Montgomery, MN Passport Guide: First-Time, Renewals & Facilities

Guide to Getting a Passport in Montgomery, MN

Montgomery, a small city in Le Sueur County, Minnesota, sits about 45 miles southwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Residents here often travel internationally for business to Canada and Europe, family tourism during spring and summer peaks, or winter escapes to Mexico and the Caribbean. Minnesota's student exchange programs and study abroad opportunities add to passport demand, especially around academic breaks. Last-minute trips for family emergencies or urgent business can arise unexpectedly. However, high seasonal demand strains local facilities, leading to limited appointments—plan ahead to avoid delays.[1]

This guide covers everything from determining your service type to local application options, helping you navigate common pitfalls like photo rejections (often from shadows, glare, or wrong dimensions) and incomplete forms for minors. Always verify details on official sites, as requirements can update.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Choosing the right process saves time and avoids rejections. Here's how to decide:

First-Time Passport

If you've never had a U.S. passport—or if your previous one was issued before age 16, is damaged, lost, or expired more than 15 years ago—you must apply in person as a new applicant using Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility. This is a common requirement for Montgomery, MN residents, where facilities are typically available at local post offices, public libraries, or county clerk offices.

Practical steps and preparation:

• Use the State Department's online Passport Application Wizard (travel.state.gov) to confirm your status and start Form DS-11—print it unsigned, as you'll sign in front of the agent.
• Bring: original proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., certified birth certificate), valid photo ID, a passport photo (2x2 inches, taken within 6 months), and fees (check current amounts on travel.state.gov).
• Schedule an appointment if required, especially during peak seasons like summer.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Don't mail your application or use Form DS-82 (that's for renewals only).
• Avoid submitting photocopies of citizenship docs—originals or certified copies are mandatory.
• Don't use an expired ID over 10 years old or without a photo.

Decision guidance: If your prior passport was issued at 16+ and is undamaged/lost with proof, within 15 years of expiration, and physically present, you may qualify for renewal by mail (see Renewal section). Otherwise, treat it as first-time. Processing takes 6-8 weeks standard (or 2-3 weeks expedited); plan ahead for travel. [2]

Renewal

For Montgomery, MN residents, most adults (16+) with an expired passport issued within the last 15 years can renew conveniently by mail using Form DS-82—even if it's expired more than a year. Your old passport must be undamaged, unaltered, and in your possession (no photocopies). Mail renewals aren't available if you're adding passport pages, changing your name/gender without required legal documents (e.g., marriage certificate or court order), or renewing a child (under 16) passport.

Quick Eligibility Check

• Yes, mail renews if: Same name/gender as old passport; old passport issued when you were 16+; issued in last 15 years.
• No, go in-person if: Name/gender change needed, adding pages, lost/stolen/damaged old passport, or first-time/child renewal.
• Decision tip: Mail is ideal for Montgomery folks to skip 30-60+ minute drives to acceptance facilities—perfect if you plan 8+ weeks ahead. Go in-person for travel under 6 weeks.

What You'll Need for Mail Renewal

1. Completed Form DS-82 (download from travel.state.gov; don't sign until instructed).
2. 2x2-inch color photo (taken within 6 months; white background, no glasses/selfies—get at local pharmacies like CVS/Walgreens to avoid rejection).
3. Old passport.
4. Payment: $130 check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" (personal checks OK); optional $60 expedite fee for 2-3 weeks.
5. Mail in one envelope to the address on Form DS-82.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting blurry/poor photos (50%+ rejection rate—use passport photo services).
• Signing DS-82 early or using wrong form (must be DS-82 for mail).
• Including cash/credit cards (checks/money orders only).
• Forgetting to include old passport (automatic return).
• Mailing during peaks (late fall/winter holidays, spring break)—add 4+ weeks; track status at travel.state.gov.

Routine processing: 6-8 weeks (expedite: 2-3 weeks). Urgent? Add in-person at a nearby facility for same-day/will-call options, but book appointments early via travel.state.gov.[2]

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport

Step 1: Report it immediately. File Form DS-64 online (fastest and free at travel.state.gov) or by mail to invalidate it and prevent misuse. Common mistake: Skipping this delays replacement and risks identity theft—do it first, even before applying for a new one.

