Combs, KY Passport Guide: Hazard Facilities & Application Steps

Guide to Obtaining a Passport in Combs, KY

Living in Combs, a small community in Perry County, Kentucky, means you're likely relying on nearby facilities in Hazard or other parts of eastern Kentucky for passport services. Kentucky residents frequently travel internationally for business, tourism, and family visits, with peaks in spring and summer for vacations, winter breaks for holidays, and year-round for students in exchange programs or urgent last-minute trips. High demand at acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments, so planning ahead is essential. This guide walks you through the process step by step, helping you avoid common pitfalls like photo rejections due to glare or shadows, incomplete paperwork for minors, or using the wrong form for renewals.[1]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before gathering documents, identify your specific situation to use the correct form and process. The U.S. Department of State categorizes applications into first-time, renewal, replacement, or corrections.[1]

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one expired more than 15 years ago, was issued before age 16, was lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use, or if you're applying for your child under 16.[1]

• Renewal: Eligible by mail if your passport was issued when you were 16 or older, expired within the last 5 years or will expire within the next year, is undamaged, and was issued in your current name (or you can document a name change).[2] Use Form DS-82.

• Replacement: For lost, stolen, or undamaged passports that expired less than 5 years ago. You'll need Form DS-11 in person, even if eligible for renewal otherwise.[1]

• Corrections or New Book/Card: Minor errors like name changes or adding pages require in-person visits with Form DS-11 or DS-5504 depending on timing.[1]

Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm: answer a few questions to get the right form and instructions.[3] For Combs residents, most will need an in-person appointment unless renewing by mail.

Gather Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Incomplete documentation is a top reason applications are delayed. Start collecting these early, especially birth certificates from Kentucky vital records, which can take weeks.[4]

Checklist for Adults (16+)

• Completed Form DS-11 (unsigned until at appointment) – download from State Department site.[5]
• Proof of U.S. citizenship: Original or certified birth certificate (KY-issued from vital records), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Photocopy on plain white paper.[1]
• Valid photo ID: Driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Photocopy of ID front/back.[1]
• Passport photo (2x2 inches, color, recent) – details below.[6]
• Payment: Check/money order for fees (execution fee to facility, application fee to State Dept.). See current fees.[7]
• Name change evidence if applicable (marriage certificate, court order).[1]

Checklist for Minors Under 16

Minors require both parents/guardians present or notarized consent. Common issue in KY: missing parental IDs or consent forms.

• Form DS-11 for child.
• Child's citizenship proof + photocopy.
• Both parents' IDs + photocopies.
• Parental consent: Both parents present, or one with Form DS-3053 notarized by the other, or court order.[1]
• Photos (child must not wear glasses if glare risk).[6]
• Fees (reduced for minors).[7]

Order KY birth certificates online or by mail from the KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services; processing takes 5-10 business days standard, longer in peaks.[4] Kentucky death records or marriage certificates follow similar processes.[4]

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Photos account for 25-30% of rejections. Specs are strict: 2x2 inches, color photo on white/cream background, head 1-1 3/8 inches, neutral expression, even lighting—no shadows, glare, hats (unless religious), glasses only if eyes visible.[6]

Common KY challenges: Home printers cause dimension errors; drugstore glare from indoor lights. Get them at Walmart, CVS, or UPS Stores in Hazard (e.g., 946 Main St, Hazard, KY). Cost: $15-20. Verify with State Dept specs before submitting.[6]

Find Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Combs, KY

Combs lacks a dedicated facility, so head to Perry County options. Use the official locator for real-time availability.[8]

• Hazard Post Office: 122 Main St, Hazard, KY 41701. (606) 436-6330. By appointment; high demand in summer/winter.[9]
• Perry County Clerk's Office: 545 Main St, Hazard, KY 41701. Handles passports; call (606) 436-4801 for slots.[10]
• Nearest Clerk Alternatives: Knott County Clerk (Hindman, ~20 miles) or Breathitt County (Jackson, ~25 miles).[8]

Book via facility phone or online (USPS). KY sees seasonal rushes—spring break (March-April), summer (June-August), winter holidays—leading to weeks-long waits. Book 4-6 weeks early; urgent travel under 14 days may qualify for in-person expedites at Louisville Passport Agency (by appointment only, proof of travel required).[11]

Step-by-Step Application Process Checklist

Follow this for in-person applications (DS-11). Renewals mail to address on DS-82.[2]

1. Complete but do not sign Form DS-11.[5]
2. Gather all documents and photocopies (front/back on 8.5x11 white paper).[1]
3. Get compliant photos.[6]
4. Calculate fees: Book $35, card $30; application $130 adult book/$100 child. Expedite +$60. 1-2 day delivery +$21.52. Pay execution to facility (check/cash), application to State Dept (check/money order).[7]
5. Schedule appointment at nearest facility.[8]
6. Arrive early with everyone listed on application (both parents for minors).
7. Present documents; sign DS-11 in front of agent.
8. Pay fees; get receipt (track status online).[12]
9. Mail-ins: Use USPS priority for renewals; trackable.[2]

Processing: Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60). No hard guarantees—peaks add delays. For travel <14 days, life-or-death <3 weeks, or urgent business, contact Louisville agency after booking appointment.[11] Track at travel.state.gov.[12]

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Kentucky's travel patterns amplify delays: Business travelers to Europe/Asia, tourists to Mexico/Caribbean, students to study abroad. Routine processing is 6-8 weeks from receipt; expedited 2-3 weeks.[13] Add mailing time (1-2 weeks each way).

• Expedited Service: +$60, faster mailing. Request at acceptance or online renewal.[13]
• Urgent <14 Days: Not the same as expedited. Prove imminent travel (flight itinerary, hotel); visit passport agency. Louisville: 601 W Broadway, Ste 200, Louisville, KY 40202. Appointment via 1-877-487-2778.[11]
• Warning: Do not rely on last-minute processing in peak seasons (spring/summer, winter). High volume from KY's seasonal travel overwhelms facilities.[13]

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Exchange programs and family trips are common in eastern KY. Both parents must consent; absences require DS-3053 notarized (notarized within 90 days).[1] No parental consent exemptions without court orders. Photos tricky for wiggly kids—professional help recommended.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Limited Appointments: Facilities like Hazard PO book out fast. Check daily; have backups.[8]
• Expedited vs. Urgent Confusion: Expedited speeds routine; urgent needs agency for <14 days.[11]
• Photo Rejections: Shadows from KY's variable light; measure head size.[6]
• Docs for Minors: Always both parents' proofs.[1]
• Renewal Mistakes: Wrong form delays 4-6 weeks. Use wizard.[3]

Kentucky Travel Tips

With frequent flights from Lexington (LEX) or Louisville (SDF) to international hubs, apply early. Students: Coordinate with universities for group rates. Urgent business: Airlines require passports 72+ hours pre-flight.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Combs

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and process passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and other eligible cases. These facilities do not issue passports on-site; instead, they verify your identity, administer oaths, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerks' offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Combs, several such facilities serve residents and visitors, often conveniently located in central areas or near main roads for easy access.

When visiting a passport acceptance facility, come prepared with a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on your situation), two passport photos meeting specific requirements, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment for application and execution fees. Expect a staff member to review your documents for completeness, ask you to swear to the accuracy of your application under oath, and provide a sealed envelope for mailing. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes per applicant, but wait times can vary based on volume. Children under 16 must appear with both parents or legal guardians, and additional documentation may be required for name changes or lost passports. Always check the State Department's website for the latest forms and requirements before heading out.

Surrounding areas like nearby towns offer additional options, potentially reducing travel time for those in outlying parts of Combs. Facilities are generally accessible by car, with some near public parking.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities tend to see higher traffic during peak travel seasons, such as summer vacation months and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays often bring crowds from weekend backlog, and mid-day slots (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) are usually busiest due to lunch-hour visits. To minimize delays, aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, and consider calling ahead to inquire about walk-in availability or appointment systems where offered. Arrive with all documents organized, and build in extra time during high-season periods. Monitoring local facility updates online can help avoid peak rushes and streamline your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I renew my passport by mail from Combs, KY?
Yes, if eligible (passport <15 years old, etc.). Use DS-82, mail to National Passport Processing Center.[2]

How long does it take to get a passport in Kentucky during summer?
Routine 6-8 weeks + mailing; expect longer in peaks. Expedite for 2-3 weeks, but book facilities early.[13]

What if my passport is lost while traveling?
Report to State Dept online, apply for replacement with DS-11, police report helpful.[1]

Do I need an appointment at the Hazard Post Office?
Yes, call or check online. Walk-ins rare due to demand.[9]

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No, original/certified + photocopy required.[1]

What's the difference between passport book and card?
Book for worldwide air/sea; card for land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean.[1]

How do I track my application status?
Enter receipt number at travel.state.gov.[12]

Is there a passport fair near Combs?
Check USPS events; rare in rural Perry County.[9]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - How to Apply for a Passport
[2]U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[3]U.S. Department of State - Passport Application Wizard
[4]Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services - Vital Statistics
[5]U.S. Department of State - Form DS-11
[6]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[7]U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees
[8]U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[9]USPS - Passport Services
[10]Perry County Clerk - Official Site
[11]U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies
[12]U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status
[13]U.S. Department of State - Processing Times