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

Getting a Passport in Mound, MN

Mound residents in Hennepin County often need passports for quick trips across the border to Canada via I-94, flights from nearby MSP International Airport to Europe or Mexico, or family cruises from local ports. Peak seasons—spring break (Florida), summer (Alaska cruises), and holidays (Caribbean)—spike demand, especially with appointment backlogs at Hennepin facilities and photo issues from DIY attempts. Common hurdles include confusing DS-11 (new/in-person) with DS-82 (mail renewal), minor consent delays, and 6-8 week waits clashing with MSP's tight connections. This guide delivers Mound-tailored checklists, decision tables, local facility intel, and pitfalls avoidance, drawn from U.S. Department of State standards [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick the right path based on your passport history—most Mound repeat travelers qualify for simple mail-in renewals, bypassing crowded county centers 10-20 minutes away.

First-Time or Ineligible Applicants (DS-11)

Required if no prior passport, issued before age 16, expired over 15 years, damaged, lost, or stolen. Must apply in-person at an acceptance facility.

Quick decision tool:

• Old passport usable? → DS-82 (if within rules).
• Otherwise → DS-11.

Expect 30-60 minutes: docs review, oath, app sealing. Plan 10-13 weeks ahead for routine service; peaks (May-Aug, Dec) fill slots fast.

Mound tips: Order Hennepin birth certificates early [5] (5-10 business days, $20-30). Call facilities ASAP—walk-ins scarce.

Top pitfalls (40% rejections):

• Submitting copies, not originals.
• Off-spec photos (glare rejects 25% [7]).
• Signed DS-11 early (invalidates).

Renewals (DS-82)

Eligible if issued at 16+, less than 15 years ago, undamaged, and in your possession [3]. Mail it—no facility visit, perfect for Mound's business commuters.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

Report via DS-64 [4], then DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11. Theft? Add police report. Delays +1-2 weeks for verification.

Download forms [2]. Mismatch form = wasted fees/time.

Gather Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Assemble everything upfront to skip 40% of rejections. Hennepin locals: Vital records via [5] (certified copies only; online/mail, arrives 5-10 days).

Adults (16+):

1. Completed but unsigned DS-11 or filled DS-82 [2].
2. Proof of citizenship: Certified birth certificate [5], naturalization certificate, or old passport.
3. Photo ID: Current MN driver's license (REAL ID preferred [6]), passport, or military ID.
4. One 2x2 photo (<6 months old [7]).
5. Fees: $130 book + $35 execution fee [8] (cash/check for State; cards common for execution).
6. Surrender old passport (DS-82).

Minors Under 16 (DS-11 only):

1. DS-11 completed by parent/guardian.
2. Child's certified birth certificate [5].
3. Both parents'/guardians' IDs + citizenship proof.
4. Child's 2x2 photo.
5. Fees: $100 application + $35 execution [8].
6. DS-3053 (notarized consent) if one parent absent [2].
7. Court order for sole custody/divorce.

Pro tip: Get 2-3 extra birth certificates—families hit delays hard. Mail DS-82 in flat, trackable envelope to National Passport Center [3].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos fail 1 in 4 apps [7]. Specs:

• 2x2 inches; head 1-1⅜ inches tall.
• White/off-white background; neutral expression, eyes open.
• No glasses (unless medical), hats, uniforms, shadows, glare, or selfies.

Mound options: CVS/Walgreens ($12-15, quick). Some USPS/county sites offer onsite. View samples [7]; retakes waste appt slots.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Mound, MN

No dedicated facility in Mound—always verify Mound Post Office status via official locator [10] (services fluctuate). Use these verified nearby spots (10-30 min drive from Mound via Hwy 5/7) for DS-11. Confirm hours/appointments directly [9][10][11]; changes common.

Verified list (call/visit [10] for latest):

• Hennepin County Minnetonka Service Center (Ridgedale): 12601 Ridgedale Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55305. Phone. Appts required; photos available [11].
• Wayzata Post Office: 402 Rice St E, Wayzata, MN 55391. Phone. Appts preferred [9].
• Excelsior Post Office: 40 Water St, Excelsior, MN 55331. Phone. Appts needed [9].
• Hennepin County Brooklyn Park Service Center: 10160 6th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443. Phone. ~25-30 min [11].

At the facility: Arrive 15 min early with originals. Agent checks docs (10-20 min), administers oath, seals app, gives receipt/tracking number. No passports issued here—they forward to State Dept. Quieter: Early AM or midweek. Peaks: 45+ min waits. Renewals? Mail DS-82 only [3].

Use USPS locator [10] or [9] for updates.

Full Application Process: Step-by-Step

DS-11 (In-Person):

1. Complete checklists above; secure birth cert [5] (1-2 weeks lead).
2. Get compliant photo [7].
3. Book appt via facility phone/site (4-6 weeks early in peaks).
4. Arrive prepared: Originals only, unsigned DS-11.
5. Pay fees separately (app to State; execution to facility).
6. Interview: Verify ID/citizenship; parental presence for kids.
7. Get receipt; track online [12]. Routine: 6-8 weeks from receipt.

DS-82 (Mail): Assemble, mail flat—no steps 3-6.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail/electronic) [1]. MN peaks add 2-4 weeks.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60 fee at appt/mail) [13].
• Urgent (<14 days): Life/death only; Chicago Passport Agency [14] (~3 hours drive, $200+ exec fee).

Track weekly [12] (lags 7-14 days). MSP airlines may honor receipts 14 days out—confirm policy.

Special Considerations for Minors and Urgent Travel

Minors: 5-year passport; 50% rejections from consent issues. Both parents or notarized DS-3053 ($5-10 locally). Mound schools: Plan for group trips.

Urgent: Proof required [13]. Business/Asia travel? Private expediters (extra cost) + agency visit.

After You Apply

• Track status [12] (new app: 1-2 weeks for update).
• New passport ships Priority Mail (signature needed).
• Old one returns canceled.
• Lost in mail? Claim form [1].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Mound Post Office for DS-11? Verify via [10]—not confirmed; use nearby.

Renewal eligibility? Age 16+ issue, <15 years expired, undamaged [3].

Expedite in peaks? 2-3 weeks base, but surges hit 4+ [1].

Missing parent? DS-3053 notarized [2].

MN license OK? Yes, current/REAL ID [6].

Birth certificate? Hennepin certified via [5].

Same-day service? No locally—agencies only [13][14].

Photo fixes? Pro spots avoid glare ($15 retake) [7].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms
[3] U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[4] U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passport
[5] Minnesota Department of Health - Vital Records
[6] Minnesota DPS - REAL ID
[7] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photos
[8] U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees
[9] USPS Passport Services
[10] State Department Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[11] Hennepin County Passports
[12] State Department Online Passport Status
[13] State Department Urgent Travel
[14] State Department Passport Agencies