Getting a Passport in Chatfield, MN: Forms, Fees, Local Facilities

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Chatfield, MN
Getting a Passport in Chatfield, MN: Forms, Fees, Local Facilities

Getting a Passport in Chatfield, MN

Chatfield residents in rural Fillmore County, Minnesota, often apply for passports for cross-border trips to Canada, family visits abroad, or work near Rochester's Mayo Clinic and colleges. Demand spikes in spring/summer for Europe vacations and winter for ski trips or holidays, with facilities booking up 4–6 weeks ahead amid Minnesota's seasonal travel rushes. Plan 10–13 weeks for routine service to sidestep rush fees, especially with harsh winters delaying drives to nearby towns like Preston or Lanesboro. Avoid pitfalls like last-minute applications or mismatched forms—use travel.state.gov tools early. This guide draws from U.S. Department of State resources with tailored tips for small-town efficiency, including vital records access and rural drive-time realities.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Match your needs to the right form and method using this decision tree to prevent rejections, extra drives, or delays. Key factors: first-time/child, renewal eligibility, lost/stolen, urgent travel.

Situation Form Method Key Eligibility/Notes
First-time adult (16+), child under 16, name correction without docs, or ineligible renewal DS-11 In person at acceptance facility Cannot mail. Both parents for minors (or DS-3053 notarized consent). Expires 10 years adults/5 years minors.
Eligible adult renewal DS-82 Mail Issued ≥16 years old, within 15 years, undamaged/in possession. Saves trip and $35 execution fee.
Lost/stolen DS-64 (report) + DS-11 Report online, then in person Police report helps; no mail renewal.
Damaged (in possession) DS-82 (if minor damage & eligible) or DS-11 Mail or in person Use State Dept eligibility checker.
Name change/correction DS-5504 (≤1 year post-issue), else DS-82/DS-11 Mail or in person Include marriage decree/court order.
Urgent (travel ≤14 days) DS-11 + proof (itinerary) Expedite at facility, then agency appt if needed Call 1-877-487-2778; life-or-death (≤3 days) needs docs like death certificate.
Second passport (frequent travel) DS-82 (if eligible) Mail Valid prior passport required; avoids visa delays.

Pro Tip for Chatfield: Verify via travel.state.gov wizards. Routine processing: 4–6 weeks (door-to-door 6–8); expedited +$60 for 2–3 weeks. Track online 7–10 days post-submission. Factor 20–45 min drives to Fillm

ore County spots during snow.

Required Documents: Comprehensive Checklist

Use this single checklist—print and check off to avoid reschedules at limited rural facilities. Tailor to your situation; all need 2x2" photo (white background, <6 months old, no glasses/selfies—get at pharmacies).

  1. Application Form: DS-11 (unsigned, in-person), DS-82 (signed, mail), DS-5504/DS-3053 as needed. Download from travel.state.gov.
  2. U.S. Citizenship Proof: Certified birth certificate (raised seal; order from MN Vital Records online or Fillmore County Recorder—2–4 weeks), naturalization cert, or prior passport. Photocopy front/back.
  3. Photo ID: MN driver's license (REAL ID compliant OK), military/govt ID matching name. Photocopy.
  4. Passport Photo: 1 color, 2x2", specs at travel.state.gov/photos.
  5. Fees: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" (app fee); execution/expedite to facility. Use fee calculator.
  6. Case-Specific:
    Case Extras
    Minor <16 Both parents' IDs/citizenship proof; DS-3053 if one absent (notarized); court order if sole custody.
    Lost/Stolen DS-64 report confirmation; police report.
    Name Change Full chain: marriage/divorce decree, court order (certified).
    Urgent Itinerary/hotel proof.

Chatfield Tip: MN birth certs via health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords (rush options). Facilities retain citizenship docs—get multiples.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections (25–30% Fail Here)

Strict specs: 2x2" (51x51mm), color, plain white/off-white background, head 1–1⅜", neutral expression, even lighting, no shadows/glare/glasses/hats/uniforms/headwear (medical exceptions need side photo).

  • Pitfalls: Selfies distort; home prints glare. Use Walgreens/CVS/post offices ($15–17).
  • Rural Hack: Stock up before blizzards; verify with State Dept template.

