Wilmore KS Passport Guide: Forms, Locations, Processing Times

Getting a Passport in Wilmore, KS

Wilmore, Kansas (population 500), sits in rural Comanche County without its own passport acceptance facilities, so locals drive to nearby spots like Coldwater (county seat, ~10 miles) or Pratt (25 miles) for in-person applications. Demand spikes in spring/summer for family vacations, winter breaks, or urgent business trips among farmers and ranchers. Plan 10+ weeks ahead to avoid delays—routine processing takes 6-8 weeks, expedited 2-3 weeks from mailing, with peaks adding time. Last-minute needs (travel <14 days) require proof like itineraries and limit options to regional agencies. Common pitfalls: photo rejections from poor lighting, incomplete minor forms, or mailing ineligible renewals.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Match your situation to the right form—errors lead to rejections and extra trips.

First-Time Applicants

In-person only with Form DS-11 if you've never had a passport, it was issued before age 16, or over 15 years ago. Ideal for Comanche County first-timers heading abroad.

Renewals

Mail-in with DS-82 if eligible: Issued at 16+, undamaged, <15 years old, matches your current name/gender/photo. Skip in-person for rural convenience—perfect for Wilmore's mail-reliant residents.

Decision Guide:

Avoid These Renewal Mistakes:

• Using DS-82 for ineligible passports—returned unprocessed.
• Skipping tracking (use USPS Priority).
• Name changes without proof (marriage cert, court order)—requires DS-11.
• Old photos (>6 months) or non-compliant specs.

Track online after 2 weeks at travel.state.gov.

Replacements for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

Report via DS-64 (online/mail), then DS-11 (or DS-82 if eligible). Submit damaged passport with DS-11; urgent cases need travel proof.

Service Decision Table:

Forms: travel.state.gov (print single-sided, black ink).

Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Photocopy everything. For Kansas births, get long-form certificates from KDHE (kdhe.ks.gov, $20 online, 4-6 weeks); Comanche County clerks offer short-form but may not suffice.

Adult DS-11 (First-Time/Replacement)

1. DS-11 (unsigned until agent).
2. Citizenship: Original birth cert + photocopy (KS long-form preferred).
3. ID: Driver's license + photocopy (name match required).
4. 2x2 photo.
5. Fees: $35 execution (to facility) + $130 book (to State Dept.); check/money order.

Minors Under 16 (DS-11)

Key Rule for Kansas Applicants: Both parents or legal guardians must appear in person with the child, or the appearing parent/guardian must provide a notarized DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) from the absent one. Notarizations are widely available at banks, libraries, or county clerks in rural areas like Wilmore—get it done on original form only, not a photocopy. Common mistake: Using an unnotarized consent letter instead of official DS-3053, which causes automatic rejection.

Required Documents and Steps (all originals needed; photocopies OK only where specified):

1. Completed DS-11: Download from travel.state.gov, fill out by hand in black ink (no signatures until in front of agent). Decision tip: Use this for first-time passports only—minors under 16 cannot renew.
2. Child's U.S. Citizenship Evidence: Original or certified birth certificate (KS vital records office issues these; request expedited if needed). Common mistake: Submitting hospital birth summaries or short-form certs—must be long-form showing parents' names.
3. Parents'/Guardians' IDs and Proof of Relationship: Valid photo ID for each (driver's license, passport, etc.) + child's birth certificate proving relationship. If sole custody, bring court order/divorce decree. Tip: Check ID expiration dates early; Kansas REAL ID-compliant licenses work best.
4. Passport Photo: One color 2x2-inch photo on white background, taken within 6 months (no selfies, uniforms, or glasses). Common mistake: Wrong size, smiles, or home-printed photos—use CVS/Walgreens or local pharmacies for $15; agents reject poor quality 90% of the time.
5. Fees: $100 passport book (check/money order to "U.S. Department of State") + $35 execution fee (cash/card/check to acceptance facility). Total ~$165/child. Decision guidance: Book is best for kids (valid 5 years); add $60 for faster processing if travel is <6 weeks away.

