How to Get a Passport in Burnsville MN: Forms, Facilities & Tips

Getting a Passport in Burnsville, MN

Burnsville residents in Dakota County rely on the nearby Twin Cities International Airport (MSP) for international trips to Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America. Peak demand hits during spring break, summer, and holidays, stretching routine processing to 6-8 weeks or more amid appointment shortages. Last-minute rushes from emergencies or cruises are frequent—start 2-4 months early or choose expedited options. This guide draws from U.S. Department of State standards to cover first-time, renewals, child passports, lost/stolen cases, and urgents, highlighting pitfalls like invalid photos (glare, size errors), unsigned forms, or mismatched IDs. Pro tip: Verify eligibility for mail-in DS-82 renewals first—locals often miss this, doubling wait times.

Choose the Right Passport Service

Assess your situation to pick the service—wrong choices cause 30-50% of rejections. Use this decision table:

Decision Steps:

1. Prior passport issued ≥16yo, <15yrs ago, undamaged/in possession? Renew w/ DS-82 by mail.
2. Travel >3 weeks out? Routine suffices.
3. Under 16 or changes/loss? DS-11 in-person.
4. Check forms/fees at travel.state.gov/passports/forms.

Book facilit

y slots early via USPS locator; they fill fast near MSP travel surges.

First-Time Passport

Never had a passport, prior issued <16yo, or ineligible for renewal (damaged/lost/expired >5yrs)? Use DS-11 in-person only—no mail. Expect 15-30min visit; Minnesota spots book 4-6 weeks out.

DS-11 vs. DS-82 Quick Check: DS-82 if prior meets renewal criteria (saves trip). Otherwise DS-11.

Documents (Originals + Front/Back Photocopies):

• Citizenship: Certified birth cert (MN full version w/ raised seal; order from health.state.mn.us if needed, $30+).
• ID: MN driver's license/Enhanced ID.
• Photo: 2x2" specs (details below).
• Form: Unsigned DS-11 from travel.state.gov.
• Fees: $130 adult book (State Dept check); $35 execution (facility).

Burnsville Pitfalls: Short-form birth certs rejected; pre-copy docs; update expired MN license. Mid-week mornings beat lines.

Renewal

Eligible if prior passport: ≥16yo at issue, <15yrs expired, undamaged/yours. Mail DS-82 w/ photo, old passport, fees ($130 book). No in-person needed—ideal amid local shortages. Spike before summer; mail 10 weeks early. Ineligible? DS-11 as first-time.

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport

Immediate Steps: Report theft/loss to Burnsville PD (get report #). File DS-64 online at travel.state.gov (free/fast).

Pro tip: Specific details prevent scrutiny delays. Track at travel.state.gov.

Passport for a Child Under 16

DS-11 in-person w/ both parents (or one + notarized DS-3053 <90 days old). Valid 5yrs; $100 fee. MN family trips common—bring child photos (parent-held), custody docs if applicable. No solo parent: instant denial.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Burnsville and Dakota County

Visit approved sites for DS-11 (new/child/loss ineligible). Confirm services/appointments via USPS locator (tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locati

onType=passport) or phone—demand peaks March-June, Nov-Dec.

Static list of nearby options (verify current status):

• Burnsville Post Office: 14300 Nicollet Ct, Burnsville, MN 55337. Phone: (952) 894-2491. Photos available.
• Apple Valley Post Office: 14150 Cedar Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124.
• Eagan Post Office: 3455 Olexa Ave, Eagan, MN 55123.

Dakota County courts (e.g., Hastings) may assist; call ahead. Appointments essential; walk-ins rare. Photos ~$15 at many post offices.

Visit Tips: Early week/morning; organized folder speeds 15-30min process.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing Your Application

1. Select form via table above (travel.state.gov/passports/forms).
2. Citizenship: Certified birth cert (MN Dept of Health: health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords, 1-2wks).
3. ID: Valid MN DL/state ID; photocopy front/back.
4. Photos: 2 identical (specs below).
5. Form: Complete, unsigned (DS-11).
6. Fees: Check to "U.S. Department of State" ($130/$100 book); $35 execution cash/check.
7. Minors: DS-3053 if needed.
8. Appointment: Book 4+wks ahead.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% rejections here—strict specs:

• 2x2", color, white/cream background.
• <6mos old, 1-1⅜" head height, neutral face, no glasses/hats/selfies/shadows. MN woes: Home glare; use post office/AAA. Validate upload at travel.state.gov/passports/how-apply/photos. Bring extras.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Submitting Your Application

1. Arrive 10min early, docs ready.
2. Agent review; sign DS-11.
3. Pay separately.
4. Select routine/expedited ($60, 2-3wks).
5. Track after 7 days: travel.state.gov.
6. Mailed nondescript; add $21+ tracked return.

Mail DS-82 certified.

Expedited and Urgent Travel Services

• Expedited: +$60 at facility, 2-3wks (itinerary optional).
• Urgent <14 days: Call 1-877-487-2778 for agency appt (e.g., Chicago); prove tickets.
• Life/Death <3 days: Immediate family proof.

MSP peaks unreliable—apply off-season. No guarantees.

Common Challenges and Tips for Burnsville Residents

• Slots Scarce: Daily USPS checks; try Eagan/Apple Valley.
• Birth Cert Delays: Order early from MN Vital Records.
• Photos/Forms: Pro service; unsigned DS-11.
• Renewal Traps: >15yrs? DS-11 restart.
• Name Changes: Court docs required.
• REAL ID Note: Passport ≠ domestic flights post-2025May (state.id.me/verify). Pro tip: 10wk buffer; track obsessively.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Processing time in Burnsvill

e?** 6-8wks routine, 2-3 expedited; peaks longer.

Post office photos? Yes, ~$15; book.

Urgent <14 days? Call w/ itinerary.

Child passports? Both parents or DS-3053.

Renew at PO? No, mail DS-82.

Birth cert? health.state.mn.us.

Lost abroad? DS-64 on return.

Book vs. card? Book worldwide ($30/$15 extra).

Sources

U.S. Department of State - Passports
U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
U.S. Department of State - Passports for Children Under 16
U.S. Department of State - Get a Fast Passport
U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms
USPS Passport Services
Minnesota Department of Health - Vital Records