Step 2: Choose your replacement path based on your situation (decision guide):

• Lost, stolen, or major damage (e.g., pages torn/missing): Apply in person for a new passport using Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility. Bring original proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, one passport photo, and fees. Practical tip: Book appointments early via the State Department's locator tool; facilities in Minnesota often require them. Common mistake: Forgetting a second photo or expired ID—have backups ready.
• Minor damage and issued within the last year: Mail Form DS-5504 with your damaged passport, evidence photos of damage, one passport photo, and no fee (if under 1 year). Decision check: Only if no pages are missing and it wasn't lost/stolen—otherwise, use DS-11.
• Urgent travel within 14 days: Use DS-11 in person at a passport agency (life-or-death emergencies within 3 days qualify for faster service). Schedule via 1-877-487-2778. Tip for Minnesota residents: Plan travel time to an agency; standard processing takes 6-8 weeks.
• Abroad: Report via DS-64, then apply for a new one with DS-11 at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Common mistake: Assuming mail works overseas—always go in person.[2]

Additional Pages

You cannot add pages to an existing passport booklet—it's a common myth that you can mail it in or visit a post office for this. Instead, apply in person for a completely new passport if your current one is full or you're nearing the end of its validity (passports expire 10 years from issue for adults).

Practical steps and decision guidance:

• Use the State Department's online wizard first to confirm eligibility and requirements: travel.state.gov.[1]
• Common mistake: Assuming renewals allow page additions—renewals replace the entire book with a fresh 28-page (standard) or 52-page (large book) version.
• Choose a new passport now if travel is within 6 months, to avoid rush fees ($60+ extra) and delays; otherwise, wait but monitor page usage closely.

Where to Apply in the Montgomery Area

Montgomery does not have a passport acceptance facility, so use nearby options in Le Sueur County or adjacent areas like Scott or Rice Counties for faster access.

Practical steps and decision guidance:

• Search the official USPS passport facility locator (tools.usps.com) or State Department site for "passport acceptance facility" near your ZIP code—filter by availability and distance.
• Book appointments early via phone or online; slots fill fast during peaks (summer, holidays, spring break)—aim for 4-6 weeks ahead, and check daily for cancellations.
• Common mistakes: Driving without confirming hours/appointments (many close early or are Saturdays only), or overlooking county courthouses/libraries as alternatives to post offices.
• Prioritize facilities with walk-in options if urgent, but expect waits; for first-time applicants or name changes, only acceptance facilities work—consulates are for emergencies abroad only.[3]

Primary Local Facility: Le Sueur County Treasurer's Office

• Address: 218 N. Main Street, Le Center, MN 56057 (15 miles from Montgomery).
• Hours: Typically weekdays; call for passport-specific times.
• Phone: (507) 357-2251.
• Services: First-time, minors, replacements. Photos available on-site? Call to confirm—many county offices partner with pharmacies.
• Website: lesueurcounty.gov/156/Passport-Services.[4]

Nearby USPS Locations

USPS post offices handle most applications (except some executions-of-oath for minors under 16).

• Montgomery Post Office: 301 1st St N, Montgomery, MN 56069. Phone: (507) 364-7111. Confirm passport services—small offices may refer elsewhere.[5]
• Le Center Post Office: 506 N Cordova Ave, Le Center, MN 56057. Phone: (507) 357-2257.
• New Prague Post Office (10 miles north): 118 Central Ave N, New Prague, MN 56071. Phone: (952) 758-4081.

Find exact availability via the State Department's locator: iafdb.travel.state.gov. Larger cities like Mankato (30 miles) or St. Paul have more slots but longer drives.[1]

For urgent travel (within 14 days), life-or-death emergencies allow walk-ins at passport agencies—but Minnesota's nearest is in Chicago (no Minneapolis agency). Expedited service is separate.[6]

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Montgomery

Passport acceptance facilities are official sites authorized by the U.S. Department of State to process new passport applications and renewals for U.S. citizens. These locations verify your identity, witness your signature on the application, collect fees, and forward your sealed envelope to a regional passport agency for final processing. They do not issue passports on-site; instead, they handle the initial submission step. Common types of facilities include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, municipal government buildings, and some universities or courthouses. In and around Montgomery, such facilities are scattered across the city and nearby counties, offering convenient options for residents and visitors alike.

When visiting, expect to present a completed DS-11 form for first-time applicants (or DS-82 for renewals if eligible), two passport photos, original proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment for application and execution fees. Facilities may require appointments for faster service, though some accept walk-ins. Processing involves paperwork review, oath administration, and payment handling—plan for 15-45 minutes per visit, depending on volume. Expedited services might be available at select sites, but standard processing takes 6-8 weeks, or 2-3 weeks expedited. Always confirm eligibility and requirements via the official State Department website before heading out, as policies can evolve.

Surrounding areas like adjacent counties often host similar facilities, providing alternatives if central Montgomery options are crowded. Larger regional passport agencies, located hours away in major cities, handle urgent needs like lost passports during travel, but acceptance facilities suffice for routine applications.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

In the Montgomery, MN area, passport acceptance facilities often see spikes during Minnesota's peak travel periods like summer (June-August) for family vacations to lakes or national parks, fall for leaf-peeping trips, and holidays such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving/Christmas when international travel surges. Local factors like school breaks, farming harvest seasons (late summer to fall), and events such as the Minnesota State Fair can add unexpected crowds. Mondays and Tuesdays are typically busiest as locals kick off weekly errands, with mid-day rushes (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) from standard 9-5 schedules; avoid these if possible.

Practical tips to cut wait times:

• Book appointments online via the official passport site or facility tools—walk-ins are rare and often turned away in smaller rural spots.
• Target early mornings (8-9 a.m.), late afternoons (3-5 p.m.), or Fridays when crowds thin out.
• Skip weekends entirely, especially near holidays, as staffing is limited.
• Common mistake: Assuming all facilities offer same-day service—call ahead (use the map below for options) or check websites for hours, closures, and real-time wait info.
• Decision guidance: If traveling soon, prioritize weekdays and have backups (e.g., larger facilities 20-40 miles away); flexibility with dates avoids rescheduling fees.

Bringing prepped documents and two passport photos (2x2 inches, taken within 6 months at CVS/Walgreens) speeds things up. Track local weather too—MN winters can delay rural visits.

Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Incomplete applications get rejected 30-40% of the time in rural areas like Montgomery—often due to missing originals, ID mismatches, or minor consent issues. Gather and verify everything 1-2 weeks ahead. Use the official State Department site for forms/photos.

For NEW passports (DS-11 form, everyone in person):

• Completed DS-11 (unsigned until in front of agent—print single-sided, black ink).
• Proof of U.S. citizenship: Original birth certificate (or naturalization cert/passport)—common mistake: Photocopies or hospital souvenirs don't count; get certified copies from county vital records if lost.
• Photo ID: Valid driver's license, REAL ID (MN stars indicate compliant), military ID, or government ID—must match citizenship name exactly.
• Second ID: If first is weak, add Social Security card, credit card, or employee ID.
• One passport photo (2x2", white background, no selfies—mistake: Glasses/sunglasses/hats unless religious/medical).
• Fees: Check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of State" (personal checks often rejected locally).
• For minors under 16: Both parents' presence or notarized consent from absent parent (Form DS-3053)—critical mistake: One parent's signature alone fails 25% of kid apps.

For renewals (DS-82 form, if eligible—last passport <15 years old, issued at 16+, undamaged):

• Completed DS-82 (mail-in possible, but local for faster).
• Current passport (they keep it).
• Photo and fees as above.
• Decision guidance: Renew by mail if qualifying (cheaper, no wait)—use local only if adding pages or urgent; ineligible? Use DS-11 process.

Pro tip: Organize in clear plastic sleeves labeled by person; photocopy everything for records. If names changed (marriage/divorce), add legal proof. Questions? Review state.gov/passports before going.

