Getting a Passport in Maplewood, MN: Steps, Fees, Locations

Getting a Passport in Maplewood, MN

Maplewood residents in Ramsey County rely on passports for frequent flights from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to Europe, Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean. Local demand spikes during spring breaks, summer vacations, winter escapes, and study-abroad seasons for area college students—book appointments 4-8 weeks early to avoid sellouts. Pro tip: Mid-week mornings offer the best slots; for emergencies like overseas job moves, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

Avoid these traps: Last-minute rushes (routine processing: 6-8 weeks; expedited: 2-3 weeks), walk-in assumptions (appointments mandatory at most spots), photo rejects (2x2 inches, white/off-white background, no selfies), wrong forms (DS-82 only for eligible renewals), or minor app gaps (both parents needed or notarized consent—causes 30% rejections). Fees are non-refundable; use travel.state.gov's fee calculator and pay passport fees (check/money order) separately from execution fees.

This guide tailors steps for Maplewood: Assess urgency first, gather originals/photocopies, prioritize bookings. Verify all via official sites.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Use this table to match your scenario—wrong choice triggers rejections/delays.

Unsure? Run travel.state.gov's wizard. Decision tip: Eligible for DS-82? Mail it (certified). Otherwise, DS-11 in-person saves hassle later.

Renewals

Eligibility (all yes?): 16+ at issue, <15 years old, undamaged, your name/signature. Include: Old passport, 2x2 photo (pro-taken best), check to "U.S. Department of State," name docs. Mistakes: Wrong photo (glare/shadows), unsigned form, cash federal fee. Mail per instructions; track via USPS.

Other Cases

• Minors: Child + parents/IDs/consent present. Sole custody? Court order. No renewals by mail.
• Damaged/lost: Treat as new if ineligible for mail. Verify at travel.state.gov/forms.

Required Documents and Fees

Use travel.state.gov's checklist tool. Bring extras (photos/checks)—onsite incompletes waste slots.

Core items (adult renewal; adapt as needed):

• Unsigned DS-82/DS-11.
• Prior passport.
• Photo ID + photocopy (MN driver's license ideal).
• 2x2 photo (6 months fresh, neutral face).
• Citizenship proof.
• Minor extras: Parental consent.

Fees (current as of 2024; confirm at travel.state.gov/fees):

Separate payments; no cash for federal. Add $30 passport card for land/sea travel. Ramsey County births? Order certified from MN Dept. of Health (3-5 days expedited, ~$30).

Citizenship: MN birth cert (state-issued; county photocopies invalid) or naturalization original.

ID: Valid DL/state ID.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% apps fail here. Specs: 2x2 inches, color photo paper, head 1-1 3/8 inches, plain background, no glasses/headwear unless medical/religious (temples visible).

Local tips: Pharmacies/CVS/UPS handle Twin Cities lighting issues better than kiosks. Print 2-3; see examples at travel.state.gov/photos.

Where to Apply: Maplewood and Nearby

Limited local spots; high demand from Twin Cities travelers. Verify hours/services—call ahead, as they fluctuate.

Maplewood Area:

• Check USPS post offices via locator (ZIP 55109 filter).
• Nearby Ramsey County: St. Paul, Roseville options often listed.

Book appointments directly: USPS tool above or State Dept search. No walk-ins typically; expect 15-min visit: ID check, oath, fee collection—documents forwarded (no onsite passports).

Pro tips: Early weekday; bring folder. Private expeditors cost extra, no guarantees.

Mail DS-82 to form address.

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person (DS-11)

1. Fill DS-11 (unsigned).
2. Citizenship proof (MN vital records if needed).
3. ID + copy.
4. Compliant photos.
5. Fees prepped (two payments).
6. Book via USPS/State tools (4-8 weeks ahead).
7. Arrive early; sign on-site.
8. Track after 7-10 days: passportstatus.state.gov.
9. Receive in 6-8 weeks (routine).

Mail Renewal: DS-82 + items; certified mail.

Minors +: Parents/child present + consent.

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks. Track online. Urgent (<14 days): Itinerary + call for Chicago agency appt (no local same-day). Life/death? 1-877-487-2778.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Maplewood

• DS-82 for first-timers.
• Peak delays (book early).
• Photo glare (pro service).
• Minor consent gaps.
• Invalid MN birth certs.
• Fee/payee mix-ups. Start 10 weeks out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Renewal over 15 years? No—DS-11 in person.

Fast MN birth cert? MN Health Dept expedited or Ramsey walk-in.

Expedited vs urgent? Expedited anywhere; urgent agency-only emergencies.

Appointment needed locally? Yes—book online.

Child with one parent? No—consent form required.

Track app? passportstatus.state.gov (post-submission).

Lost abroad? U.S. embassy.

Passport card for cruises? Yes (land/sea only).

Sources

[1] travel.state.gov/passports
[2] travel.state.gov/how-apply
[3] travel.state.gov/lost-stolen
[4] travel.state.gov/under-16
[5] health.state.mn.us/vitalrecords
[6] usps.com/international/passports
[7] travel.state.gov/fees
[8] travel.state.gov/photos
[9] tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport
[10] iafdb.travel.state.gov
[11] passportstatus.state.gov
[12] travel.state.gov/get-fast