How to Get a Passport in Salina, KS: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a Passport in Salina, KS

Residents of Salina, in Saline County, Kansas, often need passports for international business trips tied to the region's agriculture and manufacturing sectors, family vacations during peak spring and summer seasons, or winter breaks to warmer destinations. Kansas sees steady demand from students in exchange programs at nearby universities like Kansas State University, as well as urgent last-minute travel for family emergencies or work. However, high demand at local facilities can lead to limited appointment slots, especially during busy periods like spring break or summer [1]. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, tailored to Salina-area needs, with tips to avoid common pitfalls like photo rejections or form mix-ups.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before starting, identify your situation to use the correct process and forms. Misusing forms, such as submitting a renewal application when you need a new one, causes delays [2].

• First-Time Passport: For adults or minors who have never had a U.S. passport. Use Form DS-11. Requires an in-person application at an acceptance facility.

• Renewal: Eligible if your previous passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, and is undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing name/gender. Kansas residents with expired passports from over 15 years ago must apply as first-time using DS-11 [1].

• Replacement: For lost, stolen, or damaged passports. Use Form DS-64 to report (free), then DS-82 if eligible to renew, or DS-11 for first-time/reissue cases. Expedite if urgent.

• Name/Gender Change or Add Pages: May qualify for mail-in renewal (DS-82/DS-5504) or require DS-11 in person.

Use the State Department's online wizard at travel.state.gov to confirm: answer a few questions for tailored advice [1]. In Salina, first-time and replacement applications needing in-person service go to local post offices or the Saline County Clerk.

Gather Required Documents and Photos

Preparation prevents rejections. Common Salina-area issues include incomplete minor applications or photos with glare from home printers [2].

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

• U.S. birth certificate (Kansas vital records office issues certified copies; order online or by mail if needed) [3].
• Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or previous undamaged passport.

Proof of Identity (original + photocopy):

• Valid driver's license (Kansas DMV), military ID, or government employee ID. Name must match citizenship document exactly.

Photos: One 2x2-inch color photo taken within 6 months. Strict rules: plain white/light background, no glasses/uniforms, head between 1-1 3/8 inches, even lighting—no shadows/glare. Many Walgreens or CVS in Salina offer compliant photos for $15–17 [2]. Rejections here delay processing by weeks.

For Minors Under 16:

• Both parents/guardians' presence or notarized consent (Form DS-3053).
• Child's birth certificate.
• Parents' IDs.

Photocopy all documents on plain white 8.5x11 paper (front/back if double-sided).

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Use this checklist for new passports, minors, or replacements not eligible for mail renewal. Total time: 30–60 minutes in person.

1. Complete Form DS-11 (do not sign until instructed). Download from travel.state.gov [1]. Black ink, print single-sided.

2. Gather Documents: Citizenship proof (original + copy), ID (original + copy), photo, minor forms if applicable.

3. Pay Fees: See Fees section. Separate checks/money orders for application and execution fees.

4. Book Appointment: Required at most facilities. Use USPS online scheduler or call [4].

5. Attend In-Person: At Salina Post Office (1410 N 9th St) or Saline County Clerk (300 W Ash St). Bring all items. Sign DS-11 in front of agent.

6. Track Status: After submission, use online tracker with application locator number [1].

Pro Tip: During Kansas peak seasons (March–June, December), book 4–6 weeks ahead. Walk-ins rare.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

Eligible renewals skip in-person visits—ideal for Salina's busy professionals.

1. Confirm Eligibility: Passport issued <15 years ago, age 16+, undamaged [1].

2. Complete Form DS-82: Download/print from travel.state.gov. Sign in black ink.

3. Include Old Passport: Place on top.

4. Add Photo and Fee Payment: One photo, check/money order.

5. Mail To: National Passport Processing Center (address on DS-82 instructions). Use USPS Priority Mail (extra fee).

6. Track: Online with tracking number [1].

Kansas mail renewals average 6–8 weeks routine; peaks longer [1]. No local drop-off.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Salina and Saline County

High demand means plan ahead—Salina's facilities handle volume from surrounding rural areas.

