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

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Lonsdale, MN
Getting a Passport in Lonsdale, MN: Forms, Facilities & Tips

Table of Contents

Getting a Passport in Lonsdale, MN

Lonsdale residents in Rice County often need passports for MSP flights, family trips abroad, or seasonal escapes like summer Europe tours or winter drives to Mexico. Demand surges in spring (pre-summer travel) and fall (holidays), with rural appointment slots filling fast—book 4-6 weeks early. Common pitfalls: faulty photos (must be 2x2 inches, no glare/selfies), expired IDs, or uncertified birth certificates. For minors under 16, both parents must consent with recent photos. Plan 6-8 weeks ahead for routine service; always verify current times at travel.state.gov as they fluctuate. Check passport expiration against airlines' "6-month validity" rule (10-year adult validity, 5-year child).

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Needs

Form mismatches cause 30% of rejections. Use this decision table, then confirm eligibility at travel.state.gov:

Your Situation Recommended Form/Service Key Requirements & Common Mistakes
First-time adult (16+) DS-11 (in-person) Original birth/naturalization cert + ID; appear before agent. Avoid: Using DS-82.
Renewal (adult, undamaged passport) DS-82 (mail if issued <15 years ago, when 16+) Current passport + photo. Avoid: In-person if eligible; lost passports need DS-11.
Child under 16 DS-11 (both parents in-person) Child's birth cert + DS-3053 (notarized if one absent). Avoid: Old photos (>30 days) or single parent without form.
Urgent (<4 weeks) Expedite (+$60) or agency Itinerary proof; life-or-death needs DS-5525. Avoid: Assuming same-day without emergency.
Lost/stolen DS-64 report + DS-11/DS-5504 Police report helps; full fee for new. Avoid: Delaying report, which risks travel issues.
Book vs. Card Book ($130 adult): Air/sea worldwide; Card ($30 adult/$15 child): Land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Bermuda/Caribbean Avoid: Card for flights to Europe.

Download forms from travel.state.gov; fill by hand, sign DS-11 only with agent. Gather docs/photos first to prevent restarts.

Gather Required Documents: Comprehensive Checklists

Incomplete docs lead most rejections. Order Rice County/MN vital records early from health.state.mn.us if needed (allow 2-4 weeks). Photocopy originals (8.5x11 plain paper, front/back).

DS-11 (First-Time, Minors, Ineligible Renewals, Replacements)

  • Proof of citizenship (original + copy): Certified birth cert (raised seal), naturalization cert, prior passport.
  • Proof of identity (original + copy): Driver's license, military ID.
  • 2x2 photo (see photo section).
  • Unsigned DS-11.
  • Fees: $130 adult book/$100 child book/$30 adult card/$15 child card + $35 execution (verify at travel.state.gov; separate checks).
  • Minors extra: Both parents/IDs or notarized DS-3053 + absent parent's ID copy; parental proof (birth cert).

DS-82 (Eligible Adult Mail Renewals)

  • Current passport (on top).
  • Signed DS-82 (blue ink, single-sided).
  • Stapled photo.
  • $130 book/$30 card check to "U.S. Department of State".
  • Mail tracked Priority to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged

  • DS-64 online report.
  • DS-5504 (no fee if <1 year valid) or DS-11 (full fee) + damaged passport (marked "CANCELED"), police report, photo.
  • Mail to PO Box 90151, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0151.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Poor photos reject 25-30% of apps (local issues: harsh MN sunlight shadows, glasses glare). Strict specs:

  • 2x2 inches (51x51 mm); head 1-1⅜ inches chin-to-top.
  • White/neutral background, even lighting, neutral expression, eyes open.
  • Color, matte/glossy, <6 months old; no uniforms/hats (religious/medical OK), no glare on glasses.

Local spots: CVS/Walgreens/UPS in Faribault (~10 miles), ~$15. Use travel.state.gov/photo validator tool.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Lonsdale

No Lonsdale site—nearest Rice County options 8-15 miles away. Demand peaks spring/summer; book 4-6 weeks ahead via iafdb.travel.state.gov or phone (expect 15-30 min appts, arrive organized). Verify hours/appointments there—no walk-ins.

  • Faribault Post Office (20 NW 4th Ave, Faribault, MN 55021; ~10 miles): (507) 334-6221.
  • Rice County Auditor-Treasurer (218 NW 3rd Ave, Faribault, MN 55021): DS-11 focus; (507) 332-6102.
  • Northfield Post Office (320 Water St S, Northfield, MN 55057; ~15 miles): (507) 645-6695.
  • Dundas Post Office (316 Chestnut St, Dundas, MN 55019; ~8 miles).

Urgent (<14 days): 1-877-487-2778 after booking.

Step-by-Step Application Process

DS-11 In-Person:

  1. Fill unsigned DS-11 at pptform.state.gov.
  2. Collect docs/photos/fees per checklist.
  3. Schedule facility appt.
  4. Arrive 15 min early with originals/copies (checks: execution to "Postmaster"/"Treasurer"; State Dept separate).
  5. Oath/sign with agent; get receipt.
  6. Track after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov.

Mail (DS-82/DS-5504): USPS Priority tracked.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail extra). Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks. Always check live status at travel.state.gov/processing-times—delays spike in MN peaks (spring/fall). <14 days? Regional agency (e.g., Chicago, 5+ hr drive; itinerary proof, call 1-877-487-2778). Life-or-death emergencies: <3 weeks with DS-5525. Apply 3 months early for safety.

Special Considerations for Minnesota Residents

  • Minors: Lonsdale exchange programs need 8+ weeks; both parents or DS-3053 mandatory.
  • MSP Hub: Airlines reject <6 months validity; seasonal queues worsen delays.
  • Vital Records: Expedite MN birth certs online; apostille via sos.mn.gov for foreign use.
  • Cards Handy: For quick Canada/Mexico border runs from rural MN.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day service? No local; distant agencies require proof.

Expedited details? +$60 for 2-3 weeks; track online.

Photo fix? Retake with validator tool; common rejects: size/glare.

Birth cert for DS-82? No; only DS-11.

Solo parent for child? DS-3053 notarized + ID copy.

Rice County role? DS-11 only; mail renewals.

Apostille? MN Sec. of State after vital records.

Avoid peaks? Book early; winter quieter for MSP prep.

Sources

[1] U.S. Passports & International Travel
[2] Passport Forms
[3] Lost or Stolen Passport
[4] MN Vital Records
[5] Passport Photo Requirements
[6] USPS Passport Services
[7] Rice County Auditor-Treasurer
[8] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[9] Check Passport Status
[10] Passport Processing Times
[11] MN Secretary of State Apostilles

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