fail from glare/shadows—facilities reject 20-30%. Specs [7]:

• 2x2 in, head 1-1⅜ in.
• White/cream background, even light, neutral face, eyes open.
• Color, matte/glossy paper, <6 months old.

Get at Russell PO ($15-20), CVS/Walgreens, or Hays. Ditch glasses if reflective; no selfies [7].

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

For DS-11 (first-time/minor/replacement). Renewals: Mail DS-82 + old passport/photo/fee.

1. Confirm eligibility/processing via State Dept wizard [1].
2. Fill DS-11 (sign on-site) [2].
3. Collect: Citizenship/ID proofs, 2 photos, minor forms, photocopies.
4. Fees ready (checks as directed).
5. Book Russell PO/County Clerk slot.
6. In-person: Present, sign, pay exec fee.
7. Track online after 7-10 days [3].
8. Receive by mail (6-8 wks routine).

Tick off to dodge errors like unsigned forms.

Processing Times, Expedited Services, and Urgent Travel

Routine: 6-8 weeks (longer peaks). No local same-day [3].

• Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks.
• Urgent (<14 days): Life/death only—call 1-877-487-2778 for KC agency appt/proof.
• 1-2 Day Delivery: +$21.36 post-processing.

Russell tip: Apply 3 months early for ag/student trips.

Special Considerations for Minors

DS-11 in-person with both parents (or DS-3053). 5-year validity. Russell farm splits often miss consent—get early [2].

Kansas Birth Certificates and Vital Records

Russell locals: KDHE online/mail/Topeka ($20/copy; VitalChek rush). County Register for recent. 1-2 wks standard; 2-4 wks mail [6].

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day passport in Russell?
No. KC agency for urgent only (3+ hrs) [3].

Expedited vs. urgent?
Expedited: 2-3 wks/$60 anytime. Urgent: <14 days emergencies, no fee, proof required [3].

Photo rejected?
Retake pro: even light, no shadows/glare [7].

Renew at PO?
No—mail DS-82 if eligible [2].

Minor in summer rush?
Book now; both parents/birth cert via KDHE [6].

Lost abroad?
Report online; replace on return [3].

Appointments required?
Yes—limited walk-ins [4].

Passport fairs?
Check KS sites/univs [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[3] U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[4] USPS Passport Acceptance Facility Locator
[5] Russell County Official Website
[6] Kansas Department of Health and Environment - Vital Statistics
[7] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements