Getting a Passport in Albertville, MN: Forms, Facilities & Tips

Getting a Passport in Albertville, MN

Albertville, Minnesota residents in Wright County benefit from proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), fueling high passport demand for frequent flights to Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, and beyond. Spring and summer see surges for vacations, winter for ski trips, and year-round travel via MSP. Facilities near Albertville book up 2-4 weeks ahead during peaks—start 8-11 weeks early for routine processing or expedite for trips under 6 weeks. This guide draws from U.S. Department of State guidelines, spotlighting pitfalls like rejected photos (glare on glasses, shadows, or non-neutral expressions), incomplete DS-3053 forms for minors lacking dual parental signatures/notarization, DS-82/DS-11 confusion causing delays, and overlooked citizenship proof updates post-name change.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Use this table to match your situation—mismatches cause 40% of rejections and extra 4-6 week trips.

Run the State Department's online wizard if unsure. Albertville tip: 20-45 minute drives to facilities in rush hour—book via travel.state.gov locator, arrive 15 minutes early with docs in a clear folder. Expect 10-15 minutes: agent reviews docs, you sign DS-11, pay fees, they seal and mail.

Gather Required Documents

Organize originals + black-ink photocopies on plain white paper (no color copies).

• Citizenship Proof (original required; facility retains):
  • U.S. birth certificate (long-form certified; hospital versions invalid).
  • Wright County births: Order from Wright County Recorder (Buffalo) or MN Dept. of Health (1-2 weeks routine; rush available).[3]
  • Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate or prior passport (renewals).
• Photo ID: Driver's license/military ID matching application name (original + copy).
• Passport Photo: 2x2 inches, color, white background, <6 months old, 50-69% head height. Rejections hit 30%+ from glare/shadows—use CVS/Walgreens/AAA near Albertville (avoid selfies/Walmart).[4]
• Minors <16: DS-3053 notarized consent if one parent absent; parental birth cert link; both present preferred.

Download single-sided forms from travel.state.gov.[2]

Pre-Application Checklist

• Confirm form (DS-11 vs. DS-82).
• Secure birth cert (2-4 weeks MN processing).[3]
• Get compliant photo.[4]
• Photocopy all docs.
• Calculate fees/timeline.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Routine In-Person (DS-11: First-Time, Minors, Lost/Stolen)

Use this for new passports, children's first passports (under 16), or replacements for lost/stolen ones. Routine processing takes 6-8 weeks (expedite for 2-3 weeks adds $60+). In areas like Albertville, book early as nearby facilities fill up fast—check multiple options and aim for weekdays.

1. Fill DS-11 (unsigned): Download from state.gov, complete online or print/pen. Do NOT sign—doing so is the #1 mistake, voiding the form. Bring ID (driver's license, birth cert) for every applicant; minors need both parents' presence or notarized consent (Form DS-3053).

2. Gather docs/photo: Original proof of citizenship (birth cert, naturalization cert—photocopies OK if originals shown), ID + photocopy, and 2x2" color photo (white background, no glasses/selfies; pharmacies like CVS print for $15). Common error: Wrong photo size/rejections—use official specs checker online. Name change? Extra docs like marriage cert.

3. Book facility appointment: Search "passport acceptance facility" near Albertville; required for DS-11. Slots limited—book 4-6 weeks ahead, cancel if needed to free for others. No walk-ins typically.

4. Arrive early; agent verifies, you sign/oath: 15-20 mins early with all docs organized in plastic sleeves. Agent reviews everything (allow 30-45 mins); you sign DS-11 then and swear oath. Tip: Practice oath wording; rejections here delay weeks. Minors: All must attend.

5. Pay/seal; get receipt for tracking: Fees ~$130+ (check/money order to State Dept; facility fee separate cash/card). Agent seals app—keep receipt/pink slip for online tracking at travel.state.gov (starts 1-2 weeks). Mistake to avoid: Forgetting cash for some fees or losing receipt.

Mail Renewal (DS-82 Eligible)

1. Fill DS-82.
2. Include old passport/photo/fee.
3. Mail to address on form. Pitfall: Confirm eligibility first—ineligible? Do DS-11 in person.

Lost/Stolen Replacement

1. Report loss/theft immediately via Form DS-64 online at travel.state.gov.
   This notifies the U.S. Department of State and invalidates your old passport to prevent misuse. Do it ASAP (within 24-48 hours ideally).
   Common mistake: Delaying the report, which can lead to application holds or fraud issues.
   Tip: Print or save your confirmation number for your records.