• Salina Main Post Office (1410 N 9th St, Salina, KS 67401): Mon–Fri 9am–3pm by appointment. Phone: (785) 823-3921 [4].

• Salina Carrier Annex (1108 N 5th St): Limited hours; call for passport services [4].

• Saline County Clerk/Register of Deeds (300 W Ash St, Suite 103, Salina, KS 67401): Mon–Fri 8am–5pm. Handles DS-11; appointment recommended. Phone: (785) 309-5628 [5].

Use the State Department's locator: travel.state.gov/passport-locations for updates [1]. Nearby Wichita (2 hours drive) has more slots at larger post offices/courthouses during Salina shortages.

Fees and Payment

Fees unchanged as of 2023; verify current at travel.state.gov [1].

• Execution fee: Paid to facility (check/cash/card at some).
• Application fee: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State."
• Optional: 1–2 day delivery ($21.36), passport card ($30+).

No fee waivers except limited cases.

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6–8 weeks door-to-door (mail time included). Peaks (spring/summer Kansas travel surges) stretch to 10+ weeks—do not rely on last-minute during winter breaks [1].

• Expedited Service (2–3 weeks +$60): Available all types. Submit at facility or mail with Form DS-70.

• Urgent Travel (<14 days): Life-or-death emergency only (not vacations). Call National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778) for appointment at regional agency (e.g., Kansas City, MO—4 hours from Salina). Proof required; not guaranteed [1].

Track weekly at travel.state.gov. Local facilities do not control times.

Special Considerations for Minors and Kansas Residents

Minors under 16 need both parents (or DS-3053 notarized statement). Salina notaries at banks/USPS. Kansas homeschool/exchange students: ensure birth certificates from KDHE Vital Records (online orders: kdhe.ks.gov) [3].

Lost passports abroad: Contact Salina embassy/consulate via State Department.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Salina

Passport acceptance facilities are official sites authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit your passport application. These locations do not process passports on-site; instead, staff review your documents, administer the oath, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Salina, several such facilities serve residents and visitors from nearby towns, offering convenient options for first-time applicants, renewals, or replacements.

To prepare, complete Form DS-11 (for new passports) or DS-82 (for renewals) online or by hand, and bring one or two passport photos meeting State Department specs, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), a valid photo ID, and payment (check or money order for the government fee; some accept cards for expedite or execution fees). Expect a short wait for verification, where agents check forms for completeness and ensure your signature is witnessed in their presence. Children under 16 must apply in person with both parents or guardians. Processing times vary from 6-8 weeks standard to 2-3 weeks expedited, so plan months ahead for travel.

Facilities in Salina and surrounding areas like nearby counties provide broad coverage, but availability can change—always verify authorization via the State Department's locator tool before visiting.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, on Mondays after weekend trips, and mid-day periods when locals run errands. To avoid delays, schedule appointments where offered, arrive early in the day or later afternoon, and check facility websites or call ahead for current protocols. Travel off-peak if possible, and consider mailing renewals to bypass lines altogether. Patience and preparation ensure a smoother experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Salina?
No routine same-day service locally. Urgent <14-day requires regional agency proof [1].

What if my Kansas driver's license name doesn't match my birth certificate?
Provide legal name change docs (marriage certificate, court order). Both photocopies needed [2].

How do I renew an expired passport over 15 years old?
Treat as first-time: DS-11 in person [1].

Where can I get passport photos in Salina that won't be rejected?
Walgreens (2100 S 9th St), CVS (2900 S 9th St), or UPS Store. Follow 2x2 specs exactly—no selfies [2].

Is expedited service enough for travel in 3 weeks during summer?
Expedited is 2–3 weeks + mailing; peaks add delays. Apply 8+ weeks early [1].

Do I need an appointment at Salina Post Office?
Yes, book online at usps.com or call. High demand from seasonal travel [4].

What if my passport was lost?
Report via DS-64 online, then apply for replacement/new [1].

Can I mail my first-time application from Salina?
No, DS-11 must be in-person [2].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms
[3]Kansas Department of Health and Environment - Vital Statistics
[4]USPS - Passport Services
[5]Saline County Clerk
[6]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements