Guide to Getting a Passport in Croswell, MI: Steps & Facilities

Getting a Passport in Croswell, MI

Croswell residents in Sanilac County, Michigan, often need passports for quick Canada border crossings via the Blue Water Bridge (45 miles away), Great Lakes ferries from Algonac, or flights from Detroit Metropolitan Airport (90 miles). Demand peaks during spring break (March-April), summer (June-August) for family vacations, and winter holidays (November-December), causing 4-6 week appointment waits at local sites. Avoid pitfalls like photos with glare/shadows, unsigned DS-11s, missing minor consent, or mailing ineligible renewals. Apply 3-6 months early: renewals qualify by mail only if your passport was issued at 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, and in your name. Otherwise, new DS-11 in person.

Determine Your Passport Service Type

Use this decision tree to select the correct form and method—wrong choices lead to rejections and restarts.

• First-time, child under 16, 15+ years since last passport, damaged/lost/stolen, or major name change? DS-11 in person (no mail).
• Eligible renewal? DS-82 by mail (issued at 16+, <15 years old, undamaged, your possession/name).
• Lost/stolen? Report via DS-64 first (online/mail/in-person), then DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11.
• Expedited? Add $60; urgent (<14 days life/death)? Call 1-877-487-2778 for Detroit agency slot.
• Minors? DS-11 with both parents or notarized DS-3053 consent.

Check travel.state.gov for your case.

First-Time or New Application (DS-11)

Never had a U.S. passport or ineligible for renewal? Use DS-11: download single-sided from travel.state.gov (don't sign until in person). Apply at a Michigan acceptance facility—no mail.

Checklist:

• Original citizenship proof (certified MI birth certificate) + photocopy.
• Valid photo ID (MI driver's license) + photocopy.
• 2x2" photo (6 months recent).
• Fees; name docs if changed.

Mistakes to avoid: Signing early, uncertified births, expired ID. Expect 10-15 min facility visit: agent reviews, you sign/swears oath.

Renewal (DS-82)

Mail if eligible (most Croswell adults qualify post-15 years). Include old passport, photo, fees (~$130). Michigan's mail volume processes smoothly—faster than rural queues.

Tip: Damaged? No mail—DS-11 instead.

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

1. Report via DS-64 online (travel.state.gov)—police report for theft.
2. Apply: DS-82 (mail, if eligible) or DS-11 (in person).

Local tip: Rural Sanilac facilities backlog fast—report online first.

Minors Under 16

DS-11 in person: both parents/IDs/citizenship, or DS-3053 notarized (90 days valid) + relationship proof. Common MI error: missing sole custody order.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Croswell

Limited local spots fill quickly—book appointments via phone/online. Facilities verify docs, witness oaths (5-10 min process), collect execution fees, forward apps (no on-site printing). Weekdays (Mon 11am-2pm) busiest; go early mornings mid-week. Confirm services before visiting; use USPS locator or State Dept locator.

• Croswell Post Office: 47 Howard St, Croswell, MI 48416. Call (810) 679-3231. Maps.
• Sanilac County Clerk/Register of Deeds: 65 N Howell St, Sandusky, MI 48471 (~15 miles). Call (810) 648-3203. Maps.
• Marlette Post Office: 3166 6th St, Marlette, MI 48453 (~20 miles). Call ahead. Maps.

Urgent? Detroit Passport Agency (175 miles, 1001 Fort St, Detroit, MI 48226)—appointment only.

Required Documents and Common Mistakes

30% rejections from incompletes. Photocopy all on 8.5x11 white paper.

Adults DS-11:

• Unsigned DS-11.
• Citizenship original + copy (MI birth cert from vitalrecords@michigan.gov; 4-6 weeks).
• ID + copy.
• Photo.
• Fees/name docs.

DS-82 Mail:

• Signed DS-82, old passport, photo, fees.

Minors DS-11: Add parents' docs + DS-3053/court order.

Mistakes: No photocopies, cash only (use check), old photos.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

2x2", color, off-white background, head 1-1⅜", neutral face, no glasses/shadows/glare (50% rejections). Local: CVS/Walgreens Sandusky/Croswell ($15); USPS ($15).

Checklist:

• Even lighting, eyes visible.
• Matte thin paper, recent.
• No selfies/uniforms.

Full Application Process: Step-by-Step Checklist

1. ID service type.
2. Print forms/docs/photo.
3. Calc fees (two checks).
4. Book facility appt.
5. Arrive early: review/sign/oath/pay.
6. Track online (receipt #).

Mail DS-82 trackable.

Fees and Payment

Check to "U.S. Department of State"; facility cash/check. Verify current.

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Sanilac peaks add delays. <14 days urgent: prove travel/emergency, call 1-877-487-2778 for Detroit. Track travel.state.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Croswell? No—agency only for emergencies.

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited 2-3 weeks; urgent <14 days agency/proof.

Old MI birth cert? Yes if certified/sealed; replace via MDHHS.

Track app? Receipt # on travel.state.gov (after 5-7 days).

Phone photo OK? No—professional print only.

3-week summer trip? Expedite ASAP; peaks risky.

Walk-ins? Limited—call Croswell/Sanilac sites.

Real ID enough? Yes + citizenship proof.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Michigan Department of Health & Human Services - Vital Records
[3] USPS Passport Services
[4] Sanilac County Clerk