Where to Apply Near Chatfield

No passport agencies in Chatfield—use acceptance facilities (post offices, county offices, libraries) via official locator: iafdb.travel.state.gov (enter ZIP 55923). Nearby in Fillmore County:

  • Chatfield-area post offices.
  • Preston (county seat, ~15 miles): Recorder's Office or post office.
  • Lanesboro (~10 miles): Post office.

Call sites to confirm DS-11 slots/hours; appointments essential March–August/Dec peaks—no reliable walk-ins. Expect 15–30 min review: oath, sign DS-11, seal envelope. For renewals, mail to Philadelphia address on DS-82.

**What to

Expect**: Arrive prepared; staff check docs, no on-site printing. Rural spots close early—weekday mornings best. Google Maps: Search "passport acceptance facility near Chatfield, MN".

Renewals/DS-82: Mail only—no facility needed.

Urgent: After facility, call 1-877-487-2778 for agency (e.g., Chicago, 4+ hr drive).

Step-by-Step Application Process

In-Person (DS-11):

  1. Complete unsigned form/docs/checklist.
  2. Locate/book via iafdb.travel.state.gov (4–6 weeks early).
  3. Attend: 15 min early; verify/sign/submit.
  4. Track: passportstatus.state.gov (7–10 days in).
  5. Receive: Mailed 6–8 weeks routine.

Mail Renewal (DS-82):

  1. Confirm eligibility.
  2. Include old passport/photo/fees.
  3. Mail per instructions.

Expedite: Mark form; +$60; itinerary for <14 days. Life-or-death: Free 3-day with proof.

Fees and Payment

Current at travel.state.gov/passport-fees (updates frequent; use calculator):

  • Adult Book: $130 app + $35 exec (first-time).
  • Minor Book (<16): $100 + $35.
  • Adult Renewal Book: $130 (mail, no exec).
  • Passport Card: $30 adult/$15 minor + $35 exec.
  • Expedite: +$60. 1–2 Day Delivery: +$22.05.
  • Execution: Cash/check/credit at facility.

Separate payments: App to "U.S. Dept of State"; rest to facility.

Processing Times and Expectations

  • Routine: 4–6 weeks processing + mail (6–8 total). Peaks add 2–4 weeks.
  • Expedited: 2–3 weeks (+$60).
  • MN Realities: Spring break/summer/winter surges; apply 3 months pre-travel. Students/business: Buffer for Rochester commutes.

Track weekly; USPS Informed Delivery for delivery alerts.

Special Considerations for Chatfield Families and Minors

Minors need dual parental consent—20% delays from this. Fillmore County vital records fast for locals. Rural drives: Check MnDOT for roads. Frequent Canada crossers: Get card for land/sea.

Common Challenges and Fixes

  • Wrong Form: DS-11 when DS-82 eligible—wastes trip. Use wizards.
  • Photos/Docs: Pros only; certified copies.
  • Slots Full: Try multiple sites; off-peak.
  • Urgent Mix-Up: Expedite ≠ agency; prove travel.
  • Winter Delays: Mail tracking + early apps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

DS-11 or DS-82? Eligible renewal (≥16 at issue, <15 yrs, undamaged)? Mail DS-82. Else DS-11 in person.

Same-day in Chatfield? No; nearest agency requires proof/<14 days travel.

Lost old passport? DS-11 in person + police report.

Child validity? 5 years.

Track status? pa

ssportstatus.state.gov, 7–10 days post-mailing.

REAL ID enough? Yes for ID proof.

Family emergency? Life-or-death expedite with docs.

Sources

[1] Passports - Travel.State.Gov
[2] How to Apply
[3] Renew a Passport
[4] Lost/Stolen
[5] Forms
[6] Multiple Passports
[7] MN Vital Records
[8] Fillmore County Recorder
[9] Photo Requirements
[10] Children Under 16
[11] Facility Search
[12] USPS Passports
[13] Fillmore County
[14] Urgent Travel
[15] Status Check
[16] USPS Informed Delivery
[17] Emergencies
[18] Processing Times

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