2. Apply in person for a new passport using Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility.
   Download and fill out DS-11 by hand (no pre-filling online). Bring: original proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate), valid photo ID, two identical 2x2 passport photos, and a police report from local Albertville authorities (file one first at your police department—it's not always mandatory but highly recommended for lost/stolen cases in MN). Fees apply; pay by check or money order.
   Common mistake: Using DS-82 (renewal form) instead—DS-11 is required for lost/stolen. Also, blurry/poor photos or non-compliant ID often cause rejections.
   Decision guidance: Search "passport acceptance facility near Albertville MN" on travel.state.gov; book an appointment to avoid long waits. Minors under 16 need both parents.

3. Expedite if your travel is within 2-3 weeks (or 1 week for urgent international needs).
   Select expedited service on DS-11, pay $60 extra fee (+ overnight return shipping if needed), and include proof of travel (e.g., itinerary, tickets). Processing drops to 2-3 weeks vs. 6-8 weeks routine.
   Common mistake: Requesting expedite without travel proof, which gets denied.
   Decision guidance: Check current times at travel.state.gov/passport wait times (MN averages align nationally). Routine is cheaper/slower; life-or-death emergencies qualify for free urgent service—call 1-877-487-2778. Track status online post-submission.

Name/Extra Pages Change

• Recent (≤1 year): DS-5504 by mail.
• Older: DS-11 in person.
• Extra pages: Book endorsement (no new passport).[1]

Consolidated Local Passport Acceptance Facilities

Albertville has no passport agency (nearest: Minneapolis for life-or-death <14 days, by appointment only). Use these verified Wright County-area spots—call/book ahead via usps.com or travel.state.gov; hours vary, confirm status.

• Albertville Post Office: 5748 553 Rd NE, Albertville, MN 55301. (763) 497-3661. Handles DS-11.[5]
• Wright County Government Center (Recorder's Office): 10 2nd St NW, Buffalo, MN 55313 (15-min drive). (763) 682-7555.[6]
• Monticello Post Office: 4134 Deegan Ave, Monticello, MN 55362 (10-min drive).[5]
• St. Michael Post Office: 5 Central Ave W, St. Michael, MN 55376 (10-min drive).[5]

Peak demand (Mar-Apr spring break, Jun-Aug summer, Dec holidays) from MSP travelers—book 4+ weeks early. Walk-ins limited.

Fees and Payment

Non-refundable; pay State Dept fee (check/money order to "U.S. Department of State") separate from execution fee (cash/check to facility).[1]

Adult book routine total: ~$165. Add $21.36 1-2 day return shipping.

Processing Times and Expediting

Disclaimer: Times fluctuate; check travel.state.gov for latest (e.g., routine now 6-8 weeks total, including mail).[1]

• Routine: 6-8 weeks.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60; mark form, pay extra).
• Urgent (<14 days): Agency only (Minneapolis); itinerary/proof required—no peak guarantees.
• Life-or-Death: 1-3 days at agency.

MN seasonal backlogs add 1-2 weeks—MSP flights amplify urgency. Track via receipt # online.

Expedite Steps: Check box on form, extra fee, optional return envelope.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Albertville families with exchange students or border trips need both parents (or DS-3053/court order). Kids' photos fail from movement—use pros. No mail renewals for minors.[1]

Common Challenges and Tips

• Bookings: Try multiple sites; early week mornings best.
• Photos: Use State Dept template.[4]
• Docs: Order MN certs early.[3]
• Timelines: Buffer for MSP peaks; scan passport digitally pre-travel.
• At Facility: 10-15 min; calm, organized = smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Albertville? No local routine; Minneapolis agency for <14-day urgencies with proof.[1]

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited: 2-3 weeks anywhere (+$60). Urgent: Agency, imminent travel.[1]

Wright County birth cert? Recorder (Buffalo) or MN Health Dept.[3]

Mail first-time? No—DS-11 in-person.[1]

Expired 16+ years? DS-11 as new.[2]

Non-consenting parent? DS-3053 notarized or court order.[1]

USPS appointment? Yes, via usps.com.[5]

Local peaks? Spring/summer/winter—MSP drives demand; apply early.[1]

Sources

[1] Passports
[2] Passport Forms
[3] Minnesota Vital Records
[4] Passport Photo Requirements
[5] USPS Passport Services
[6] Wright County Services