Pro Tips for Wilmore Area: Plan ahead—rural KS facilities have limited hours/slots; apply 8-11 weeks before travel. Bring extras of everything. If both parents unavailable, custody docs speed things up. Track status at travel.state.gov after submission.

DS-82 Renewal by Mail

1. Signed DS-82.
2. Old passport.
3. Photo.
4. $130 fee. Mail tracked to form address.

What to Expect: Agents verify docs, witness signature, seal envelope—15-30 min.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25% of apps fail here. Must be: 2x2 inches, color, white/off-white background, head 1-1⅜ inches, neutral expression, even light (no glare/shadows), no hats/glasses obstructing eyes. Taken <6 months.

Local Options (Drive Distances):

• Coldwater Post Office (~10 miles).
• Walmart Photo (Pratt, ~25 miles).
• Walgreens/CVS/UPS Store (Dodge City, ~40 miles).

Pro photos beat DIY—use state.gov template if printing.

Where to Apply Near Wilmore

No Wilmore facilities—use these Comanche County and nearby acceptance sites (verify via iafdb.travel.state.gov or USPS locator; call for appointments, slots fill in peaks).

• Coldwater Post Office: 300 E Main St, Coldwater, KS 67029. (620) 582-4113. Handles DS-11.
• Comanche County District Court Clerk: 201 S New York Ave, Coldwater, KS 67029. (620) 582-2582. By appointment.
• Pratt County Clerk: 386 NE Railroad Ave, Pratt, KS 67124 (~25 miles).
• Dodge City Post Office: 300 N 2nd Ave, Dodge City, KS 67801 (~40 miles).

Tips: Book 2-4 weeks early (early mornings best). Post offices/libraries/clerk offices collect $35 execution fee. Urgent? Kansas City Passport Agency (call 1-877-487-2778, proof of <14-day travel).

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Assess Needs: Use tables/checklists; order KS birth cert if missing.
2. Photo & Forms: Get compliant photo; fill legibly (DS-11 unsigned).
3. Appointment: Call/book online—avoid Mondays/midday peaks.
4. Visit: Bring organized docs; agent reviews/signs/seals (receipt given).
5. Track: passportstatus.state.gov (starts 7-10 days post-mailing).
6. Receive: Mailed to you (add $21.36 return delivery).

Expedite: +$60 for 2-3 weeks (not same-day). Mail renewals certified.

Special Considerations for Kansas Residents

Rural drives mean buffer time for appointments. Students/business travelers: Apply early for Europe/Asia visas. Minors: Dual consent prevents holds. Lost abroad? U.S. embassy emergency passport, replace on return.

FAQs

How long from Wilmore?
6-8 weeks routine, 2-3 expedited (+ mailing). Peaks delay; track online.

Same-day possible?
No at local spots—Kansas City agency only, with <14-day proof/appt.

Divorced parents for minor?
Both consent (DS-3053 notarized) or sole custody docs.

KS license as ID?
Yes, valid + photocopy (matches citizenship name).

Renew at Coldwater Post Office?
No, DS-82 mail-only; they do DS-11 new apps.

No appointment slots?
Try Pratt/Dodge City; some walk-ins (call).

Urgent lost passport?
DS-64 report, then DS-11 + travel/police proof.

Comanche County birth certs?
Short-form available; long-form from KDHE preferred.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Urgent Travel (<14 Days)

1. Prove itinerary/emergency (e.g., death cert).
2. Call 1-877-487-2778 for Kansas City appt.
3. DS-11/docs/fees ($238+ expedite).
4. Possible same-day, but slots limited.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Processing Times
[3] Apply In Person (DS-11)
[4] Renew by Mail (DS-82)
[5] Lost/Stolen
[6] Citizenship Proof
[7] Minors Under 16
[8] KS Vital Records
[9] Photo Requirements
[10] Comanche County
[11] USPS Locator
[12] Facility Search
[13] Agencies
[14] Status Check
[15] Lost Abroad