General Checklist for Adults (First-Time/Replacement)

1. Form DS-11: Download, complete by hand (black ink, no staples). Do not sign until instructed.[2] travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/forms/ds11.html
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original + photocopy (front/back on standard paper).
   • U.S. birth certificate (raised seal, from vital records—not hospital short form).
   • Naturalization Certificate.
   • Previous passport (if applicable). Minnesota birth certificates: Order certified copies from MN Dept. of Health ($30 first copy).[7]
3. Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, military ID, etc. + photocopy. MN driver's license works.[2]
4. Passport Photo: One 2x2" color photo (details below).
5. Fees: Check, money order, or as specified (cash sometimes OK at counties).
6. Name Change Docs: If applicable (marriage cert, court order).

For Minors Under 16

Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent (Form DS-3053). Higher rejection rate here—double-check.[2]

1. DS-11 (unsigned).
2. Citizenship proof (child's birth cert).
3. Parental IDs + photocopies.
4. Photos.
5. Consent from absent parent (notarized within 90 days).

Photocopies: Letter-sized, single-sided.

Full forms: travel.state.gov/forms.[2]

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25% of rejections in busy areas like Minnesota.[8] Specs are strict:

• 2x2 inches, color, on photo paper.
• White/cream/off-white background.
• Head 1-1 3/8 inches (eyes 1 1/8-1 3/8 from bottom).
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No glasses (unless medical), hats (unless religious), uniforms.
• Recent (within 6 months), no shadows/glare/selfies.

Local options:

• Walmart/CVS in New Prague or Le Sueur (~$15).
• County office (if offered).
• Walgreens in Montgomery? Confirm via store locator.

Specs: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/photos/photo-composition.html.[8] Upload for validation: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/photos/photo-validation-tool.html.

Fees and Payment

Fees unchanged recently—verify.[9]

• Expedite: $60 extra.
• 1-2 day delivery: $21.36.

Pay State Dept. fees by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State." Facility fee separate (cash/check to county/USPS).[9]

Renewals by mail: Include old passport.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail) or 4-6 weeks from acceptance.[6]

• Expedited (extra $60): 2-3 weeks—select at acceptance or mail.
• Urgent (within 14 days): Not guaranteed; prove travel (itinerary, tickets). No walk-ins locally—call National Passport Info Center (1-877-487-2778).[6]
• Life-or-death: Within 3 days at agencies (Chicago).[6]

Warning: Peak seasons (spring/summer, Dec-Jan) add 2-4 weeks. No hard guarantees—track at passportstatus.state.gov.[6] Minnesota's business travelers and students face backups; apply 9+ weeks early.

Special Considerations for Minnesota Residents

Birth certificates: MN issues long-form from state vital records (not county for post-1900). Rush service available ($10).[7] Lost docs: Affidavits rare—replace via health.state.mn.us.

Full Application Checklist

Use this printable checklist:

• Completed DS-11 (unsigned).
• Citizenship proof + photocopy.
• ID proof + photocopy.
• Photo.
• Fees ready (two payments).
• Travel proof (if urgent).
• Parental consent (minors).
• Appointment booked.
• Arrive early, masks if required.

For renewals: DS-82, old passport, photo, fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Montgomery?
No local same-day service. Nearest agency is Chicago (5+ hours). Use expedited for 2-3 weeks.[6]

What's the difference between expedited and urgent travel service?
Expedited speeds routine processing (2-3 weeks, +$60). Urgent (within 14 days) requires proof and may need agency visit—no auto guarantee during peaks.[6]

My passport expired 16 years ago—can I renew by mail?
No, use DS-11 in person.[2]

Do both parents need to come for a child's passport?
Yes, or notarized DS-3053 from absent parent. Both must sign DS-11.[2]

Where do I get a birth certificate in Le Sueur County?
State level: MN Vital Records or expedited online. County for pre-1900.[7]

Can I track my application status?
Yes, online with details: passportstatus.state.gov. Allow 1-2 weeks post-submission.[6]

What if my photo is rejected?
Retake immediately—common issues: glare (MN winters' indoor lights), shadows from hats. Use validation tool.[8]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Apply for Your U.S. Passport In-Person
[3]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[4]Le Sueur County Passport Services
[5]USPS Passport Services
[6]Passport Processing Times
[7]MN Dept. of Health Vital Records
[8]Passport Photo Requirements
[9]Passport Fees