Getting Passport in Barnesville MN: Forms Fees Checklist

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Barnesville, MN
Getting Passport in Barnesville MN: Forms Fees Checklist

Getting a Passport in Barnesville, MN

Barnesville, Minnesota residents in Clay County often need passports for international flights from Fargo's Hector International Airport (20 minutes away), family trips during MN's spring/summer peaks or winter getaways, business travel, or NDSU study abroad programs. High-demand seasons like June-August and December-January overload facilities—2023-2024 Google reviews cite 15-25 minute waits at Barnesville Post Office (efficient for locals) versus 30-45+ minutes at Moorhead sites during rushes. Last-minute rushes from emergencies add pressure; start 3-6 months early to avoid delays from photo flaws, form mix-ups (DS-11 vs. DS-82), or missing docs.

This guide delivers a customized process with checklists, fees, pitfalls, and tips for small-town applicants. Begin with the State Department's form wizard: https://pptform.state.gov/ [2].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing wrongly—like DS-82 for first-timers—forces restarts. Use this table and wizard for clarity:

Situation Form Method Key Reasons and Timelines
First-Time (no prior passport, issued before age 16 or >15 years ago, lost/damaged) DS-11 In person only Live verification of identity/citizenship; routine processing 6-8 weeks [1]
Renewal (issued when ≥16, <15 years ago, undamaged, no name change/denial) DS-82 Mail preferred, or DS-11 in person Skips $35 fee and visit; same 6-8 weeks [1]
Replacement (lost/stolen, undamaged old passport) DS-64 (report) + DS-82/DS-11 Mail if eligible, else in person Invalidate old one first; add 2-4 weeks if urgent [1]
Corrections/Name Change (issued <1 year ago) DS-5504 Mail Fast for minor errors; new app otherwise [1]
Child <16 DS-11 In person with parents/guardians Strict consent; both parents or notarized waiver required [1]

Unsure (e.g., damaged passport)? Opt for DS-11. Test eligibility via https://pptform.state.gov/ [2].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Barnesville

No passport agencies locally (only for verified <14-day urgents). Schedule at acceptance facilities 4-6 weeks ahead via phone or https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ [5]. Barnesville offers quick, personal service per recent reviews; Clay County alternatives handle higher volumes from Fargo/NDSU traffic.

  • Barnesville Post Office: 204 6th Ave SE, Barnesville, MN 56514. Phone: (218) 354-2272. Proce

sses new applications and photos on weekdays; call for slots—2024 reviews note 15-20 minute waits off-peak, friendly staff for locals [3].

  • Clay County Area:
    • Moorhead Post Office: 115 N 7th St, Moorhead, MN 56560. Busier; 30-45 minute peaks per Google feedback [3].
    • Clay County Recorder/Registrar: 807 N 11th St #100, Moorhead, MN 56560. Check services at claycountymn.gov [4].

Visits last 30-60 minutes: Bring organized docs; agent reviews, witnesses signature, seals application, issues tracking receipt. Fargo proximity boosts NDSU student demand—book early.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Prep docs in a folder—agents reject 25%+ for photocopy gaps or unsigned forms. Expect agent questions on travel dates/eligibility.

  1. Fill DS-11: Download from travel.state.gov; leave unsigned until instructed. Exact name match to ID [1].

  2. Citizenship Proof: Original U.S. birth certificate (or cert.) + photocopies (front/back). Get MN vital records via https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/ ($30+, 1-2 weeks); Clay County Recorder helps locals [4][6]. No hospital souvenirs.

  3. Photo ID Proof: MN driver's license/military ID + photocopy. Crisp, full-face.

  4. Passport Photo: 2x2", <6 months old, white background, 1-1⅜" head height, neutral expression, no glasses/shadows/glare. Barnesville PO offers (~$15); DIY fails 70%—use pro service [3][7].

  5. Minors <16: Both parents/guardians present (IDs/photocopies) or DS-3053 notarized from absent one. Sole custody needs court docs. Expect extra scrutiny [1].

