Getting a Passport in Georgetown, KY: A Complete Guide

Getting a Passport in Georgetown, KY: A Complete Guide

Georgetown, Kentucky, in Scott County, thrives as a gateway for international travel tied to the Thoroughbred horse industry—Keeneland sales, Breeders' Cup events, and global auctions draw professionals year-round. With Blue Grass Airport (LEX) 15 minutes south in Lexington and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG) 1.5 hours north, residents easily access flights for racing seasons, family vacations, or Georgetown College study abroad programs. Peak demand surges in spring (Kentucky Derby crowds), summer (Europe trips), and holidays, filling local appointment slots weeks ahead. This guide delivers Georgetown-tailored steps, checklists, and pitfalls—like 25% photo rejections or form mismatches delaying apps by weeks [1].

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

Start with the State Department's form wizard: https://pptform.state.gov/ [3]. Picking the wrong service wastes time and money; agents at facilities can confirm eligibility but won't process ineligible forms on-site.

• DS-11 (New Applications): Required for first-time passports, minors under 16, passports issued before age 16, lost/stolen/damaged, or expired over 15 years. In-person only—no mailing [1]. Expect: Agent witnesses oath, seals envelope; no passport issued same day.

• DS-82 (Renewals): Eligible if your passport was issued at 16+, within last 15 years, undamaged, and in your possession (current name). Mail-in only; faster for eligibles [1]. Pitfall: If signature/name changed significantly, ineligible—switch to DS-11.

• Lost/Stolen: File DS-64 online first (https://pptform.state.gov/), then DS-11 in person unless renewal-eligible [1].

• Corrections/Name Changes: DS-5504 by mail (free if within 1 year of issuance); otherwise DS-11 [1].

• Urgent Travel (<14 Days): DS-11 at Louisville Passport Agency (601 W Broadway, ~1-hour drive; appointments: 1-877-487-2778). Prove itinerary; life-or-death emergencies skip fees [2].

Decision Tip: Received passport before age 16? Use DS-11 even if "expired recently." Minors always DS-11 with both parents (or notarized DS-3053). Unsure? Bring docs to appointment—agents redirect if needed, avoiding mail rejections.

Mail | $130 | | Urgent (<14 Days) | DS-11 | Agency | $130 + $35 + $60 expedited | | Expedited Add-On | N/A | Any | +$60 | | 1-2 Day Return Shipping | N/A | USPS Only | +$21.36 |

Fees: Two separate checks (execution to facility; application to "U.S. Department of State"). No cash for application [1].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Georgetown and Scott County

Consolidate here: Local sites process DS-11 apps (new/renewal-ineligible) by reviewing docs, collecting fees, and forwarding to State Department—no on-site passports. Book appointments via official tools; no walk-ins, especially during horse events or vacations. Process takes 15-45 minutes: Bring unsigned forms, originals + copies, photos, fees. Many offer photos (~$15).

• Georgetown Post Office: Schedule via USPS Passport Appointment Scheduler: https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?facilitySelector=passport (search "Georgetown KY") or call 502-863-0471. Photos available [5].

• Scott County Clerk's Office: Book via https://scottcountyclerk.ky.gov/ or call 502-863-7875. Strong for first-time/minor apps [6].

Nearby (15-Min Drive): Lexington Main Post Office (208 S Limestone St); use USPS scheduler [5]. Check/cancel slots daily to free them up.

Pro Tips: Target early mornings or late afternoons mid-week; avoid Mondays/peaks. Facilities track apps but can't expedite State processing [4]. Verify via https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ [4].

(Note: Maps pinned to key facilities; zoom out for both.)

Gather Required Documents and Forms

Rejections hit 99% from doc issues—print single-sided, black ink from https://pptform.stat

e.gov/ [3]. Facilities charge ~$0.10/copy.

• Citizenship: Original long-form U.S. birth certificate + photocopy. KY orders: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/vsb/Pages/birth.aspx or VitalChek.com (1-4 weeks standard/$34+; rush for horse-season trips). No short-forms/healer certs [1,7].

• Photo ID: Original + copy (KY driver's license must match birth name exactly; passport card/military ID OK) [1].

• Photos: 2x2" compliant (details next section).

Minors Under 16: Child's birth cert + parents' IDs/presence; DS-3053 notarized if one absent [1].

Georgetown Tip: Order KY birth certs 2-3 months ahead—backlogs spike pre-Derby/Europe.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25%+ returns. Specs: 2x2", 1-1⅜" head height, white background, recent color, neutral expression/eyes open, no glasses/uniforms/hats (religious exceptions) [8]. Test: https://tsg.phototool.state.gov/ [8].

Local options: Georgetown PO, CVS/Walgreens (~$15, compliant). Skip selfies—glare/lighting fails.

Step-by-Step Checklist: In-Person Application (DS-11)

1. Verify DS-11; book via USPS/County tools [4-6].
2. Collect: Citizenship orig/copy, ID orig/copy, 2 photos, old passport (if any), DS-64/DS-3053.
3. Fill DS-11 online/print—don't sign.
4. Prepare checks (separate).
5. Arrive early; sign in agent's presence.
6. Agent verifies/seals; receive tracking receipt.
7. Track online: https://passportstatus.state.gov/ [9].

What to Expect: Polite but busy agents; 20-40 min. No phones during oath.

Renewals by Mail (DS-82): Simpler Option

If eligible:

1. Complete DS-82 + old passport + photo + $130 check.
2. Routine: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
3. Expedited (+$60): PO Box 90955, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955 [1].

Ineligible? Use local DS-11.

Processing Times and Realistic Expectations

• Routine: 6-8 weeks door-to-door.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).
• Urgent: Louisville Agency only (<14 days) [2].

Horse pros/students: Apply 3+ months pre-event (e.g., Keeneland September). Peaks add delays; no refunds [2].

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Both parents/guardians in-person (or DS-3053). Valid 5 years vs. 10 adult. Pitfalls: ID mismatches, unsigned consent [1].

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

| | Doc Mismatches | Exact names; long-form cert. | | Fee Errors | Separate checks only. | | Peak Delays | Apply early for Derby/vacations [2]. |

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Georgetown? No—local facilities submit only. Urgent to Louisville [2].

Expedited vs. Urgent? Expedited: Faster mail (2-3w); Urgent: Agency in-person [2].

Book Georgetown PO? USPS scheduler [5].

Lost passport abroad? U.S. embassy + DS-64 [1].

Expired >15 years? DS-11 new app [1].

KY birth cert rush? VitalChek.com [7].

Passport card for planes? No, land/sea only [1].

Recent name change? DS-5504 mail [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] Processing Times: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html
[3] Forms: https://pptform.state.gov/
[4] Facility Search: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
[5] USPS Passports: https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm
[6] Scott County Clerk: https://scottcountyclerk.ky.gov/
[7] KY Vital Records: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/vsb/Pages/default.aspx
[8] Photos: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
[9] Status: https://passportstatus.state.gov/