How to Get a Passport in Murray, KY: Facilities, Steps & Tips

Getting a Passport in Murray, KY

Murray, Kentucky residents in Calloway County frequently apply for passports to support international trips, family vacations, or Murray State University study abroad opportunities. Local demand surges in spring and summer for tourism, winter breaks for holidays, and around MSU semesters for student exchanges—often overwhelming the few acceptance facilities. Plan 3-6 months ahead to sidestep appointment shortages, photo issues, or document errors, per U.S. Department of State guidelines [1].

Choosing the Right Passport Service: First-Time, Renewal, or Replacement?

Select the correct path using the State Department's wizard [1] to avoid rejections from form mix-ups, a top local pitfall.

• First-Time (DS-11): For no prior passport or one issued before age 16. In-person only at acceptance facilities like Calloway County Clerk. Expect 15-30 minutes: agent verifies citizenship proof (certified birth certificate), ID, photo; you sign under oath.

• Renewal (DS-82): If issued at 16+, undamaged, within 15 years. Mail-in—no facility visit. Ideal for busy MSU faculty or residents avoiding queues.

• Replacement: Report loss/theft via DS-64 [4], then follow first-time or renewal rules. In-person for urgency.

Common mistake: Using DS-82 for first-timers—always confirm eligibility to prevent return trips.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Murray and Nearby Areas

Murray's facilities book up fast during peaks; call 4-6 weeks ahead. All handle DS-11 first-timers, minors, and eligible replacements (15-30 min visits). No passport printing on-site—apps go to processing centers. Use iafdb.travel.state.gov for real-time availability [8].

In Murray:

• Calloway County Clerk's Office: 101 S. 5th St., Murray, KY 42071. Phone: (270) 753-3382. Website: callowaycountyky.gov [5]. Weekday hours; cash/check accepted.
• Murray Post Office: 110 N. 16th St., Murray, KY 42071. Phone: (270) 753-5983. Appointments via usps.com [6]; money orders preferred.

Murray State University (Students/Faculty): No official acceptance facility, but the International Center provides application workshops, deadlines for exchanges, and photo guidance seasonally. Contact: international@murraystate.edu or international.murraystate.edu [7]. ID Services office may assist with compliant photos—verify current offerings.

Nearby (15-30 min drive):

• Marshall County Clerk's Office (Benton): 60 Election Dr., Benton, KY 42025. Phone:

(270) 527-4748. Serves Calloway overflow.

• Calvert City Post Office: 614 Main St., Calvert City, KY 42029. Phone: (270) 395-4555. Quick access via I-24.

Busy times: Mondays, mid-days, holidays. Opt for Tuesday mornings; arrive early with organized docs. For Louisville agency (urgent only): 600 MLK Jr. Pl., Louisville [13].

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications

1. Complete DS-11: Download [2]; sign only at facility. Minors: Both parents or DS-3053 [14].
2. Citizenship Proof: Certified birth certificate from Calloway Clerk [9] or KY Vital Stats (502-564-4212).
3. Photo ID + Photocopy: KY driver's license matching name [1].
4. 2x2 Photo: From Murray spots below.
5. Fees: See table.
6. Appointment: Book via phone/site.
7. Visit: Agent reviews, oaths, receipts tracking #.
8. Track: passportstatus.state.gov [11].

Renewals: Mail DS-82 + old passport/photo/fee [3].

Passport Photos: Local Options and Pitfalls

25-30% rejections from photos [10]. Specs: 2x2", head 1-1⅜", neutral face, white background, <6 months old.

Murray spots ($15-17):

• Walgreens: 1201 Main St., Murray, KY 42071. Phone: (270) 753-1434.
• CVS: 110 S. 16th St., Murray, KY 42071. Phone: (270) 753-1340.
• MSU ID Office (students): Confirm on-site service [7].

Pitfalls: Glare, smiles, wrong size—get 2-3 extras.

Fees and Payment Methods

As of October 2024 (verify at [1]):

Facility fee to "Clerk/Postmaster General" (check/cash); app fee to "U.S. Department of State" (check/MO). Some USPS take cards [6]. Cards limit land/sea travel.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

As of October 2024 [12]: Routine 6-8 weeks; peaks add 2-4. Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks. No guarantees.

• Urgent (<14 days, life/death): Louisville agency appointment [13]; prove with itinerary/death cert. Call 1-877-487-2778.
• Private Expeditors: Extra cost, use via [1].

Special Considerations for Minors and Students

Minors: Dual parental presence/DS-3053; parental ID required [14]. MSU students: Align with International Cen

ter deadlines for J-1 visas/exchanges [7]. Local birth certs: Calloway Clerk quickest.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Appointment Scarcity: Check multiple sites; Benton backup.
• Form Confusion: Wizard [1]; DS-82 ineligible? DS-11.
• Rejections: Pre-verify photos/docs.
• Delays: Apply early for MSU breaks/spring rush.
• Name Changes: Add legal proof [1].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Murray? No; Louisville for emergencies [13].

Book vs. Card? Book: air global; card: land/sea Canada/Mexico [1].

Post Office appointment? Yes [6].

Lost abroad? Embassy [15].

Renew expired? Yes, if <15 years [3].

Birth cert? Calloway Clerk/KY Vital Stats [9].

Expedited guaranteed? Priority only [12].

Name change? Decree required [1].

Final Tips for Success

Leverage MSU resources, Calloway Clerk speed, early apps. Double-check via [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Passports & International Travel: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] Form DS-11: pptform.state.gov/
[3] Form DS-82: pptform.state.gov/
[4] Form DS-64: pptform.state.gov/
[5] Calloway County Clerk: callowaycountyky.gov/government/county_clerk
[6] USPS Passports: usps.com/international/passports.htm
[7] MSU International Programs: international.murraystate.edu/
[8] Facility Search: iafdb.travel.state.gov/
[9] KY Vital Statistics: chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/vsb
[10] Photo Requirements: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
[11] Status Check: passportstatus.state.gov/
[12] Processing Times: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html
[13] Agencies: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/agencies.html
[14] Minors: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html
[15] Lost Abroad: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/lost-stolen-passport-abroad.html