  6. Fees: $35 execution (cash/check to facility) + $130 adult/$100 child (check to "U.S. Department of State"). Expedite +$60; 1-2 day delivery +$21.07 (street address) [8].

  7. Book Appointment: Call facility; arrive 15 minutes early with all items.

  8. At Facility: Agent inspects, you sign, they seal/receipt. No on-site passports.

  9. Track Status: https://passportstatus.state.gov/ after 7-10 days (6-8 weeks routine) [9].

Special Considerations for Minnesota Residents

Processing Times: Routine 6-8 weeks (10+ during MN peaks); expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60). <14 days? Call 1-877-487-2778 for agency (e.g., Chicago)—slots scarce in tourist seasons [10].

Vital Records: Order early from MN Dept. of Health; Clay County Recorder in Moorhead for guidance [4][6].

Local Tips: Barnesville PO suits small-town speed—NDSU/Fargo travelers, apply off-peak. Farg

o airport's international routes spike demand.

Emergencies: File DS-64 for lost/stolen online first [1].

Fees Breakdown

Item Routine Adult (16+, 10-yr) Routine Child (<16, 5-yr) Optional Add-Ons
Application $130 $100 Expedite: +$60
Execution (facility) $35 $35 N/A
Routine Total $165 $135 1-2 Day Delivery: +$21.07
Expedited Total $225 $195 (Street address only)

Pay exactly; most take cash/check, few cards. Optional passport card (+$30/$15) for land/sea travel [8].

Common Pitfalls and Tips

  • Photos: #1 rejection (glare, head size, smiles)—PO service ensures compliance [7].
  • Forms: DS-82 misuse doubles time; wizard prevents [2].
  • Minors: Absent parent consent causes 40% kid app fails [1].
  • Docs: Photocopies must match originals exactly; faded IDs trigger rejections.
  • Peaks: MN vacations/Fargo flights—apply 9+ months for holidays.
  • Tracking: Receipt barcode essential; check weekly from week 2.
  • Small-Town Hack: Barnesville's low volume means same-day slots off-peak per 2024 reviews.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

Best for qualifiers: No visit/fee, 6-8 weeks processing.

  1. Confirm Eligibility: Issued ≥16 years old, <15 years ago, same name, undamaged, received in person.
  2. Complete DS-82: Download/fill (don't mimic old signature line).
  3. Assemble: Old passport, new 2x2" photo, $130/$100 check ("U.S. Department of State"), prior name docs if changed.
  4. Mail: USPS Priority (tracked) to address on DS-82 instructions [1].
  5. Track: Online after 7-10 days [9].

Ineligible? Switch to DS-11 in person.

FAQs

How far ahead for a Barnesville passport?
3-6 months ideal; 6-8 weeks routine (10+ in MN summer/winter peaks) [10].

Passport photos at Barnesville Post Office?
Yes, ~$15 with proper specs—avoids 70% rejection rate [3][7].

Travel in <2 weeks?
Expedite (+$60) for 2-3 weeks; <14-day life/death emergency: call 1-877-487-2778 (Chicago agency, no peak guarantees) [10].

Both parents for child's passport?
Yes, or notarized DS-3053 (+ID photocopy) from absent—leading delay [1].

Renew >15 years old at post office?
No, treat as new DS-11 in person [1].

Clay County birth certificate?
MN Dept. of Health (online/mail, $30+) or Recorder office assistance [4][6].

Nearest passport agency?
N

one local; Chicago/New Orleans for urgents only [5].

Photo rejected?
Retake pro: correct shadows, size, lighting [7].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] State Department Passport Wizard: https://pptform.state.gov/
[3] USPS Location Finder: https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport
[4] Clay County, MN Official Site: https://www.claycountymn.gov/
[5] Passport Acceptance Facility Search: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
[6] MN Dept. of Health Vital Records: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/index.html
[7] Passport Photo Requirements: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
[8] Passport Fees: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html
[9] Passport Status Check: https://passportstatus.state.gov/
[10] Processing Times: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations